A Call For Reform: Kept or Swept?

Written by: Sammie Deiorio

October 7, 2023

Recent times have cast a shadow over James Madison University (JMU) as tragic incidents, including multiple suicides and a local campus shooting, have spurred a collective demand for reform in counseling and mental health services. As the student body grapples with these challenges, there's a growing call for more comprehensive support and resources.

Photo by Cambria Lee via The Breeze - breezejmu.org

On January 31st, 2022, a JMU student died by suicide at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum. The subsequent day, a tragic incident unfolded on Bridgewater College's campus, located approximately eight miles from JMU, where a gunman opened fire, resulting in the deaths of two campus police officers. On Monday, February 7th, merely six days later, observers recounted witnessing an individual jump from the summit of the Grace Street Parking Deck, resulting in their death. JMU's crime log labels the incident as "suicide - non affiliate of university" as the person was not a JMU student. Then, April 25th, the JMU softball community lost their own, Lauren Bernett, to suicide. Bernett was the third suicide on campus in 2022.

Criticism has been directed at the university's response to these tragedies, leaving us students feeling unsupported and unheard. Delays in acknowledging incidents have fueled frustration among students navigating a complex emotional landscape. Many students criticized the university for not publicly addressing these events, describing it as an attempt to "sweep it under the rug".

Image by Randi B. Hagi via WMRA - wmra.org

JMU's administration cites challenges in communication and the delicate balance of addressing sensitive issues. At a press conference in May 2022 following the death of JMU softball player Lauren Bernett, the Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne and Vice President for Student Affairs Tim Miller talked about Bernett and the university's decision to cancel the remainder of the softball season.

At this conference, Miller responded to questions about the universities efforts to adhere to the students outcry for more resources, "We actually created a group in the fall to look at suicide on campus, because we had noticed the increase of concerns across the country, but also on our campus." Miller said students can expect an increase in resources on campus including telehealth options, additional training for faculty and staff and the addition of three counselors and a new staff member in the Dean of Students' office.

The Student Government Association (SGA) Bill of Opinion underscores the rising demand for mental health resources at the Counseling Center. The data reveals a 192% increase in clients from 2000-2019, while staff increased by only 77%, emphasizing a significant gap. JMU's administration acknowledges the need for more mental health resources but faces challenges due to the scale of the student body.

---

The Student Movement

On February 7th around 8 p.m., just over 4 hours following the Grace Street Parking Deck suicide, students gathered outside of Wilson Hall on the Quad for a candlelight vigil.

In the attached image, you will find both my roommate and myself in attendance at the aforementioned event. Over 20 people spoke to the crowd sharing stories', struggles and support. All speakers were brought together with one central message: I'm here for you. Some students also expressed their anger towards JMU's lack of support and proposed a call to action.

As students, we have been pushing for more concrete resources and solutions while criticizing the university's reliance on events such as pizza lunches and video games, arguing that they fall short of addressing the gravity of mental health challenges. The JMU student government actively calls for increased funding for mental health resources and a shift toward a more inclusive campus. The emphasis is on creating an environment that not only recognizes but proactively supports the mental health of every student.

The Counseling Center at JMU is viewed by students as insufficient, with a shortage of resources and a perception that it primarily serves as a crisis center. The short-term counseling model, coupled with a need for more individualized attention, leaves many feeling underserved. While group counseling is offered as an alternative, some students express discomfort with opening up to strangers in such settings. The financial burden of seeking off-campus therapy, even with insurance, proves a significant barrier for many. As an out of state student myself, this is a stress that I have had to deal with personally as I cannot obtain proper coverage in Virginia.

As JMU grapples with the multifaceted challenges of mental health, there is a clear call for reform and increased prioritization. The university's administration is urged to not only acknowledge but actively address the needs of its students. The collective voice of the student body emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive and inclusive approach to mental health on campus.

---

Did JMU Answer the Call For Change?

After these incidents, thee university began exploring a telehealth system in collaboration with other institutions to address the increased demand for mental health services. Since then, JMU has partnered with TimelyCare, which is a virtual mental health and well being service, offered to JMU students for free. Students do not need to insurance and do not need to visit the JMU Counseling Center to access TimelyCare services.

TimelyCare Services

TalkNow: 24/7 on-demand access to a mental health professional. Scheduled Counselling: Students can have up to 12 scheduled telehealth visits annually with a licensed mental health provider. Psychiatry Referral: Scheduled appointments are available through referral. Referral options can be discussed at the university Counseling or Health center. Health Coaching: Students can schedule virtual appointments with a certified health coach to discuss any aspects of their wellbeing. Peer Community: Within the TimelyCare app, students have access to anonymous, peer-to-peer support. It offers students a platform to engage with peers from across the nation encountering comparable difficulties. Self Care Journeys & Content: Check out TimelyCare's "Explore" page for self-care content like yoga and meditation, and join group discussions with our providers on various health topics.

Another noteworthy addition is the Kognito program, which provides interactive simulations to support student mental health, wellness, and sexual misconduct prevention. JED CAMPUS, a collaboration with external mental health contractors, is set to develop a comprehensive plan for on-campus health and well-being over the next four years. The contractors will gather data through student surveys and interviews to assess the current state of mental health at JMU.

To enhance physical safety and support, the university has implemented measures such as adding barriers at the top of parking decks along with visible "signs of support." Changes in the academic calendar, like a three-day Fall Break from Oct. 12-14, provide students with more consistent and extended breaks.

In terms of staff training, all Office of Residence Life staff now undergo safeTALK training, an in-person suicide prevention course partenered with The CSPC of Virginia. This training equips Resident Assistants (RAs) with the skills to reach out to individuals contemplating suicide, overcome barriers, and facilitate open conversations.

JMU has also expanded its staffing, particularly in the Counseling Center and the Dean of Students' office. The Counseling Center has welcomed additional crisis counselors and generalists capable of individual and group therapy. The Dean of Students' office now includes a new coordinator position, held by Matthew Hunsberger, overseeing a student services branch on East Campus.

The university's commitment to improving mental health services is further evident in a philanthropic gift of $200,000, partly used to fund initiatives like TimelyCare and Kognito. Additionally, the Counseling Center budget has seen a significant increase from $2,780,046 in 2021-22 to $3,750,871 in 2022-23, marking a 34.92% boost in financial resources allocated to mental health services.

As the university continues to make strides, the question remains: Has JMU successfully answered the call for change?