The University of Glasgow is facing serious allegations after a 22-year-old student took his own life on what should have been one of his proudest days - his graduation ceremony.
A Tragic Turn of Events
Ben Wills, a promising history student, was found dead in his student accommodation on the morning of July 4th, mere hours before he was due to cross the stage and receive his degree. The tragedy has sparked a formal complaint from his grieving parents, who allege the university failed their son during his final months of study.
Pattern of Missed Opportunities
According to documents seen by investigators, Mr Wills had repeatedly sought help from university support services in the months leading up to his death. His parents claim he made at least five separate attempts to access mental health support through the university's wellbeing services.
Critical failures identified include:
- Multiple cancelled counselling appointments
- Delayed responses to urgent welfare emails
- Inadequate follow-up after missed sessions
- Failure to implement a coordinated support plan
University Response Under Fire
In a statement, the University of Glasgow expressed "deep sorrow" over Mr Wills' death but declined to comment on specific allegations, citing ongoing investigations. However, internal communications suggest staff were aware of the student's deteriorating mental health weeks before the tragedy.
Broader Implications for Student Welfare
This case has reignited concerns about mental health support provision across UK universities. Student unions and mental health charities are calling for urgent reforms to ensure vulnerable students receive timely and effective support.
The Wills family has joined campaigns demanding better funding for university mental health services and clearer accountability measures when support systems fail.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about whether this tragedy could have been prevented with more robust intervention from the institution tasked with Ben Wills' care and education.
