In the first few weeks of school, Ball State University students have more on their plate than just the basic classroom responsibilities.
Sexual assaults, suicide attempts and homesickness are at their peak during the first three weeks of school, Ellen Lucas, associate director and outreach consultation psychologist, said.
"During the first three weeks of school, we have the most sexual assaults," Lucas said. "School hasn't gotten into full swing yet, and many of the students, especially the freshman, are vulnerable."
The high suicide attempt numbers during the beginning of school are largely due to homesickness, she said, which is also at its highest.
The Counseling Center and Health Education provides students and faculty with outreach and special programs for these topics such as Career Exploration, Eating Disorders/Body Image and Relationships.
The programs are available all year long, and students just need to call and request a class.
"We are here to benefit the students and faculty. Our goal is to be preventive and make students more aware," Lucas said.
Freshman political science major Katie McNutt said she believes students can get a lot out of the programs.
"I think that the programs are good, especially because they help students meet other people going through the same things they are," she said. "Then they know that they're not alone."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
