Andrew Williamson-Noble, a 20-year-old junior at New York University College of Arts and Science decided to take his life by jumping to his death from the Bobst Library in Washington Square Park.

The student jumped from the 10th floor and landed in the lobby of the library. He used his student ID card to gain access to the library where police found him unconscious and unresponsive on November 3rd, 2009. He was taken to Saint Vincent’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Friends and professors described Williamson-Noble as a talented, happy and cheerful student.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention says suicide is the second-leading cause of death among college students with only accidents and homicides claiming more lives between the ages of 15 and 24. NYU has been singled out for its high number of suicides in the past few years. At least a half dozen suicides were reported on NYU campuses since 2003. This doesn’t mean that suicide attempts are not happening at other city colleges or institutions. The Jed Foundation, a New York City-based college suicide-prevention program, estimates that one in ten college students has considered taking his or her own life.

Preventative measures such as counseling services are offered to students by colleges. The New York State Office of Mental Health finds that the stigma that frequently surrounds mental illness affects the likelihood of students seeking professional help. Instead they try to hide their symptoms and avoid getting treatment out of fear of embarrassment.

“Suicide among people of college age is a national problem, a leading cause of death among the young; each year, campuses across the country must cope with these tragedies and their aftermath –the pain, the heartbreak, the upset it causes to those who are vulnerable, and all the terrible, persistent questions.” wrote University President John Sexton in an e-mail to the NYU community.

Federal disability laws protect people with mental illness and colleges can find themselves in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act by proceeding with school policies on preventative action against potential suicidal students that is not in accordance with the Act; such was the case with Hunter College.

A suit filed in federal court on behalf of a Hunter College student resulted in a $65,000 settlement. The suit centered on Hunter’s treatment of students with mental health issues. The student was evicted from their dorm because the student violated one of the colleges housing policies. The policy states that a student who attempts suicide or in any way attempts to harm themselves will be asked to take a leave of absence for at least one semester from the residence hall and prior to returning will be evaluated by either the school psychologist or designated counselor. Following the suit, the college’s “suicide policy” went into review in order to be less penalizing towards students who attempt suicide.

The U.S. Department of Education has warned at least a handful of schools that they might be in violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act, which also protects people with mental illness, add in privacy rights that limit when mental health professionals can notify parents about red flags. Many in academic circles often feel that their hands are tied beyond simply urging struggling students to visit campus-counseling centers.

LaGCC’s policy on suicidal students states that a student who threatens or attempts to commit suicide and does not present a direct harm to others or significantly disrupts the learning / working environment of others shall not be subject to disciplinary action. If it is determined that removal or retention is necessary due to a student’s behavioral threats to hurt themselves or others, they may apply for re-entry through the college’s Chief Student Affairs Officer, who shall determine based on assessments of a qualified mental health professional that the student does not possess a significant risk.

Each time a student takes his or her own life questions arise about whether colleges, parents and society place too much pressure on young adults. Some theorize this can lead to desperation. Drinking, anxiety, loneliness, and depression cause most college student suicides according to The Jed Foundation.

To prevent such tragedies, colleges are now urging many students to visit campus-counseling centers or seek professional help. It is important for students to know that mental illnesses can be successfully treated and it’s really up to the individual to seek counseling or visit a professional person in order to take a step in the right direction and be aware that help can be provided.

LaGCC’s Counseling Department, located in C-239, offers a variety of services designed to enhance students’ academic, career, and personal development.