Chemical release in a dormitory forces subzero evacuation; student arrested

As part of its ongoing mitigation efforts, USU Public Safety has asked law enforcement partners to assist with further assessment of the room at the center of the evacuation of Mountain View Tower last Thursday, Jan. 16. Out of an abundance of caution, USU officials are clearing Mountain View Tower this evening at 6 p.m. before hazardous materials experts complete an inventory of items from the room. We anticipate residents will be let back in by 9 p.m. We realize this is a great inconvenience, especially with current outside temperatures. The following locations are available to students who are evacuating: the Junction, common areas in Canyon Crest and Central Suites, and the ballroom in the Taggart Student Center. Student Affairs will have pizza available in the Ballroom, and the Marketplace and the Junction will also be open. The Fieldhouse will also be available, with pickleball and basketball available. This is an ongoing mitigation effort, but law enforcement and environmental safety professionals expect that this will be the last time they will need to clear the building. Once the inventory and collection of items is complete this evening, the next action will be to restore the room (paint and replace carpet, etc.), which will have limited impact on most residents of Mountain View Tower. For students who experience academic or other impacts, please reach out to the CARE Team for support. Visit usu.edu/intervention/care-office for assistance and resources.We greatly appreciate everyone who has supported the residents of Mountain View Tower as they have faced numerous interruptions and additional stress over the last week. And we greatly appreciate your continued support.

Dear USU community, USU Public Safety and law enforcement partners have finished assessing and clearing the room in Mountain View Tower and found no continuing threat to safety. Students are free to return to their rooms. University officials deeply appreciate the patience of Mountain View Tower residents as USU Public Safety has addressed this issue.As a reminder, students who have experienced academic impacts can reach out please reach out to the CARE Team for support at https://www.usu.edu/intervention/care-office.