Category: Alerts

On Wednesday, the Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) began to receive reports of students receiving text messages containing racially disparaging and biased language from unrecognized numbers. CUPD immediately initiated an investigation and began working with state partners to identify the source of the messages. These numbers have been determined to be associated with online spoofing sites. 

CUPD has communicated with the State Law Enforcement Division’s Fusion Center and investigators have been made aware that Clemson University students are not the only individuals to have received such messages. The messages appear to have been broadly distributed, as a number of other states and institutions have also reported the same or similar communications. 

Based on the information available, there is currently no indication of a credible threat to members of the University community.

CUPD takes all reports of concerning communication seriously and is committed to the safety of the University community. The department continues to actively investigate these incidents in partnership with state and federal agencies. If you receive suspicious messages from a number you do not recognize, report it to CUPD by calling 864-656-2222. 

Additionally, resources are available to students who may have been affected by these messages. If you wish to speak to a counselor, contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) by calling 864-656-2451. After-hours counseling is available by selecting option 2 from the menu.

There will be a full, three-minute test of the sirens around Oconee Nuclear Station on Wednesday, Oct. 30 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. This is only a test and no public action is necessary.

For more information, visit the Oconee Nuclear Station safety and preparedness section of the Duke Energy website. 

At approximately 4 a.m. on October 26, 2024, a black 2009 Honda Accord sedan was stolen from the R-10 parking lot behind Douthit Hills East by three unknown white males. The victim had left the vehicle unlocked with the keys inside. The suspects who stole the Honda were driving a silver 2018 Dodge Charger displaying Georgia license plate number SAT3362. Additionally, the suspects were observed on security camera recordings attempting to gain access to several vehicles on Daniel Drive and R-8 and E-27 parking lots behind Douthit Hills West. The suspects entered several unlocked vehicles searching for spare keys and discarded items from the entered vehicles prior to the actual theft.

Crime Prevention: How to Protect Your Motor Vehicle
Many motor vehicle thefts are crimes of “opportunity”. CUPD urges the following crime prevention tips to properly protect your motor vehicle:

• Do not leave keys in your vehicle and double-check to make sure all doors are locked
• Park in well-lit areas
• Do not leave valuables in plain sight
• Immediately report any suspicious activity on campus to the Clemson University Police Department at 864-656-2222.
• Never attempt to make contact with persons involved in suspicious activity.

Issued in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, a federal law originally known as the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, that mandates timely notices to the campus community. The Clery Act is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education.

Today, at approximately 3:18 p.m., the Clemson University Police Department received a report of an individual with a firearm in the area of Mell Hall. Officers responded to that location, where an individual was taken into custody without incident and charged with unlawful possession of a weapon on university property. The individual was non-threatening and compliant with officers.

CUPD reminds everyone that if you see something, say something and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

Clemson University’s main campus will be open on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Pickens County government offices are open, and as a state agency, the University is required to follow the same opening status of county government.

Classes are scheduled and should be conducted at the discretion of instructors, and staff should report to work as able.

Timekeeping, Absences and Leave Guidance
All faculty, staff and students should understand individuals continue to face challenges with power outages. Please continue to provide grace, understanding and flexibility to each other.

Many employees have asked about documenting leave during this event. Additional guidance will be provided by the Office of Human Resources and Payroll.

Statewide Clemson locations
All Clemson statewide locations should follow the same opening status made by the county government where their office is located. A full list of delays and closings is always available on the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website.