A Nottingham Trent University student took his life after he was told by email that he had failed his second year.
Alex James Hayter, 21, a BSc Computer Science student, failed to complete a number of academic modules and was required to resit them in 2021, which he found out in an email that was sent by NTU on September 14, 2020.
With no previous mental health problems, Alex was struggling to cope with his assignments after moving home to Abbots Ann, Andover, because of the pandemic, Winchester Coroner’s Court heard on June 1.
After agreeing to complete five assessments and one exam in order to not repeat his second year, the student refrained from contacting the University.
The young man then went missing and was found dead on September 21, in Abbotts Ann, Hampshire.
Alex’s dad, Andrew Hayter, questioned NTU’s failure to contact his son’s next-of-kin after the boy suddenly ceased contact with the university during the inquest.
He then added that NTU should get in touch with a student’s emergency contact as a “duty of care” by pleading for an opt-in suicide prevention system to be implemented, similar to the one used at the University of Bristol.
The system would allow students to accept or refuse the university to contact a parent or trusted adult in the event of serious concerns about the student’s wellbeing.
Coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp ruled Alex’s death as hanging and called the workload set by NTU understandable but “unrealistic”.
They said: “I am satisfied that Alex did take his own life and intended to do so. I certainly think the problems he had at university would have been a factor.
“I do feel it would be helpful to ask students for permission to contact next-of-kin for lack of engagement.”
Professor Mary O’Neill, Executive Dean of the School of Science and Technology, expressed her condolences during the inquest.
She said: “The whole team wants to learn. We understand how traumatic this is for you all.
“We want to learn the lessons and improve. I give you my heartfelt condolences, I myself have two sons so I can understand how heartbreaking this is.”
Professor O’Neill also confirmed that NTU’s policy has changed since Alex’s death and students failing their modules will now be contacted personally, rather than via email.
If you are experiencing mental health concerns, you can call the Nottinghamshire Mental Health Helpline on 0300 555 0730 or get in touch with Wellness in Mind Nottingham at 0800 561 0073.
Lead image: Platform Magazine