Alerts & Advisories

Alerts and Advisories below will be dated and will include any information that we feel is pertinent to the event or topic. This is not the same as the Umass Alerts that you may get on your phone or through your email. Although it is possible that those events may end up here you will want to check in with Umass Emergency Management for more information regarding those alerts (including how to sign up to get them).  For more information on campus closures in the event of an emergency you should visit the "Campus Operational Status" page. 

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Police (UMPD) is investigating a report from a student involving an unknown male who physically assaulted her while walking on the sidewalk adjacent to Commonwealth Avenue near parking Lot 42.  

The reporting party indicated that on 04/22/26 at approximately 1:30 AM she was walking on the sidewalk when an unknown male party approached and passed.  The unknown party then turned around approached from behind and grabbed the student.  The student screamed and was able to pull away, the male party then ran away in the direction of parking Lot 42. 
  

The unknown male party is described as a white male in his 30’s, approximately 5’10” wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants.  He is further described as possibly having dark colored eyes and a mustache.  The suspect is believed to have left the area in a blue four door sedan.  If you have information on this suspect or vehicle please contact UMPD at (413) 545-2121
 

UMPD encourages any member of the community to report suspicious behavior immediately to the police.  Students are reminded to remain aware of their surroundings and to contact UMPD immediately if they observe or are aware of a similar situation.  UMPD may be contacted 24 hours a day at (413) 545-2121 or online at https://www.umass.edu/police/about/contact-us.

Safety Tips: 

• Situational Awareness: Keep your head up and scan your surroundings, avoiding dark alleys or shortcuts. Remove ear buds / headphones to better observe your surroundings.
• Active Communication: Talk on the phone with a friend while walking to act as a deterrent. 
• Share Your Location: Use your phone to share your live route with a trusted contact.
• Look Confident: Walk with purpose and a brisk pace to avoid appearing vulnerable. 
• Preprogram the campus Walking Escort Service phone number (413-545-2123) into your phone if you’d be more comfortable walking with someone
• Preprogram UMPD’s phone number (413-545-2121) into your phone in case of an emergency. 
• Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe, reach out to UMPD.  

The University of Massachusetts-Amherst Police has become aware of unknown parties using our business line (413) 545-2121 in attempts to defraud residents in our community. The callers tell recipients that they have a warrant and need to send money to avoid arrest and deportation. The callers use the victims’ names that are being targeted. Legitimate government agencies (for example, the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, police departments, or courts) will NEVER call to demand immediate payment, request payment via gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfer, money transfer services, or cryptocurrency, or threaten arrest for nonpayment over the phone.

What you should do if you receive a suspicious call

· Do not send money, buy gift cards, or provide gift card numbers or PINs. Gift cards are a common payment method requested by scammers.

· Do not provide personal or financial information (Social Security numbers, bank accounts, credit card numbers, passwords, or account PINs).

· Remain calm. Ask questions to gather details (caller’s name, agency, phone number, exact reason for the call) but do not give any personal information.

· Hang up. If you are worried the call might be legitimate, look up the agency’s official phone number (from a government website or official document) and call back — do not use numbers the caller provides.

· If you have already paid or gave personal information, contact your bank or credit card company immediately and report the incident to law enforcement.

How to report

· Contact the UMass Amherst Police Department at (413) 545-2121 immediately or report the call to local law enforcement. If this is an emergency, dial 911.

· Keep records of the call: phone number that showed on caller ID, time and date, what was requested, and any transaction or gift card receipt. Preserve voicemails, text messages, and screenshots.

Additional tips

· Be aware that caller ID can be spoofed to look like a local or official number.

· Consider blocking the number and reporting it to your phone carrier

UMPD Community Notice: Package Theft Alert

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Police Department (UMPD) has received multiple reports of packages being stolen after delivery to campus locations by third-party carriers. Please note packages delivered by third-party carriers are not processed through UMass Amherst Mail Services.

Because third-party carriers may not have access to some University buildings, packages are sometimes left outside or near the intended recipient’s building. In several cases, delivery services sent a delivery photo to the recipient, but the package was gone when the recipient arrived to retrieve it.

As a reminder, please use caution when ordering items to be delivered to campus by third-party carriers.

Carriers that commonly deliver to University Mail Services without issue include the United States Postal Service (USPS) and UPS.

How to reduce the risk of theft

· Track deliveries and retrieve packages as soon as possible.

· Provide specific delivery instructions when allowed (e.g., “do not leave unattended”)

· Consider requiring a signature for higher-value items.

If you believe your package was stolen

· Confirm with the delivery service that the package was delivered (note the delivery date/time).

· If possible, check the immediate area and nearby entrances before reporting.

· Save any delivery details, including the delivery photo, tracking number, and the reported drop-off location.

How to report

· Contact the UMass Amherst Police Department at (413) 545-2121 to report the theft.

· Be prepared to share recipient name, delivery address/location, carrier name, tracking number, delivery date/time, and any delivery photo or confirmation.

Additional tips

· If you locate packaging materials or have photos or video that may be relevant, preserve it and share it with the responding officers.

· If you believe your package was misdelivered, contact the carrier and the sender/retailer to ask about next steps or replacement options.

CA01-26-4725  3/5/2026

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Police Department (UMPD) is investigating three reports from residents of Field Hall involving an unknown individual or individuals who were observed looking at female residents while they were showering.   

The incidents are reported to have taken place on February 9, 2026, February 22, 2026, and March 3, 2026. 

UMPD encourages any member of the community to report suspicious behavior immediately to the police. Students are reminded to remain aware of their surroundings and to contact UMPD immediately if they observe or are aware of similar situations. UMPD may be contacted 24 hours a day at (413) 545-2121 or online at https://www.umass.edu/police/about/contact-us. 
 
Additional resources available to students include: 
 
Residential Life Staff
If you are impacted by this series of incidents, please connect with Residence Director Berlyann Rivera or Assistant Residence Director Emmanuel Bosompem.
 

Dean of Students Office 
227 Whitmore Hall 
Phone: (413) 545-2684 
Request assistance from the Dean of Students Office here  
 

Center for Counseling and Psychological Health 
Middlesex House 
Phone: (413) 545-2337 
After 5:00 p.m. or on weekends and holidays, call the main CCPH phone number (413) 545-2337. 
https://www.umass.edu/dean-students/student-conduct 


Equal Opportunity and Access Office 
225 Bartlett Hall 
Phone: (413) 545-3464 
 

Center for Women and Community 
2nd Floor New Africa House 
Support Groups & General Counseling: (413) 545-0883; 
Sexual Assault Support & Advocacy (SASA) Hotline: (413) 545-0800