On December 12, during the fall 2016 final exam period, it was reported that a student attempted suicide in Integrity Hall, according to a Tarleton State University Police Report.

At the beginning of the fall semester, Texas put the SB 1624 law into place, which requires all incoming first year students to any public two or four year institutions in Texas, to view a video and receive education on suicide prevention and intervention.

The State of Texas however has not released any information on the effectiveness of the law.

According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, between 2004-09 college and university students had about half the rate (7 percent) of suicides per 100,000 people compared to a matched sample in the general population (12 percent).

“However, one suicide on a college campus is too many,” Dr. Brenda Faulkner, Director of Student Counseling, said.

According to Faulkner, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center does not have a database that compiles suicide deaths, but it does have an extensive list of risk factors.

“People who are affected by one or more risk factors may have a greater probability of suicidal behavior. Some risk factors cannot be changed, but they can be used to help identify someone who may be vulnerable to suicide,” Faulkner said.

There are multiple risk factors that can fall into any of the three following categories; Behavioral Health Issues/ Disorders, Individual Characteristics or Adverse/Stressful Life Circumstances.

Any individual can have a risk factor within the given categories, however no two are the same due to environmental and personal factors.

Tarleton students can get help at the counseling center, which is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Students can also call 254-968-9044, which is available 24/7, to talk to a licensed mental health provider.