Death of a Student
Middlebury President Laurie Patton and Vice President for Student Affairs Smita Ruzicka shared the following message with the campus community.
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
It is with great sorrow that we write to inform you that one of our students has died on campus in their room in Forest Hall. We are unable to release the student’s name until we get clearance from the Middlebury Police Department, who have been in touch with the student’s family. The medical examiner has not yet determined a cause of death. We will follow up with more information as soon as possible. We do not believe there is a threat to our campus community.
At a difficult time such as this, we want to acknowledge that members of our community may need different kinds of support. We know some people benefit from staying busy and keeping their routines while others benefit from reducing activities. According to best health and wellness practices, we will not be canceling classes.
For members of our community who would like other kinds of support or to be connected with others right now, we have a variety of resources:
For students:
- TimelyCare services for students are always available 24/7 at go/timelycare and on Canvas through the left menu navigation. For technical assistance with Timely Care services and the TimelyCare app please call the 24/7 customer assistance line at 833-484-6359, email help@timely.md, or use the live chat function at go/timelycare.
- College Counseling: 802-443-5141 or counseling@middlebury.edu.
- Scott Center Chaplains: 802-443-5626, scottcenterstaff@middlebury.edu, Chaplains on Call access information.
- Reserved space for community gathering in the Abernethy Room at Axinn Center is available today from 1-6 p.m., sponsored by the Scott Center and College Counseling.
- Care Management: middcares@middlebury.edu or go/care to request support or express concerns about another student.
- Department of Public Safety: for Wellness Checks and to activate emergency services. 802-443-5911 or publicsafety@middlebury.edu.
For employees:
- Scott Center Chaplains: 802-443-5626, or scottcenterstaff@middlebury.edu, Chaplains on Call access information.
- Employee and Family Assistance Program: 866-660-9533 (Company Code: Middlebury College), is available 24/7 for faculty and staff and their immediate family members, and those residing in their homes to speak to a counselor, among other services.
- Employees concerned about a student can submit a Care Report at go/care which will be assessed each business day by Care Management staff. Employees can also access 24/7 consultation through TimelyCare’s customer assistance line at 833-484-6359 by pressing 2 and identifying themselves as a Middlebury employee. TimelyCare clinicians can help identify next steps, make referrals to on-campus resources, and engage campus emergency protocols if needed.
In the coming days, we will share more information about plans to remember the student and other forms of support and community gathering. Please take the time you need on this difficult day.
In community,
Laurie L. Patton
President
Smita Ruzicka
Vice President for Student Affairs