Suspicious Package

If you are in danger or feel threatened, call 911 or contact Campus Public Safety

If you receive or discover a suspicious package or device, do not touch it, tamper with it, or move it. Do not use a cell phone within 300 feet of the suspicious package. Immediately call Campus Public Safety.

What constitutes a suspicious letter or parcel?

Some typical characteristics that should trigger suspicion include letters or parcels that:

  • Have any powdery substance on the outside.
  • Are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.
  • Have excessive postage, handwritten or poorly typed address, incorrect titles or titles with no name, or misspellings of common words.
  • Are addressed to someone no longer with the university or are otherwise outdated.
  • Have no return address or have one that can't be verified as legitimate.
  • Are of unusual weight given their size or are lopsided or oddly shaped.
  • Have an unusual amount of tape.
  • Are marked with restrictive endorsements, such as "personal" or "confidential."
  • Have strange odors or stains.

What to do if you receive a suspicious package or parcel:

  • Handle with care. Do not shake or bump.
  • Isolate it immediately.
  • Don't open, smell, touch or taste.
  • Treat it as suspect. Call Public Safety.