SVSU Employee Takes Own Life On Campus; Campus Closed for the Day
A Saginaw Valley State University employee has died by suicide following an hours-long negotiation since Thursday, November 12.
The school confirms the employee threatened self-harm Thursday night. The individual locked themselves in the Science West building. Police were alerted to the incident with University police contacting the individual just before 8:00 p.m. A perimeter was set up around the building. Students, faculty and staff were advised to stay away from the area while police were on the scene.
Despite the efforts of police to deescalate the situation, the employee took their own life around 6:30 a.m. Friday, November 13. No other person was injured. SVSU President Don Bachand expressed grief and sympathy to the person’s family.
University police were assisted by the Michigan State Police, Saginaw County Sheriff’s Department, Saginaw Police Department, Saginaw Township Police and Carrollton Township Police.
The campus is closed for the day; however, school officials say remote work and classes may continue. Students are asked to check with their supervisor or instructor. Marketplace at Doan and the C-Store will be open for campus dining. Additional information on campus operations will be released later in the day.
The school’s Student Counseling Center is staffed to provide counseling services to students. Visit svsu.edu/studentcounselingcenter for more information. Faculty, staff and students may also receive counseling through the SVSU Employee Assistance Program by calling (800) 854-1446 or visiting unum.com/lifebalance.
