Students attending the Savannah College of Art and Design received alerts Tuesday warning of a potential active shooter on campus.
University officials later confirmed the messages were sent in error.
An initial alert was "inadvertently sent out" to students across the Savannah and Atlanta campuses, according to officials. A subsequent message was distributed immediately, stating there was no active shooter present.
The cause for the initial incorrect alert remains under review.
Separately, spring events tied to SCAD have temporarily altered local routines in Savannah. The SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival prompted the periodic relocation of the Forsyth Farmers’ Market.
The market typically operates on the walkways surrounding Forsyth Park but shifted to Bull Street to accommodate the festival. This annual move during SCAD's family and alumni weekend impacts vendors and shoppers.
Vendors expressed varied opinions on the temporary location change. Some noted business remained consistent despite the move, while others preferred the shaded environment of Forsyth Park over Bull Street, citing the physical effort required to move goods and exposure to direct sun.
The Bull Street location can lead to congestion on the narrower street compared to the open park walkways, affecting the experience for both regular customers and tourists navigating the area. The university frequently participates in and hosts events impacting the surrounding community.
SCAD students also engage with various aspects of the art world and creative processes, often drawing inspiration from diverse sources, a theme explored in discussions around developing artistic originality. These conversations occur within the university's programs, including digital communication studies. Discussions surrounding topics like "Steal Like an Artist" are part of the curriculum.
