On a campus as small as Dartmouth, tragedies like the apparent suicide of Sarah Devens '96 can have a strong impact on the lives of many students.
"Anytime a person takes his life, it has an effect on the surrounding community and the people who know the person," Dean of the College Lee Pelton said. "But I think at a place like Dartmouth -- because it is relatively small and residential -- there is a kind of intimacy here."
There are seven counselors at Dick's House available to help students, according to Director of Counseling and Human Development Jeffrey Hersh.
Students can make appointments with counselors by calling Dick's House orSafety and Security after 4 p.m.
Hersh said students wishing to discuss their feelings about Devens' death should identify the reason for their visit when making an appointment to ensure they are seen quickly.
For students wishing to speak to a counselor in a group setting, Hersh said those students can arrange for a counselor to visit them at any campus location.
Hersh said some students feel a sense of guilt after a suicide. "Maybe they feel they could have done something or they should have," Hersh said.
Hersh said when such feelings arise, they need to be expressed though professional help is not always necessary.
Counseling services are also available through the Dean of the College's office and the Tucker Foundation.
