What took the administration so long to post security guards at these locations? Why not construct some fences as well? And why pressure the students so much? The other Ivies help their students succeed, while Cornell, especially in Engineering, intentionaly seeks to "weed out" a high proportion of students.

The focus on academic stress as a cause of suicide is a superficial treatment of complex and profound mental health issues. As President Skorton explained in his email yesterday evening, academics are only one of many sources of of student stress, not only at Cornell but at all institutions of higher learning. This is not the time to raise a discussion of educational philosophy.

Cornell creates a high stress and antagonistic environment specially in the classes that are graded on curves. Why not make fair exams that eliminate the necessity of curves and gives everyone the chance to earn the grade they work fOr instead of being concerned of doing better than others to obtain a decent grade

We're here for you. There are lots of resources available to you students at this time to help you cope with the stresses that swirl about you -- studies, finances, relationships, time management, etc. There are people that know you well that care about you very deeply. I want to assure you that there are even some people who don't know you personally who still care for you deeply. We want to help.

Why has it taken such a tragic loss of life for Cornell to post guards at this location? A guard tower should be permanently erected here with continued video feed of the area. Suicide can be an impulsive act which could be prevented by these actions. I am very concerned about the lack of response on the part of the university. Perhaps we could use the Cornell Parent Fund towards the funding of a guard here, permanently and not just through the weekend.

One of the first student slogans I heard about Cornell: "CORNELL, WHERE YOUR BEST HASN'T BEEN GOOD ENOUGH SINCE 1865." I found it an alarming and sad commentary.

You'd be surprised, but there are suicides at other Ivy league schools as well (recently at Harvard and Penn, and a suspected one at Yale); I think the gorges are what seem to add drama to Cornell's. Nevertheless, three in one month is definitely cause for concern. However, they might be spurring each other (I remember three or so deaths happening at NYU in close succession a few years ago).

I don't think that posting security guards 24/7 or constructing some fences would stop a student from ending their own life if they choose to do so. The bridges are not the root of the problem and we are all creative enough here to find ways around such security measures. Although I do think students are under a lot of pressure here to succeed, I think it is unjust to place all blame on the academic rigor of the school. Cornell does try very hard to help students succeed, there are plenty of academic resources that exist for the sole purpose to help students who are struggling in classes. In addition, I don't think it would be wise to assume that these deaths are all rooted in the students inability to cope with academic failure and treating it as such does not help solve the problem. These students are clearly going through emotional struggles that are much deeper than a failed exam and it is important for the Cornell community to constantly remind us that there are services on this campus that are here for our emotional battles as well. Most of the time services such as Gannett, EARS and other counseling services are mentioned once at the beginning of the year and that's it. A university "check-in" throughout the year may be helpful to remind us that there are people out there who want to help whether it be academic or emotional.

I'm a little concerned about all the speculating parents are doing and the blame being placed on academics and gorges.

To address the gorges first, I sincerely doubt permanent security guards are a necessity. These are special circumstances and I feel like their presence is more about the general student body than potential jumpers. Having the security guard there at this time eases ones' mind a little because everyone's a little anxious that they'll be there to witness the "next one" on their way home. That said, I honestly find the guards depressing reminders of the week's events and I will be happy when they leave. By that token, there are fences, but how many of you have actually been in Ithaca for an extended period of time? There are many gorges, many paths along them, many that aren't really even marked. You can't patrol them all. Also, many suicide attempts at other times (and at other schools - it's not just at Cornell) are done in other ways, so permanent guards should not be installed. I have many fond memories of hiking around the gorges and I find them beautiful. I would never want them completely blocked off and I'm sure many other students feel the same.

