An online threat prompted Southeastern Community College to tell faculty, staff, and students to be on the lookout for suspicious activity.
The college learned of the threat against an instructor Tuesday afternoon after being contacted by moderators of the websitewww.ratemyprofessors.com.
SCC spokesman Jeff Ebbing initially declined to describe the threat -- which has since been removed -- other than to say that it reached the level where the website felt it should contact the college.
But late Wednesday, the college released an update, in the form of a web post, that stated the person threatened to shoot the instructor. The post will be continually updated to keep students, faculty and the community informed.
Given the nature of the threat, the college immediately contacted the West Burlington Police Department.
"It was determined that it was OK for us to proceed with classes and to proceed with heightened awareness," Ebbing said.
He said awareness started with informing the instructor of the threat and sending an alert to students and staff Tuesday night.
"We used our emergency alert system for contacting students and staff through phone and text and email," said Ebbing. "Just letting folks know that there is potentially a situation and for folks to be vigilant of any suspicious activity and to report that (to the college)."
People are encouraged to call 911 if they see an immediate threat. If not, they are asked to call the campus operator (Dial 0 on campus or 319-208-5000 off campus).
Ebbing said extra security will be in place through the end of the week on the West Burlington campus
He said local law enforcement is working with the rating website to identify the person who made the threat.
The college said individuals involved who are associated with SCC might be subject to college disciplinary measures or face criminal chargers.
