California State University, Northridge President Dianne F. Harrison, Ph.D., has updated the final exams plan for Thursday, Dec. 13 through Tuesday, Dec. 18.

Discovery of a hand-written threat of violence during final exams on Wednesday, Dec. 12 prompted school officials to direct faculty to hold exams off-campus or online in a statement Tuesday.

The latest threat followed a threat of a mass shooting and racist, Anti-Semitic language and symbols written on the walls of academic buildings on the campus last week.

Late Tuesday night, Harrison sent the following update to faculty, students and media:

“To the Campus Community,

“While law enforcement does not believe there is an imminent threat to campus, I recognize the extreme stress and anxiety the recent threats of violence have caused our community.

“To further ease the anxiety students are understandably experiencing that may affect exam performance, finals on Wednesday, Dec. 12, will only be offered in alternative formats.

For final exams on Thursday, Dec. 13, through Tuesday, Dec. 18, faculty will provide alternative exam format options and accommodate students who are not comfortable coming to campus.

“Students should contact their instructors to request alternative arrangements.

“Any student requesting such an accommodation will not be subject to any instructor-imposed penalty.

“This decision was made in consultation with CSUN’s Faculty Senate Executive Committee.

“The campus will remain open during the remainder of the semester. Employees concerned about reporting to work should contact their supervisors.

“Again, as I shared in Tuesday morning’s communication, CSUN Police and partner law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the threats and maintain their increased patrols across campus. Anyone with any information should contact CSUN Police immediately at 911 or 818-677-2111.

“Hate has no place on this campus, and we are working to bring any perpetrators of these cowardly acts to justice. We are resolute in our duty to not allow these threats to derail our students’ education. We make these accommodations entirely in the interest of our students and their success.

“I appreciate the dedication of faculty and staff who have exhibited extraordinary flexibility and empathy in service of our students, as well as the tireless work of CSUN Police. I ask everyone to come together as a community, supporting one another through this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Dianne F. Harrison, Ph.D.
President.”