As for academics - yes, classes can be stressful, but as one person above me noted, that's probably too simplistic a cause. I feel like I need to stand up for the engineering department after the first commenter. The engineering professors have never been anything but helpful and understanding. Us students are always willing to help one another as well. Yes, it's challenging, but the challenge is a great motivator. If you stick with it, it can be extremely rewarding. Engineering classes have to have some degree of competition because many kids will be entering into a competitive job market right after graduation and want to be able to demonstrate their abilities to a potential employer. People who realize they don't want to be an engineer have hundreds of other majors to choose from and no one will look down on them for switching. I decided a long time ago that I'd rather be a mediocre engineer than stellar in some other major, but it's not necessarily for everyone.

As a recent graduate who suffered from depression my Freshman year, including a failed suicide attempt-- not on the Cornell grounds, I feel that yes, there are certainly problems with the school's educational philosophy and with the way that mental health is dealt with. However, Cornell is not unique. Because of the gorges, and the highly visible, dramatic, and permanent nature of these suicides, the issue SEEMS more prevalent at Cornell than at other schools.

I have quite a bit to say on this subject, but for brevity's sake I want to stress how important it is for every student to have a personal support system. For many of us, it is parental pressure at the heart of our stress. Yes, the rigors of a Cornell education exacerbate everything, but for all of the concerned parents commenting on this article, you do not know how important it is to CALL YOUR CHILD OFTEN AND LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU ARE PROUD OF THEM WHATEVER THEIR GRADES/ GRADUATION DATE/ MAJOR ETC. ARE. It is your job to help them put things into perspective when they start to lose sight of what is really important-- their happiness.

A guard or guard tower at each bridge is unrealistic. If someone is trying to kill themselves, they will do it whatever way they can. Yes, the pressures are high at Cornell, maybe from the parents but not from the University. The University offers students the ability to switch majors and schools if they so choose. In addition, there are resources on campus for students to discuss academic or personal concerns.

From student academic groups to social groups, there are hundreds of people that are there to listen. All you have to do is ASK.

I'm so sorry to hear that 35 years after my graduation, this issue still appears to have not been addressed. It's almost as if the University powers-that-be take some kind of perverse pride in the stressful atmosphere to which students are chronically subjected to at Cornell. I had predominantly wonderful, kind, humane, approachable professors as a student there. However, this did not totally negate the cutthroat dog-eat-dog atmosphere created in some courses (see other comment regarding grading on the curve)that was known to lead to students sabotaging each others' work, not helping one another, finding it "unfair" to give some students a second chance to show mastery and earn a better grade, etc. I still remember Dean Alfred Kahn at my freshmen orientation, doing that B.S. routine of, "look to the student at your right; look to the student at your left; one of you will not graduate." And he did NOT talk at all about what options there were to help you if you felt you were struggling academically and/or psychologically with these pressures. Cornell is an Ivy League school. It should have confidence in its admission procedures that it is recruiting and matriculating competent students. Rather than "academic" or "mental health" Darwinism of survival of the fittest, with tragic consequences, it is time to examine how to create and support a positive learning community for such talented persons. It was time 35 years ago, and perhaps in 1865.....but we can't go back. We CAN go forward.

Of course having guards at the bridge would not stop someone who was determined from committing suicide. Guards could very well deter someone who has an impulsive inclination though, especially someone who is drug/alcohol impaired. The issue of why these suicides have occurred is not simple, many factors are involved. However, I would ask that the university take a hard look about the message it sends to the students about their independence. I was insulted by Presidents Skorton's remarks at orientation this past fall when he said "how many of you can't wait to see the tail lights of your parent's car as they leave this weekend?" I know that this was meant as a joke but my daughter was not feeling so gleeful at that moment. This "let your kids go" was really the theme of the orientation weekend. It's really a balance at this point of letting your child have the space and distance they need to develop into independent adults while maintaining a connection and support base from home. I would encourage President Skorton and the rest of the Cornell faculty to drop this "parents are unnecessary and cumbersome rhetoric and realize family support is vital. Cornell may be many things but it cannot replace a nurturing family system.

Cornell has great engineering minds. Why put a net under the bridge. I am sure it will save lives.

In issues such as this, there will always be different views that place blame on one side versus the other. Well, chalk one to those that say Cornell is at fault. Before anything, however, my sincere condolences to the families impacted by these tragedies. With that said, my experience during my time in Cornell has been awful. Why? Well, here's my list of reasons:

1) Student advisors: I'm not sure how incoming freshman are advised today but four years ago, biological sciences majors (arguably one of the most difficult at Cornell) were provided a "student advisor". From my experience, these individuals were nothing less than uncaring students themselves whose dual major is in buffing up their resume. My experience with the major (based on this SA's suggestions) was so bad, I promptly changed it.

2) Cornell's faculty: I don't know where to start. Between non-native English speakers to professors who are forced to teach undergraduate courses with a graduate level mentality, every student feels like they're playing a game of Russian roulette on the first day of stepping into a classroom. My experience with these professors, as you can imagine, was daunting. One semester, during finals week, an immediate family member was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer and overnight had to have surgery. I promptly dropped my study materials, emailed my professor to explain, and on the way home checking my email, I received a blunt "unfortunately, you'll have to miss it as the makeup was already administered". WTF?

3) Ganette (mental and physical health services): For the sake of those who had positive experiences there, I won't even touch this one. Otherwise, I would say fire everyone and hire real doctor's. Our $50,000/year tuition can sure as hell cover it. Cornell’s lucky I didn’t sue for malpractice with these cereal box therapists.

4) RA's: I don't know about everyone else. But my RA was literally coked out of her mind half the time in her room. I can't count how many times I had to check up on HER because I was so worried.

5) Curriculum: Granted Cornell's prestige is probably the driving force behind the insane curriculum. However, the higher ups like Skorton should realize that adapting to the times even applies to academics. I don't propose a complete overhaul, mind you, rather a more 21st century friendly approach that is mandated on all professors (tenured or otherwise). One suicide should be more than enough to reevaluate things on the university level. Furthermore, college, especially Cornell, despite what may others would argue, is not a level playing field. More multi-faceted help should be provided.

All in all, I'm sick of getting Skorton's BS sympathy letters. The problem is this school. Guard stations and random "fun" events is not going to solve the ongoing pressures Cornell puts on its students. Quite honestly, had I picked up more on the atmosphere early on, I would've transferred in a heartbeat. In closing, sympathies for the families. However, Cornell seriously has to reconsider its future. My kids sure as hell won't be coming here if the future is as bleak as the present.

I agree that the professors need to emphasize comprehension in lieu of competition, but grading on a curve has nothing to do with stress levels at Cornell or any other university. In many subjects you need test comprehension and application. Many schools only test comprehension but it is useless unless students learn to apply what they have learned; application is especially important in engineering. The objective of a test is to quantify the students comprehension and application skills and to establish levels. Therefore, the test are specifically designed to challenge the student and verify the maximum levels; To do this each test should include all the basics as well as challenging the students with progressively more difficult problems. Tests that just quantify the basics where everyone gets A's and B's does not provide enough information to evaluate the course, the professor or its students capabilities. The easiest way to challenge the students is to make the tests difficult but then grade on a curve. At least this way we know the maximum capabilities of the students and justly separate extraordinary students from average and below average students. The only issue I have as a parent is communication of subject matter is of the most importance and therefore if professors are not able to communicate in English the school must provide English speaking lectures to assist these professors. Also, all tests must be returned to the students to use as study guides for midterms and finals. This is the most important tool in a students evaluation of their capabilities. This probably means the professors have to make up new tests every term, but what is most important how much the students learn or how little work the professors do? These are my thoughts and concerns as a parent of a student who is currently struggling as a freshman at Cornell.

In reference to where the Cornell Sun staff said "Some people, trying to provide disheartened students with a little cheer, posted notes on bridge railings that said “Smile :)”". Can someone please tell me for certain if these smiley faces were posted or painted on the bridges AFTER the police were done with the crime scene?

Thanks.

