News Summary
Michigan State University has laid off Dr. Swapna Hingwe, director of Counseling and Psychiatric Services, along with other psychiatric staff members as part of budget cuts aimed at financial sustainability. An online petition has gathered nearly a thousand signatures calling for the reinstatement of Dr. Hingwe, with concerns raised about the impact on student mental health care. Although some CAPS services will be reduced, university officials assure that psychiatric care will continue. This decision has sparked outrage within the community as MSU navigates significant changes in its mental health support system.
East Lansing, Michigan – Michigan State University (MSU) recently laid off its director of Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), Dr. Swapna Hingwe, along with several other psychiatric staff members. These layoffs are part of a wider effort by the university to implement budget reductions aimed at achieving financial stability amidst rising costs.
An online petition launched on August 1 has amassed nearly a thousand signatures from students and community members advocating for the reinstatement of Dr. Hingwe and the CAPS staff. The petition argues that the decision to terminate Dr. Hingwe was abrupt and emphasizes concerns over the potential adverse effects on student mental health care, which is critical as the university shifts its mental health services.
University spokesperson Amber McCann has confirmed that while some CAPS services will be reduced due to these layoffs, psychiatric care will continue under the provisions of MSU Health Care. Moreover, CAPS is expected to maintain counseling services despite the staffing reductions. However, the exact financial savings anticipated as a result of these cuts have not been disclosed to the public.
The layoffs occurred following directives from the university administration, which has outlined budget cuts of 9% across various departments in a quest for financial sustainability. Each department was tasked with submitting proposals for budget reductions, ultimately leading to the decision to cut staff within CAPS. The university’s budget for 2025 indicated that approximately $4.5 million was allocated for mental health and trauma services, mostly directed towards employee salaries and benefits.
Dr. Hingwe was notably the first woman of color to lead CAPS and was recognized for her dedication to providing student-centered mental health care. Her dismissal took place unexpectedly in a private meeting, where she was immediately asked to return her keys, further fueling community outrage and concern over the handling of the situation.
As MSU navigates these changes, questions about the continuity and quality of mental health services on campus persist. The new psychiatric care provider is expected to assume responsibilities previously managed by CAPS, but many stakeholders are worried about how this transition may affect students seeking mental health support.
In response to heightened awareness about mental health, the East Lansing Police Department has also taken proactive steps to enhance the mental well-being of its officers and their families. This includes the launch of the Cordico app, which provides various resources for mental and physical health, and the introduction of a therapy dog named Silas to promote office morale. These initiatives reflect a broader recognition of the psychological challenges faced by law enforcement professionals and their families.
In an unrelated incident, a man was arrested in East Lansing for making a false bomb threat in a Meijer parking lot. The individual claimed to have witnessed an assault on a child, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. While no bomb was found, fireworks were discovered in the suspect’s vehicle. He is currently undergoing a mental health evaluation and could face additional charges as a result of this incident.
As MSU and the East Lansing community confront these developments, the focus on mental health and support systems remains a critical and evolving discussion.
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Additional Resources
- WILX: You’re Not Alone – Police Departments’ Renewed Focus on Mental Health Wellness
- Wikipedia: Mental Health
- Police1: Michigan PD Adds Wellness App & Therapy Dog
- Google Search: Mental Health Support
- Lansing State Journal: East Lansing Police False Bomb Threat
- Google Scholar: Student Mental Health
- Fox17: MSU Honors Victims on Mass Shooting Anniversary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health
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