LETTERS REGARDING STUDENT DEATH AND OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES

October 28, 2009

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Earlier today your students received the following information about additional efforts to support John Carroll students during this difficult time on campus.

Please encourage you students to take advantage of the services and programs listed in the letter.

In times of tragedy and sorrow, it is essential for the entire JCU community to work together to continue the healing process.  In addition to services regularly provided to students, we have partnered with professionals in the community to increase the ways we can assist our students.  You are encouraged to take advantage of the following opportunities:

• Beginning Thursday, October 29 and for the next several weeks the Counseling Center will remain open until 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday.  Additional counselors have been appointed to assist during these extended hours.

• For students who are looking to speak to a counselor about their concerns and the feelings they are experiencing following the deaths on campus, Drop-In Support will be provided in the O’Dea Room in the Student Center on Thursday, October 29 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. as well as Friday, October 30 from Noon-1:30 p.m. and 5:00-6:30 p.m.

• On Sunday evening there will be a session called Hope in a Time of Grief at 8:30 p.m. in the O’Dea Room in the Student Center.  This will be facilitated by Fr. Don Cozzens.

• On Halloween night stop by the Student Center for the Up All Night program in the Atrium from Midnight to 3:00 a.m.  Staff will be available to chat and coffee and snacks will be provided. 

If at any time you are concerned about your well-being or that of a friend, please seek help from the resources we have on campus. Counseling Center staff can be reached at any hour by contacting Campus Safety Services at (216) 397-1234. Additional resources about mental health and the grieving process can be found at http://www.jcu.edu/campuslife/wellness/student/index.htm.

Please take special care of yourselves and each other during the Halloween weekend.

May the members of the JCU community continue to find comfort through their faith and prayers.

 October 26, 2009

Dear parents and/or guardians,

It is with great sadness that we inform you that Cody Gullette, a John Carroll University sophomore, died unexpectedly on campus on Sunday, October 25.  Cody’s death was not H1N1 flu-related, nor is there any suspicion of foul play, so there are no known associated risks to the campus community.    Cody was remembered at both the 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. masses on Sunday and students held a candlelight vigil on the Quad last evening.  This afternoon the campus community came together for a healing service in St. Francis Chapel.  Information about funeral arrangements will be communicated to the students and the rest of the JCU community as soon as it becomes available. 

We invite you today to partner with us as we support our students through this difficult time.  We strongly encourage you to talk to your student about this most recent event to see how it is affecting them.  If at any time you are concerned about your student’s well-being, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at (216) 397-3010 or me at (216) 397-4213.  Staff members from the University Counseling Center, Campus Ministry, and Residence Life will continue to be present in the residence halls and in other campus locations this week to provide support to all students.  Additionally, counselors are available and on call anytime by contacting Campus Safety Services at (216) 397-1234.  Please check the website, www.jcu.edu/parents, periodically for updated information about the funeral arrangements, spiritual and support programs and campus resources available to assist you and your student.

Please join us in extending our thoughts and prayers to Cody’s family and friends.  May the members of the JCU community find comfort through their faith and prayers.

Sincerely,

Mark McCarthy, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs