Student Life Office

CONTENT WARNING: This email contains discussion of sensitive subjects regarding the death of a student. Please wait to read this email until you are in a safe space emotionally to do so.

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Dear Reed Community,

I write to inform you that the college learned Tuesday afternoon of the passing of one of our students, Arav Hanspal, while he was traveling for Fall Break. Arav was a second-year student majoring in psychology. The Student Life team will be providing support to Arav’s immediate friend group and will be providing support to other community members impacted by his death. We have contacted Arav’s family and have expressed our deepest condolences to them for their terrible loss.

For all of us on campus, we urge you to recognize that grief manifests in different ways. Let us give each other grace during this difficult time. Anyone in need of support should reach out to those around them and to college resources for assistance. The Reed Health and Counseling Center is open to students, and the Canopy Employee Assistance Program provides counseling for staff and faculty.

As the Reed community grieves, we want to make sure you are aware of the various resources available to help students, staff, and faculty.

• Reed students can call the Reed Counseling Line at 866-432-1224. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

• Reed students also can access services through HCC's partnership with Uwill for mental health and wellness solutions.

• Reed students can schedule a counseling session with a clinician through the HCC by contacting the HCC at 503-777-7281. HCC counselors are also available for same-day urgent or emergent mental health needs. 

• We also have drop-in hours at the HCC from 2-4 pm daily this week and next week M- F.

• The Portland-based Dougy Center provides help for individuals aged 18 to 25 who are grieving a death. The center is located at 3909 SE 52nd Ave; the center’s telephone number is 503-775-5683.

• Faculty and staff may access grief counseling services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through the college’s employee assistance plan (EAP). Call Canopy EAP at 800-433-2320. You may speak with the trained counselor who answers your call or set up an appointment to meet with a counselor in person.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Arav’s family, friends, and all community members.

Sincerely,

Karnell McConnell-Black, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Life