Thank you, Anonymous '09, for reminding parents that our expectations can be the source of pressure and angst for our students, and that so much more is at stake for them than straight A's. We need to remind our students regularly that we love them just as they are and expect them to do the best they can -- no more than that. Each of them deserves to feel proud to be at Cornell and happy for the opportunities this great university provides, not stressed out about trying to be tops among a pool of high achievers. In college, as in life, the object should be enjoying the journey and the learning. This attitude is hard to hold on to in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of prelims, so keep reminding them!

My heart goes out to the families who have experienced such great loss.

In reference to the line in this article that states "Some people, trying to provide disheartened students with a little cheer, posted notes on bridge railings that said “Smile :)”" Can someone please tell me more about the "smiley faces" that were posted on or near the bridges? Were they painted on, posted on a sign, etc.? Does anyone have pictures of them that they could post?

Thanks.

I just wanted to address the claim that many are making regarding site-specific suicide, and that one who is hindered from jumping off the Thurston Ave. Bridge for example will simply find another way to end his or her life -- this is simply not so. Many locations are known to be magnets for potential suicide victims. Research indicates that perhaps as many as 94% of individuals whose suicide attempts off of a specific site were blocked off ultimately did NOT end their lives. Cities such as San Francisco and Seattle have already commenced plans to place barriers from jumping off the Golden Gate and Aurora Bridges, respectively. Taking the impulsive nature of suicide into account, the administration not doing anything to impede students from jumping off the gorges would be ill advised.

I've been there, the whole stress and all nighters and all. And after some bombed prelim, I bet everyone at some point had some dark and twisted thoughts while walking on the bridge. But here I am. While apparently my undergrad GPA of 3.1 is not deemed "great" to some people on phd committee (although one can easily tell from my transcript that an AVERAGE is not a correct representation of my ability) and I'm still job hunting, no I don't wish to end my life.

Why?

For one, I lost a friend from high school to suicide, and I regret even now that I did not keep in touch with her. And I've seen the effects of suicide on people who loves him/her, and it's so sad. It's the sadness that can be avoided. So, let's avoid that. Who wants to sadden our loved ones?

Also, I believe that no matter how crappy your situation is, it's not always gonna go downhill. When you hit the bottom, you will come up, because that's the only way to go. So, when you're having a crappy day, week, month, or even a year, just never lose hope that tomorrow can be a good day. And you can even make it a good day. All you gotta do is find some small thing that would make you happy. It's hard, but 10 small happiness can be one huge happiness that can make you go on with your life. Believe me, life is good when you're alive.

Life is not fair, but it's good. The fact that life is good matters a lot more than the fact that life is unfair. If one is alive, he or she has the opportunity to overcome whatever unfairness he or she has encountered.

I was in a lot of medical trouble a few years ago. I could have opted out getting the medical procedures and family help that saved my life. There were financial reasons why my death would have benefited my family, but there also were things I still wanted to do for my family and myself, so I opted to live.

A friend of mine contemplated suicide because she was under investigation for a crime she didn't commit. I told her if she died, her accusers would win. If she lived and accusers won, she would still have opportunity to fight back and win. She's still alive.

So Cornellians, if you are contemplating suicide, don't do it. If you are alive, you always have the chance to overcome whatever adversity you have encountered. And don't forget: There is life after Cornell.

Being in a position that has contact with students and their parents and being a parent myself puts a different perspective on the situation for me. I have contact with many parents who "push" for their child to be the best and will not accept anything less. I realize that these parents may want their children to succeed and know it is a competitive world out there. As a parent I never associated my children's "self worth" with their academics. I am not judging anyone else and their parenting skills. I have talked to students over the years that felt alienated from their parents because their best was never good enough, or it was perceived that way through "conversations" from the students point of view. Many conversations led to "my parents were always busy or they gave me whatever I wanted (financially or material items) but they just don't have time to listen when I have tried to talk to them. Talking with my children, who are in college, they have said how surprising how many of their friends have depression problems and feel alone. Between the pressure of performing academically and pressure to do well in school, they feel over-whelmed.

