NIU police evacuated and closed all university buildings Thursday evening after a bomb threat was called in. 

The threat was determined to be a hoax, one of several that have been reported at various colleges and universities in the northern Illinois region. Police were still conducting building to building searches at around 8:40 p.m.

“We are taking no chances with the safety of our students, faculty and staff,” said NIU President Doug Baker, according to an NIU news release. “We apologize for the inconvenience, but clearly must err on the side of caution.”

The NIU Police Department sent out texts ordering all buildings be evacuated immediately shortly after the threat was called in before 6 p.m. All occupants were asked to stay beyond 500 feet of all campus buildings, according to NIU.

All other NIU campuses were evacuated, as well. 

NIU Police Chief Tom Phillips confirmed a bomb threat at around 6:45 p.m., but did not provide anymore details. A North Boone paramedic who was directing students to the parking lot outside of DuSable Hall said a teacher saw a book bag that didn’t belong to a student; however, that report was unconfirmed by police. 

Students were led into the Convocation Center at around 7 p.m., which was cleared beforehand. Not all students were aware of the threat at that time; some remained in academic and residence halls, visible through windows.

Midnight Madness resumed at 8:30 p.m., despite the threat. All other events and classes were canceled Thursday. 

Freshman nursing major Deja Coleman was evacuated from Neptune West at 6:30 p.m., and joined the group of students walking to the Convo.

“We don’t feel like we’re in danger,” Coleman said. “There’s just been a lot of stuff happening on campus. … It just makes me feel a little uneasy, I guess.” 

Students were walking freely in and out of residence halls and campus at around 7:50 p.m.

Classes resumed Friday.