Student Knowledge and Stigma of Suicide at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Across the nation, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center estimates that each year, 1,100 college students die by suicide. In an attempt to begin addressing incidents of suicide and treatment of students at risk of suicide on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus, a concept map was completed to analyze resources and services available to students and staff. Furthermore, after gaining IRB approval, a social work student and faculty member of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater have been assessing the knowledge, stigma, and exposure of the campus’ students regarding suicide. This was accomplished by administering the Suicide Prevention Exposure Awareness and Knowledge Survey (SPEAKS) developed by ORC Macro International Incorporated for the Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention Program, which is a tool that has successfully been used on multiple college campuses across the nation. The survey was sent to just over 5,000 students through e-mail and by random selection. Following data collection and analysis of SPEAKS, a plan for educating staff members and the student body will be developed. The results will be shared to determine what the university is effectively doing to provide awareness of suicide and mental health issues and suggestions for improving support for students and staff on campus. In addition, the UW-Whitewater findings will be used to recommend best practices other campuses can follow