EIU Media Relations

"Suspicious Package" Deemed Safe; Human Services Building Reopened

The doors of Eastern Illinois University's Human Services building re-opened to faculty, staff and students early Thursday afternoon after an investigation of a "suspicious package" revealed no threat to the campus.

The building, which houses Health Services, the Counseling Center, Career Services and the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences, was temporarily closed shortly before 9 a.m. as a precautionary measure after an employee reported receipt of a "suspicious" hand-delivered package.

According to Detective Kent Martin of the University Police Department, the building was reopened shortly after 1 p.m.

Responders from Charleston Fire and Rescue and the University of Illinois/Champaign Police Department bomb squad joined UPD in its investigation. An X-ray of the package revealed the contents to be safe.

"There are no indications that the university or its students, faculty, staff, visitors or buildings are or were in any danger," Martin said.

The campus community was alerted of the situation via e-mail, Facebook, Alert EIU (Eastern's emergency text-messaging system) and the EIU website.

"Eastern takes all threats seriously and investigates them thoroughly," said Dan Nadler, vice president for student affairs. "Our top priority is the continued safety of our EIU community."

Nadler also offered his thanks to emergency responders, expressing his appreciation for their quick response and cooperation.

According to Martin, an investigation into the incident will continue; however, he added, there is no indication of any criminal activity.