Student Death on Campus
The following message was sent to the Middlebury College campus community on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
We write this morning for the second time this fall with the sad news that a student has died on campus. We believe that they died overnight, outside of Gifford Hall. Middlebury Police are on campus working with Public Safety to investigate and at this time we are unable to share the student’s name. We will be in contact with the student’s family to offer support, and we will update the community as soon as we know more. There is no reason to believe there is a threat to the campus community.
We acknowledge the difficulty of this news at a time when our community has experienced the loss of another student earlier this semester and as we also navigate profound world events.
Please be aware that unrelated to this investigation, State Police are on campus today as part of a planned training exercise at the natatorium.
Following community and public health best practices, we plan to continue scheduled campus activities so that our community can remain connected. Maintaining routine and structure has been shown to provide the best support and flexibility for community members at a time like this. While some find following a routine helpful, others may need to step away from their daily obligations. We ask that faculty and staff offer the maximum flexibility possible to students who may be affected in different ways.
We have reserved a space for community gathering in the Abernethy Room at Axinn Center today from 1–6 p.m.
We know you’re aware of these resources, but we want to remind you now of what is available:
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.
- 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.
We will share more information about plans to remember the student in the coming days. Today and in the days ahead, please take the time to take care of yourselves and connect with others as you feel is best for you.
In community and in sorrow,
Laurie L. Patton
President
Smita Ruzicka
Vice President for Student Affairs