Update on Investigation into Unsubstantiated Threat

Dear Wake Forest families,

The email message below was sent out to students, faculty and staff late this afternoon. That message is copied below for you to see.

The Winston-Salem Police Department, in partnership with Wake Forest University Police, will be continuing the investigation of the unsubstantiated threat that was received Sunday night. The investigation has ruled out several possible concerns, however law enforcement officials have asked that details not be released due to the nature of the continuing investigation.

I want to thank you again for your patience and trust throughout this process. Please understand that we follow the recommendations of law enforcement experts in these cases and have shared as much as we can. Although we do not have a lot of details, we believe it was important to communicate the reason for the increased security presence and operating status of the campus to be as transparent as possible.

This is the last message we anticipate sending to parents and families, barring any new developments. We appreciate your patience during this time.

We also know parents and students may have questions regarding the upcoming snow and final exams. You can read an update on possible alternative exam plans as well as school policies regarding inclement weather here. Residence Life and Housing has also sent out some important winter weather updates for those in residence halls, also posted on our Family News page.

We wish your students all the best as finals begin.

With best wishes,

Betsy Chapman (’92, MA ’94)
Executive Director of Family Communication and Volunteer Management

Samantha Moore (’17)
Assistant Director, Office of Family Engagement

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The Winston-Salem Police Department, in partnership with Wake Forest University Police, continues to investigate an unsubstantiated threat to campus first reported on Sunday, December 2. The police investigation has ruled out several possible concerns, however, law enforcement officials have asked that details not be released due to the nature of the continuing investigation.

Barring a new development, this email will be our final campus-wide communication on this situation.

It is natural that rumors will circulate in the absence of information. We are aware of rumors that suggested individuals or groups affiliated with the campus community were possibly targets or suspects. Each lead has been thoroughly investigated by law enforcement and the University has been advised that there is no validity to any of the rumors brought to the attention of Wake Forest administrators.

There is no greater priority than the safety of our campus community. Wake Forest officials have consulted extensively on this situation with law enforcement and a national threat assessment expert. The University remains in regular contact with Winston-Salem Police.

If a threat were to require you to take action, or prompt a change in campus operations, Wake Forest would use more immediate forms of communication, to include text and phone messages. Please update your cell phone information at wakeready.wfu.edu.

Wake Forest always offers support and counseling services for all students, faculty and staff. The University Counseling Center may be reached at 336-758-5273, the Chaplain’s Office at 336-758-5210. For faculty and staff, there is also the Employee Assistance Program at 336-716-5493.

Office of Communications and External Relations