Rumors of a bomb threat lingered at NIU’s Dec. 12 graduation ceremonies as many grads, friends and family were amazed by the increased security.

Melanie Magara, assistant vice president of Public Affairs, said she believes there was “some sort of security threat” made prior to the first graduation ceremony, which resulted in increased security. She said details of the incident are confidential.

“It was not deemed to be credible, but University Police took precautions both before, after and during the event,” Magara said. “The approach we take is to simply underscore types of security.”

Magara said a flier was given out at the event explaining types of security measures taken, such as the banning of camera bags.

Tom Merrion, a political science major who graduated during the first ceremony, said police ordered students to file out of the building and did not allow them to re-enter for about 15 to 20 minutes.

“I remember freezing outside, waiting to get inside to see my father,” Merrion said.

Merrion said had there actually been a bomb threat, he would have been glad precautions were taken.

Ed Bjes, a graduating political science major, also recalled not being allowed to re-enter the building.

“People wanted to get inside to take pictures, but they wouldn’t let us,” Bjes said. “There were many upset people and women crying. It was extremely ridiculous.”

Bjes said he was not aware a bomb threat had caused the increased security.

“Even if there was a threat made, I would have much rather had them cancel the ceremony,” he said.

University Police went through a predetermined protocol to determine how specific the threat was, Magara said.

“Ever since 9/11, what we have learned is that there is no one-size-fits-all that you can take,” Magara said. “There is no single approach for large scale security for large events. We, as a campus community, need to understand that security measures are going to be with us in the future.”