UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In March, the Penn State community near the University Park campus was shaken by a tragic incident of an officer-involved fatal shooting of a black man under the jurisdiction of the State College Police Department. The victim, 29-year-old Osaze Osagie, was the son of a Penn State employee. The incident is currently under independent investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police.
The Penn State community continues to offer its heartfelt sympathy to the family and all those affected. While this incident happened beyond the borders of campus, Penn State leaders recognize it may continue to impact people in our campus community and beyond in stressful and potentially adverse ways.
For anyone in the University community — faculty, staff or students — who may be in need of assistance or support, Penn State offers the following resources:
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are available at all Penn State campuses (for students).
- The Penn State Crisis Line (1-877-229-6400) is a 24/7 toll-free service staffed by licensed professionals available to all Penn Staters.
- Community members can text the 24/7 Crisis Text Line by texting “LIONS” to 741741.
- The Penn State Employee Assistance Program, through HealthAdvocate, offers short-term counseling from licensed EAP professionals, by phone, email or in person to help employees better cope with personal, family and work issues. These sessions are completely confidential. You can call the toll-free number at 866-799-2728 anytime, seven days a week.
- When an extreme “Critical Incident” occurs that you feel requires immediate on-site assistance, supervisors should call the toll-free number directly; or, contact their HR Strategic Partner for assistance.
“It’s important for members of our community to have resources available and to be able to take advantage of those opportunities when they are in need and without delay,” said David Gray, senior vice president for Finance and Business. “Human Resources at Penn State is ready to assist members of our community in working through the current issue and future issues. I urge supervisors to allow and encourage staff members who wish to use the EAP or other resources to do so.”
Gray added that in addition to professional support, it is critical that every member of our community give support to those who are impacted, directly and indirectly. Penn State also has created, at the request of the Osagie family, a scholarship in their son’s name. For those who wish to contribute, visit raise.psu.edu/OsazeOsagieMemorialScholarship.