University Condolences and Grief Supports

To the campus community,

It is with great sadness that I share with you the news of the passing of one of our students, Manuel Palliyil Tony. At times like this, community is important, and I want you to know that you are not alone in this loss. This is a time of great sorrow for the entire University community. As we grieve together, please know that there are a variety of services and resources available to students, faculty and staff.

For faculty and staff:

Grief counsellors will be on campus tomorrow, October 1, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Student Learning Commons Boardroom. This is a drop-in service, and no appointment is necessary. If you are feeling the effects of grief or think that you may in the coming days, I strongly encourage you to speak to a counsellor. This is a free, quality service provided by Morneau Shepell for your benefit.

You can also access the Employee Family Assistance Program (EAFP) online at www.workhealthlife.com, by calling 1-800-387-4765 or by downloading the My EAP app directly to your smartphone.

The Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre will also have extended hours tomorrow for those who may wish to see a doctor. To make an appointment, please call (902) 563-1359.

You may also want to read the Students in Distress Guide to assist you in identifying students who may need assistance, and providing guidance on how to respond.

For students:

Cape Breton University has set up a grief comfort centre in the CBU Students’ Union building, which will stay open for the remainder of the week. For students who would like to see a counsellor, they may visit the centre, call (902) 563-1192 or (902) 563-1639 or emailcounselling@cbu.ca to book an appointment.

Counsellors will be available tomorrow, October 1, for group debrief sessions at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in the Students’ Union Building. They will also be available throughout the day for individual sessions.

Additional resources are also available online at:

7 Cups – www.7cups.com– which is a free peer support service for students

Good2Talk – 1-888-292-3698 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week service for students

Nova Scotia Mental Health Crisis Line – 1-888-429-8167 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week service.

 

Plans for a memorial service are currently being worked out, and the community will be notified soon.

While we respect the family’s privacy at this time, we ask that you keep our student’s family, friends and colleagues in mind in your communications and social media interactions.

Please join me in extending sincere condolences to the family and friends of Manuel.

Your very truly,

David C. Dingwall

President & Vice-Chancellor