On Jan. 9, Fanshawe College sent official condolences following the loss of Nidhua Muktadir, a second-year student in the collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree program, whose body was found after a month-long search on Waneeta Beach in the Lake Erie village of Port Bruce. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) confirmed the identity and stated that foul play was not suspected.

Former coworkers at the Fanshawe residence she worked at described her as quiet and kind. However, they said they began to notice unusual behaviour in the weeks before her disappearance on Dec.4, 2024. Some former coworkers said they saw Muktadir coming and going with suitcases. When asked if she was moving, she explained she was “cleaning the dorm.”

A professor was the first to raise concerns about her absence after missing two weeks of classes, according to Muktadir’s former coworkers. Additionally, she missed a meeting and a turn as a resident advisor.

Following the news of her death, Muktadir’s family went to collect the few belongings left in her room. London Police have custody of Muktadir’s laptop and the note she wrote before she disappeared.

To address mental health concerns and provide student resources, the Director of Counselling and Accessibility Services at Fanshawe College, Nikki Ross, highlighted the college’s proactive measures to support students facing challenges.

“We work here to ensure students know about the different services available. So, counselling services here on campus are offered in person and remotely. We also have some evening services. We also work hard to help students connect to community support when needed,” Ross said.

Ross elaborated on how changes in behaviour, such as social withdrawal or shifts in emotional affect, can be early signs that a student might need support.

“In terms of considering when our friends, our classmates, our colleagues might need support, we’re usually looking for changes in behaviour or changes in how they’re maybe connecting with other people, changes in how they’re engaging with their studies, changes in maybe what you’re noticing about them, maybe emotionally,” Ross said.

Fanshawe’s services include workshops on stress management, mindfulness, and coping strategies for anxiety and depression. The college is also piloting single-session counselling to address students’ same-day needs. The program will be relaunched on Jan. 20 and offer support for urgent concerns.

Ross emphasized the importance of open conversations about mental health.

“I think the opportunity to continue having conversations as residence advisors is essential, too. So checking in with each other and as people have questions, being able to consult with each other,” she said.

Fanshawe also collaborates with organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to enhance resources, including 24/7 helplines such as Good2Talk and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Reflecting on the death of Muktadir, Ross shared how the community’s response highlights the importance of vigilance.

“We may not see those signs or cues until later, but when it comes to roommates, classmates, or people we see regularly being aware of, again, even sometimes the minor differences. So, if someone used to connect with you regularly, either via text or email or chat or whatever, and you’re suddenly noticing that’s not happening as much,” Ross said.

Students needing assistance can contact Counselling and Accessibility Services by calling during daytime hours, emailing counselling@fanshawe.ca, or visiting the office in Room F2010. For immediate help outside of campus services, resources like Good2Talk (1-866-925-5454) and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available.