SAN ANTONIO — The University of Texas at San Antonio canceled classes Friday for a “Day of Reflection” after a doctoral student was found dead Wednesday, “likely by suicide,” university officials said. 

What You Need To Know

  • UTSA leadership announced the death of the student in a message to the university community on Thursday along with plans for free support programs on campus instead of classes on Friday

  • The doctoral student was found dead Wednesday morning in a campus parking garage

  • Along with canceling classes, UTSA offered many wellness programs on campus Friday for students 

  • The university also said it was dedicated to improving its well-being efforts and campaigns in the future

UTSA leadership announced the death of the student in a message to the university community on Thursday along with plans for free support programs on campus instead of classes on Friday. The doctoral student was found dead Wednesday morning in a campus parking garage. 

“We’ve heard you, and we are committed to taking swifter, stronger actions to address these needs. Tomorrow, to support you and our entire campus community, we are canceling all classes to share a Day of Reflection for us to pause, reflect and care for one another,” the message said. “We encourage you to come to campus, lean into resources and participate in free support programming throughout the day.”

Here are the programs that will be offered on Friday:

  • Counseling sessions will be available for all students at Wellness 360 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
  • A suicide prevention bystander intervention training will be offered in-person from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Wellbeing Meeting Room and virtually from 3 to 4 p.m.
  • Therapy animals will be at Campus Recreation from 9 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Mental health screening resources with peer and professional support will be offered from noon to 2 p.m. in the Student Union NEST space. 
  • A mindful coloring program will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Downtown Student Success Center.
  • Graduate students can join peers in a reflection space from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Biotechnology, Sciences and Engineering Building.
  • Finally, UTSA will still host two athletic events that will be free for students, a baseball game at 3 p.m. and a volleyball game at 6 p.m.

Beyond Friday, the university said it was committed to improving its well-being efforts and will be expanding its wellness campaign, which will include student listening sessions, daily mental health support resources in Sombrilla and enhanced student programming. 

“We mean it when we say—if you are struggling, reach out. If you’re hurting, we want to hear from you. If you have an idea to help us improve our work in this space, please share it,” the message to students said. “Let’s continue to listen, lend a hand when needed, and tackle well-being head-on for the growth, wellness and care of our entire UTSA family.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with ideations of suicide, you are encouraged to call 988 or head to the National Crisis Lifeline.

Texas Health and Human Services provides various resources for those struggling.