Campus police say the emergency messages students received Tuesday night was a successful execution of a new crisis plan, while students say the updates produced a range of reactions, from fear to laughter.
We prepare for incidents like these to occur,"" said UWPD Sgt. Ben Newman. ""Preparedness and being proactive and investigating potential threats is what we have to do to keep ahead.""
Newman said communication between police and the university about what messages to send was a success.
""We have a very good partnership with UW communications. We're in the technology where everyone uses e-mail access and may not be able to check the news.""
The chancellor and dean of students were not offering comment on the situation Wednesday.
According to a final report from University Communications, UW-Madison followed its campus crisis plan designed to provide resources and coordinate information to responders, the campus and the community.
The plan was launched through the President's 2007 Commission on University Security, started by UW System President Kevin Reilly after the April tragedy at Virginia Tech University.
Tuesday around 4:40 p.m. UWPD first learned of potential danger when the Dane County Crisis Intervention Center got a phone call from a man who claimed to have a gun and be on top of the UW Hospital parking ramp.
UW-Madison sophomore Alex Antelle, who was at the hospital around 5 p.m., said officials put the building on lockdown.
She said people inside knew an armed man might be in the area, but the mood was not panic.
""People were really calm, just kind of walking around or eating - we got free meal vouchers.""
A half hour later, police sent an e-mail to all students and staff that identified the suspect as Jesse A. Miller, a suicidal 19-year-old white male.
UW-Madison junior Monica Obniski was in a club meeting. A student came in and informed the members of the man on the loose.
""I thought it was just a big joke,"" she said. ""I didn't take it seriously at first until all my friends were texting me. I read my e-mail and then it was kind of scary.""
The first e-mail that reached nearly 60,000 inboxes was followed by two more, along with seven updates on the campus website.
The university also posted a flyer on Facebook, which by noon on Wednesday was viewed by 30,000 people. In addition, the communications team posted updates on the Facebook wall and discussion board.
University Communications Director Amy Toburen said this Facebook helped easily relay information to students.
However, some students did not read the frequent communication messages as a safety threat.
""It wasn't as dangerous as people were making it out to be,"" said UW-Madison freshman. Peter Allen. ""Most likely [Miller] was trying to avoid the police. He was probably just looking for some place to hide.""
By 11 p.m. Tuesday night, police had not located Miller, but believed him to only be a threat to himself and not others.
Among the most concerned were parents, who were informed of the situation via the new Parent Program website.
Barbara Taustine, parent of UW-Madison freshman from New Jersey, said she worried because many campus lockdowns and bomb threats have been in the news lately.
""First thing I did this morning was check the website for the college and read that everything was okay. I was able to go to work with somewhat of a peace of mind knowing that [my daughter's] day was going to be hopefully pretty normal.""
Even with Miller still on the loose, some students said they felt safe.
""I didn't feel afraid to go to class [Wednesday],"" said UW-Madison freshman Marsha Maly, comparing the situation to fake bomb threats at her high school.
According to Toburen, if there are any developments in the situation, students will be informed by e-mail.
Students are encouraged to call 264-(COPS) with any additional information about Miller, who has still not been located.
