Beginning on Tuesday, April 17, the University received several bomb threats beginning with a note on April 17, followed by a bomb threat phone call on April 18 at 10 p.m., and another phone call on April 19 at 8:30 a.m.

The University Police Department along with Austin Police has conducted numerous searches of the campus and we are grateful to report that no explosive devices have been found.

The St. Edward’s University administration and the University Police Department would like to extend our sincere appreciation for the manner in which students, staff and faculty members have conducted themselves during this difficult situation. We realize that many of you have been inconvenienced and we appreciate your understanding that the safety of our campus community is paramount.

We will continue to take appropriate action to ensure the safety of our university community based on the nature of the threats.

The following information is provided as a resource for you:

Status of investigation
UPD, with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the Austin Police Department, is conducting a thorough investigation into the bomb threat and all possible suspects.

Security continues to be heightened
The university will have increased police presence supplemented by the Austin Police Department throughout the week.  Students in residence halls will experience tighter security. The entire university community is encouraged to be observant and vigilant in the upcoming days. It is important to report to the University Police Department any suspicious activity by individuals or items left unattended that seem out of place. Your cooperation could aid the investigation.

Reporting suspicious activity and security concerns
An anonymous tip submission form is available online at www.stedwards.edu/police/anonymous/index.html. UPD encourages phone calls to 448-8444 or the use of this anonymous form to report activity that seems out of the ordinary or that could pose a security risk.

Resources for students and employees: counseling, campus ministry, EAP
St. Edward’s University offers a variety of resources for those who need support with the emotional stress that situations like a bomb threat or the Virginia Tech shootings can sometimes cause.

The St. Edward’s University Counseling Center is open to students from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday. The Counseling Center is located on the ground floor of Moody Hall, Room 110. For an appointment call 448-8538. In light of recent events at St. Edward’s and at Virginia Tech, the Counseling and Consultation Center will also have a counselor in 138 Moody Hall all day, Thursday, April 19, for anyone wishing to stop by and share any thoughts or concerns that may be on their mind.

The Office of Campus Ministry is located in Mang House (next to the chapel) and campus ministers can be reached by calling 448-8499 or visiting Mang House. Members of the campus community may access the chapel by using their Hilltopper ID card between 7a.m.-10 p.m.

The Office of Human Resources would like to remind employees about the Employee Assistance Plan, available through Alliance Work Partners. If you, a member of your household, or a child away at school has been touched by any of these events and needs someone to talk to, the EAP is available. Call 1-800-343-3822 to schedule an appointment.

Academic Concerns
Because of the disruption during the night, faculty will be sensitive to residence hall students who have trouble meeting class deadlines.  Residential students should talk directly with faculty about their individual situations.