Please if you are a parent call your child, no matter what their age or your differences and tell them that you love them no matter what and that you are proud of them even if they may not have a 4.0. If you are their friend or acquaintance, please, please if you have any "feelings or doubt" in your mind that someone is overwhelmed - reach out and let other people know, be it friends, advisers, counselors - even if you have to give an anonymous tip to a suicide hotline. It is so much better to have

a false alarm that to regret not having done something until it is too late...

A very sad commentary - the loss of three young people in less than a month. The Cornell teaching staff needs to learn very quickly that the only reason they are employed is because of the student body and that their focus should be to help students to succeed. How often do guidance counselors meet with students who seem to be struggling? Do they proactively reach out or wait until it's too late?

I agree with "another student" -- there may be more at work here than academic stress. A month ago there was an article about hazing and how the stress of rush week can contribute to emotional problems. I wonder what other aspects of campus life may be the cause of the recent suicides?

My son is a freshman at Cornell. As a premed, he is taking introductory biology and chemistry. It was a great shock when I heard about the median grades of those courses. What can my son do when he knows the average GPA of successful applicants to medical schools is at least 3.5 (correct me if I am wrong) and the median grades of BIOG 1101 and 1102 are just B-, or 2.7? Academic stress is so severe.

Do not blame the rigor of Cornell for this set of tragedies. It's simply ridiculous to imply at a time like this that Cornell, "unlike the other Ivies", encourages antagonistic behavior and does not care whether its student body succeeds. This is a gross oversimplification of the issues surrounding suicide, and quite frankly fuels an unfair inquisition of the Cornell administration. This is an Ivy League institution. Classes are hard, and kids need to work hard for whatever they get here. Those facts do not umambiguously lead to the events of the past week.

I can personally attest to the intense level of stress that pervades the campus. There were many, many times at Cornell when I felt lonely, depressed, and like there was no end in sight to all the work and stress. But what you need to keep telling yourself is that there IS an end in sight -- the exam will be over, the semester will end soon, you will graduate soon. And if you really don't want to deal with it, then you have an out -- transfer to another college, take a semester off, even take a day off from classes. Isn't that a better alternative to suicide? Your life will go on even if you don't do so well on an exam, even if you go to a different college, or even if you miss classes for one day. In the grand scheme of things, who cares? Your life is more important than Cornell. Ithaca is an unforgiving, dark, depressing place most of the time, and those who are not resilient can really suffer. And seeking out friendship and companionship may not be the easiest to do on the Hill. But there are plenty of people who feel the same way; the trick is finding a way to seek them out. Look for them in the dining halls, at religious services, in class. Good luck to all Cornell students -- please remember there have been thousands of us who lived in the same residence halls and attended classes in the same buildings, many of whom felt the same as you do now. You are not alone.

I don’t think that students should be “treated like royalty” as one poster quoted a Yale professor. On the other hand, for Cornell engineering profs to grind students relentlessly (if they do this) just because they had to endure the same when they were undergrads is not right. That is the same excuse frat boys give for hazing each year. There has to be a middle ground between coddling and grinding, and maybe it’s closer to the grinding end of the spectrum, but professors must have some compassion. And to those who say the bridges are not the problem, I say you are wrong. The bridges are a convenient place to make a quick and terrible decision. If Cornell had guns on each dorm floor with instructions to use only in case of suicide, you would say the guns are the problem.

I find it quite interesting that the tragic events of this semester have also led to insightful discussion of the academic pressure, which many current and former students feel is taken to an intolerable level. Addressing this issue as well as trying to reach out to students who are suicidal, should be a top priority for the University. For a comprehensive historical perspective on the gorges, their victims, and parental and University response to these events, please read the following which was published today: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rob-fishman/the-gorges-of-cornell-uni_b_49...