RALEIGH, N.C. — N.C. State says that four students have died since the semester started, and two of those deaths are confirmed suicides. In response to those tragedies, the university canceled classes on Thursday and designated it as a Wellness Day.

Since the start of N.C. State’s semester, there have been four student deaths, including two confirmed suicides

N.C. State canceled classes on Thursday in order to offer students a Wellness Day with a schedule of activities and resources

Some N.C. State students have mixed feelings about how the university handled the recent student deaths

The university scheduled events on Thursday that involved getting active like yoga and a bike ride as well as opportunities for students to just relax. Several students said there are mixed feelings about how the university responded to the recent student deaths.

“I woke up and went to the gym, worked out, right now playing basketball. I have plans later today to go to lunch with friends and will probably have to do some homework a little later today too,” Anthony Peay, a senior at N.C. State, said.

The Wellness and Recreation Center was a busy place on Thursday after N.C. State canceled classes for the day.

“I’m doing nothing. I’m very much taking it as I’m not doing anything and focusing away from school. Kind of just getting back in a good mindset for myself,” freshman Olivia Smith said.“I’m doing nothing. I’m very much taking it as I’m not doing anything and focusing away from school. Kind of just getting back in a good mindset for myself,” freshman Olivia Smith said.

The Wellness Day was implemented after four students died this semester.

“Thankfully some professors have been very understanding, and they’re trying to understand, but they can’t seem to wrap their head around what’s going on right now and neither can the students,” junior Liz Siu said.

Some students say they have mixed feelings about the university scheduling a Wellness Day.

“I think it’s kind of good and bad in a way, because it’s like, ‘Oh we’re doing this because of all these sad tragedies,’ but it’s also good for just having a day of wellness,” Smith said.

However, some believe one day off isn’t enough.

“Personally for me, I was upset about it because I thought it was just a quick short-term solution that they thought would kind of settle the noise surrounding the bigger issue on campus. It was kind of like, 'Oh, people are really starting to talk about this, because it’s a big tragedy, multiple tragedies,'” junior Jenn Huynh said.

“I don’t think it’s enough. I think they’re just trying to compensate for what’s already happened. People have been asking for more than just wellness days,” Peay said.

In response to those concerns, N.C. State gave Spectrum News 1 the following statement: “We hear the concerns and we are working with students, faculty and staff leaders to address their needs. We recognize that one day off from class is not a complete solution and remain committed to doing all we can as a university to offer support, resources and help. Going forward, for example, we are exploring how best to proactively add wellness days to the academic calendar.”

Moving forward, some students are hoping the university prioritizes more consistent help for students like increasing accessibility to counseling.

“I just hope resources are better coming along, especially this is my junior year. I would hope to see senior year a little more happier and more things to look forward to,” Siu said.

Students also said that they’ve tried to get counseling appointments on campus, but in some cases had to wait weeks. Spectrum News 1 asked N.C. State about wait times, and it said, “There is high demand for counseling services, particularly for depression and anxiety. We have people on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help people who have mental health emergencies.”

The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 and can be accessed by calling or texting 988.