Get Involved

Clemson University has developed our Suicide Prevention Advocate Training based on Campus Connect, an experiential training that enhances advocates' knowledge, awareness, and skills concerning college student suicide. Emphasis is placed on developing empathic listening skills, communication skills and the ability to compassionately and directly ask students about suicidal thoughts. Through increased awareness of their own emotional reactions, advocates are able to more effectively respond to students’ emotional needs and increase the likelihood of a meaningful connection with appropriate professional resources. Suicide Prevention Advocate Training includes:

• Review of college student suicide statistics and facts

• Discussion of suicide myths and warning signs

• Instruction on how to ask students if they are thinking about suicide and how to refer students to mental health professionals

• Review of effective communication and relationship-building skills

• Discussion of typical emotional reactions experienced both by students in crisis and responding gatekeepers

• Participation in experiential exercises and a guided group role play

Workshops typically last one hour. Please request a workshop at least one week in advance of your preferred date.

Mental Health of America Greenville County (MHAGC)

The agency’s largest volunteer program involves serving on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Volunteers for the Lifeline receive 65+ hours of classroom and live training including intensive active listening and crisis intervention training. Volunteers gain skills that are useful both in professional fields and everyday life, greatly expanding their knowledge about mental and behavioral health, resources across the state and country, and the agency’s programs. Training can be in-person or remote. If you would like to share the compassion of the Clemson family with others, please volunteer today. Contact volunteer@mhagc.org or call 864-467-3347 x2209 for more information.

Crisis Text Line (CTL)

This nationwide, free, 24/7 textline is for people in crisis. Volunteers use a web-based platform to provide emotional support to texters who are dealing with a wide range of issues– bullying, self harm, suicidal thoughts, and more. By becoming a CTL crisis counselor, you’ll join a national community of passionate impact makers, and have one of the most meaningful experiences possible.

Both Active Minds and Psychology Club on campus organize mental health awareness events.

Browse Student Organizations at Clemson

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The Out of the Darkness Walk is an annual event sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to help engage communities in the fight to prevent suicide. Through the annual Out of the Darkness Walk, AFSP raises funds to continue providing research grants and aid programs on suicide prevention efforts in schools and communities. Please reach out to Delana Reynolds if you have any questions about the annual Out of the Darkness Walk.