Update on September 11th campus security incident
11/10/2025
Dear Members,
We are writing to update you about our actions related to improving the university’s campus security response, based on the widely shared concerns about how the incident earlier this semester was handled. Last week, union representatives from the CSU, FSU and PSU met for one hour with Justin Comeau, Director of Emergency Management and Marie Bowen. The meeting was informative and continued a dialogue we began in the week after the event. We will continue to seek more information and improvements to the campus security response plan and communicate those efforts to you.
Alert System Messages
We stressed again that the alerts during the incident were vague and confusing, making it hard for people to know what action to take in the event of an emergency. The administration agreed that the alerts were unclear, and said they will use terms like “evacuate,” “take cover,” or “take action” when the situation warrants. In addition, they said that new detailed alert messages have been created and loaded into the emergency system for use. See https://www.umb.edu/preparedness/emergency/ for more details.
Receiving Alert Messages
Many of you told us you never received the alerts. When we asked administration about this, they told us that all newly hired faculty, librarians and staff are automatically entered into the UMB Alert System, but there was a time when the system was an “opt-in” and some people may not have signed up.
The alert system allows you to enter multiple mobile phone numbers, voice-only lines and email addresses. Please check your information at https://www.getrave.com/login/umb
Classroom and Office Signage
We discussed the inadequate signage in classrooms, offices, and common areas for providing directions in the case of an emergency. We specifically raised concerns about classrooms with only a QR code on a small piece of paper near the room’s main door.
We requested clear signs with both written instructions and QR codes. Justin and Marie said they would refer to the University Space Committee who is authorized to make the change. We will stay on top of this.
Poor Wi-Fi Access
There are some campus locations with limited or no Wi-Fi access. Some of these are specialized laboratories which cannot have internet connection. During the campus incident, people in these locations were unaware of what was taking place. We discussed options such as setting up a landline in each location. The phone will then be added to the alert system.
Dialing 911 from Campus: Where does the call go?
If using a campus landline (office phones, hallway phones), a 911 call is routed to UMB Police dispatch via the Boston Police Department.
If using a cell phone, the call goes directly to the Boston Police Department.
UMB police has a direct emergency line which is 617-287-7777. Dial 7-7777 from campus phones. Consider adding the UMB emergency line into your phone’s contacts.
Campus Computers and Alert Messages
University-owned computers are programed to show an alert. If you use your UMB-issued laptop in a classroom, you will see the alert.
What happened that day
Many of you have asked what happened and when we will know more details. The university is investigating, and we will request the report upon completion. What we know so far is that the Edward M Kennedy Institute (EMKI) called 911 to report a possible hazmat situation related to the materials in an antique doll. Boston Police arrived with their full hazmat team. Shortly after, Boston Police received a 911 cell phone call from a person in the residence halls. Moments later, a second 911 cell phone call came from the residence hall. The nature of the calls brought Boston Police and UMB Police to the location.
Please feel free to contact us with comments and any concerns. We will continue to stay on top of this for the benefit and safety of everyone in our community.
Sincerely,
Caroline Coscia Jason Rodriquez
Senior Lecturer II Professor
Political Science Department Sociology Department
President Vice President