Editor's Note: Vice President José-Luis Riera shared this message with University students on September 24, 2024. 

Dear UD students,

On behalf of the UD community, I express my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of a University of Delaware student who has died. The student, whose name is being withheld at this time out of respect for their privacy, lived in George Read Residence Hall. As UD Police continue to investigate, it is important to know that there is no threat to public safety related to this death.

Since last evening, when UD Police learned of the student’s death, the Division of Student Life and I have been working closely with President Assanis to ensure everyone in our community feels supported. This includes providing counseling and other support services to students who live in George Read. Additional resources and counseling opportunities are available today for those students, as well as the broader UD community. (More information about those resources is available at the bottom of this email.)

This has been a difficult start to the fall semester at UD, with the deaths of an undergraduate student in a traffic accident in August and a doctoral student to terminal illness earlier this month. If you need help or just want someone to talk to — regarding this incident or any other concerns — the University has many resources available for you. These services are accessible at all times for UD students, faculty and staff.

We are a caring community here at UD, and it is at times like this that we must continue to support one another and reach out for help whenever we or others need it. 

Sincerely,

José-Luis Riera

Vice President for Student Life

Support and resources:

• Center for Counseling and Student Development

  • Drop-in hours for students offered weekdays from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

  • Mental Health Activity Nights: Monday through Thursday from 5:30–6:30 p.m. https://events.udel.edu/event/mental-health-activity-nights

  • Provides individual and group counseling for UD students. New clients should visit Warner Hall between 9 a.m.–4 p.m. weekdays; returning clients can call 302-831-2141 to schedule an appointment.

• TimelyCare — A virtual health and wellbeing platform available 24/7 for UD students

• Student Advocacy and Support — Available to assist students who need support navigating University resources or complex issues. Call 302-831-8939 or email studentsupport@udel.edu to schedule an appointment.

  • ComPsych® GuidanceResources® — Mental health support for UD benefited employees. Access services through the link or call 877-527-4742 for support.

• Additional safety and wellness resources — Information about UD Police, Student Health Services and other services.

• Information about the UD Alert, the LiveSafe app and safety notification communication.