Arson – Angry Brown Guy

Just when it seemed like things were getting back to normal on campus, there is another arson incident in Davis Hall – 4th floor.

Updated April 25, 2008, 9:20 a.m.

There was another arson incident in Davis Hall early this morning. No one was injured.

As a result of the ongoing investigation all residents of Davis Hall and their guests are currently in Canavan Arena.

We do not have an estimate of when they will able to leave so they have been excused from classes for the day. We appreciate the co-operation and support of all faculty.

In addition, the Schaefer Center is closed until further notice.

We will send out an update this afternoon.

Maureen Weatherall

This time it is reportedly a book that was set on fire that led to a fire alarm in the building. Personally, I think it is the work of just a single kid getting seriously carried away. Not too much information available yet, but we’ll see what comes of this.

Update (10:58 AM): A friend of mine told me that the people relocated to Shafer Center since about 5 AM this morning and have been there all days without any pillows, access to their computers or anything. Also, as of about an hour or so ago my friend said “They haven’t even started questioning (anyone) yet.” It’s pretty safe to assume this event is related to the one the other day and it seems a little too convienient that is happening the last Friday before Finals Week starts.

Update (12:45 PM): According to a “Hoboken Now” article from NJ.com, “Classes and final exams have been canceled for those students who live in Davis and will be re-scheduled.” Article goes to say as I mentioned in the previous update that this seems to be an extreme way of getting out of final exams or at least getting them pushed back.

Continue reading “Stevens: Campus Alert – Part 2”

Update (4/25/08): There has been a second Campus Alert issued today after another arson incident. For more details, please click here.

Update (2:27 AM): Not sure what to feel right now but the “incident” was supposed to take place at 2AM and nothing has been heard since and I really doubt anything happens now. There was a short span of time where it got unnerving about 15 minutes ago as fire trucks sirens could be heard from outside our window and from the rooftop as well but that amounted to nothing. It’s 2:30 AM now and I really don’t expect anything to happen. I have a 9 AM class in the morning and we’ll see where things from there.

Update (9:45 PM): For those looking for official updates from Stevens, they can visit http://www.stevens.edu/sit/alert.cfm.

Update (9:00 PM): This update was issued about two hours ago outlining the security plans for the night. There are Resident Hall Assistants located outside each entrance of the Davis Hall from what I have been told. There were additional details that there was a specific threat made towards the building that was supposed to take place overnight tonight. Overall the security measures taken on campus seem to be relatively well and not overreaching. Considering the things I have been told, I think I am satisfied with what has taken place and I am sure every student and faculty member will be willing to forgo a little bit of leniency to move around and visit the buildings as they please for the sake of the security of the entire campus. There will always be a limit on how much you are willing to give up and for how long but that’s a whole different topic for a different day.

As of 6:00 pm on Wednesday, April 23, 2008, all on campus residence halls have been swept and secured. We are continuing the security measures currently in place through out the night. Stevens personnel or a Hoboken police officer will be stationed at each residence hall entry.

Students must have campus ID. Only the residents of each dormitory will be allowed into their building. Visitors are not permitted into the residence halls at this time.

We are now able to provide more information regarding the note left this morning in Davis Hall. The note specified the April 23rd/April 24th overnight period. If there are residents of Davis that are uncomfortable sleeping in their building, Jacobus and Canavan Arena will be open. Please bring your own blankets and pillows.

If observe any suspicious behavior, please call the Center Desk 24hrs a day at (201) 216-5105. Please call Dean Ken Nilsen if you have any information about this incident. His number is (201)745-8216.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.

Continue reading “Stevens: Campus Alert”