November 9, 2019
Dear USC Community,
We are writing tonight because we have had a number of student deaths over the past several weeks. These student losses are devastating and heartbreaking for all of us. People are searching for answers and information as we attempt to make sense of these terrible losses.
There is a great deal of speculation about the causes of these deaths and most are being attributed to suicide. This is not correct. These tragic losses have resulted from a number of different causes. In some cases the cause of death is still undetermined, and in others the loved ones do not want details disclosed.
Nothing is more important than your wellbeing and we urge anyone who needs assistance tonight or this weekend to reach out to our counselors, public safety officers or staff. If you are in need of immediate help, please let us know by calling our 24/7 number at 213-740-WELL (213-740-9355).
For those who are concerned about the wellbeing of others, please let us know through Trojans Care for Trojans so we may reach out directly with support and intervention.
For students seeking academic support, please reach out to your academic advisors and individual faculty members to discuss specific concerns and options.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of those we have lost. We will continue to work tirelessly to address these losses and do all that we can to improve wellness for our students and our entire community.
Sincerely,
Carol Folt
President
Winston B. Crisp
Vice President for Student Affairs
Varun Soni
Vice Provost for Campus Wellness & Crisis Intervention
Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life
Sarah Van Orman
Assoc. Vice Provost for Student Health
Chief Health Officer, USC Student Health