University Police responded to a bomb threat directed at Ruffner Hall yesterday at 11:38 a.m.
University Police Cpt. Michael Coleman said police were notified of the threat when the perpetrator called the police station announcing that a bomb would be set off at Ruffner Hall. Though the source of the threat currently is unknown, that information cannot be disclosed, Coleman said.
"The building was evacuated and blocked off," Coleman said. "Bomb dogs and the state police have searched the building and the building is now clear and open."
The inspection of the building was completed at 2 p.m., according to Coleman, and was reopened at 2:15 p.m.
Third-year College student Allison Doughty was in class when the fire alarm sounded in Ruffner Hall.
"As we were exiting the building, we saw a police officer so that hinted that there was a bomb threat," Doughty said. "Within the next minute, the police put up caution tape."
After the students and faculty were evacuated, notices were posted on the University's Web site and University officials outside Ruffner Hall informed students where to meet for their class, University spokesperson Carol Wood said.
"As soon as we found out about the threat, the Provost Office quickly reassigned spaces so students would not miss class," Wood said. "We have a plan that goes into action in cases like this."
Six classes were reassigned, Wood said.
University Police are investigating the bomb threat. If apprehended the perpetrator(s) could face at least a year in prison for a false bomb threat, according to Coleman.
Making bomb threats "is a felony," Coleman said. "If we do catch a person who makes false alarms -- and through the years we've caught several -- we will prosecute."
Apart from disrupting classes, Coleman said the investigation affects students monetarily.
Investigations "are expensive because of the number of officers working" on the case, Coleman said. "Students help make up for it with their fees."
Additionally, Wood said if the perpetrator is a University student, the University also can discipline the student through judicial measures. Articles two, four and ten of the standards of conduct in the Undergraduate Record outline violations of federal law and behaviors that affect the safety of students, Wood said, adding that the dean of students can enforce immediate disciplinary suspension.
"The dean of students can put in a suspension for threatening the health and safety of the University community or property or disrupting the educational process," Wood said.
While there have been threats in the past, Coleman said this is the first bomb threat of the year and there are not many threats made each year.
"For the most part, University of Virginia students are very conscientious people, and the students dislike having their classes interrupted as much as the faculty does," Coleman said.
Doughty said she was not alarmed because her first year she experienced a string of threats after Sept. 11.
"I was not worried because this has happened about five times since I've been at U.Va.," Doughty said.
Wood said University officials hope that any students or faculty members who might know who could be linked to the threat contact the University.
Threats "are so detrimental to the University community and disruptive to the academic day," Wood said. "This is not something to be taken lightly."
Read More
U.Va. Faculty Senate overwhelmingly adopts a no confidence vote in Board of Visitors
By Xander Tilock | 7 hours ago"The Faculty Senate expresses no confidence in the Board of Visitors for not protecting the University and its president from outside interference," the resolution read.
Faculty Senate Executives hear from Rector Sheridan and Vice Rector Wilkinson
By Xander Tilock and Grace Traxler | YesterdayRectors were in attendance for part of Wednesday’s emergency meeting and were asked about the interim president selection process.
Student leaders weigh the future of self-governance after Ryan's departure
By Brendon Bordwine | 2 days agoThe University has a historical tradition of student self-governance, which allows students to take part in decision-making processes.
