Editor’s note: The following message was sent to UTSA students, faculty and staff by UTSA Police Chief Stephanie Schoenborn and Senior Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Dr. LT Robinson.
Dear Roadrunners,
Many of you are probably aware of the term “swatting,” which refers to criminal harassment that deceives emergency responders into responding to false reports of potential violence. Swatting has become a nationwide problem, particularly at colleges and universities over the past several weeks.
Last night, UTSA was the target of two swatting incidents. In the first, a caller reported a potential incident at the Main Building. The second call indicated there was a threat in campus housing.
As UTSA Police responded to these locations, two emergency alerts were made to the campus community. Upon investigation, both incidents were determined to be unfounded and all-clear alerts were sent.
In incidents of potential threat against the campus, the UTSA Police Department will issue emergency alerts quickly out of an abundance of caution. Your safety is our first priority, and minutes count.
In an actual incident, the alerts are our fastest way of notifying you, and alerts will be followed by information updates shared to our @utsa social media channels and on UTSA Today, when further information is available.
We are thankful there were no actual threats and that our campus remained safe. As we do in all significant situations, we will evaluate our response and assess opportunities to further improve how we communicate in a timely manner.
If you have not already signed up to receive emergency text alert messages, we encourage you to add or update your mobile phone number through your myUTSA Account.
Likewise, parents, friends or family members can sign up to receive guest notifications through the UTSA Alerts emergency notification system by texting UTSAGuest to 59713.
We also highly encourage all UTSA students, faculty and staff to download UTSA’s mobile safety app SafeZone, which provides 24/7 instant access to emergency dispatchers and delivers timely emergency notifications.
We understand that last night’s incidents can be upsetting, particularly those of you who are living on a college campus for the first time. Mental health and well-being services are available for all students, faculty and staff.
Students are encouraged to utilize Wellness 360 Counseling Services or the Crisis Help Line for mental health support and well-being resources. The Timely Care app offers additional on-demand support for students. Wellness 360 Counseling Services offers drop-in counseling for UTSA students Monday-Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Recreation Wellness Center (RWC) 1.810.
UTSA employees have free and confidential access to the Employee Assistance Program, including a Helpline, on-campus counseling, as well as additional support services.
Our first priority remains your safety and well-being. We hope you have a successful semester and look forward to seeing you on campus.
