SXU to reopen Wednesday April 16

Law enforcement officials determine threat no longer viable;Graduate classes resume the evening of Wednesday April 16; Undergraduate classes resume 8:30 a.m., Thursday April 17

Chicago (April 15, 2008) Saint Xavier University President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D., announced today that all Saint Xavier University campuses will reopen Wednesday, April 16. On the evening of Wednesday, April 16th graduate classes at all locations will resume. Undergraduate classes will resume the morning of Thursday, April 17th. University employees are expected to return Wednesday, April 16th at 8:30 a.m. Students who cannot return before the following Monday will not be penalized academically. Students can return to residence halls beginning 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 16.

All University campuses closed until further notice Friday evening due to incidents of threatening graffiti found in a restroom in Regina Hall, a residence hall on SXU’s Chicago campus. The second piece of graffiti noted the date April 14.

“I am deeply proud of the judgment and actions of our University community during this challenging period,” President Dwyer said. “I could not imagine a more dedicated commitment to students. Students and parents can rest assured that in times of emergency this university acts with decisiveness and coordination to ensure safety of everyone.”

Law enforcement officials said the ongoing investigation into the graffiti has discovered nothing else that would indicate the existence of a continuing viable threat or that the April 10th graffiti in Regina Hall remains credible. The investigation continues. A heightened level of police and public safety personnel will remain in effect.

“We are confident in the professionalism and capabilities of our emergency responders as evidenced during the extensive incident pre-planning and continuing coordination with the Chicago's Police and Fire Departments and the City of Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications, along with the Chicago Field Office of the FBI,” said SXU Police Chief Paul Kolessar. “We are extremely grateful to these agencies, whose guidance and support have been invaluable.”

Students and parents are encouraged to call the University hotline for additional information: 1-866-209-9945.

For more information contact:
Joe Moore
jmoore@sxu.edu
(773) 298-3937
-SXU-