It was an unexpected and startling beginning to the week for Utica College students.

“It’s kind of insane. As unfortunate as it is, you need to have this in your mind all of the time just to know what to do in this situation,” said freshman Wyatt Mayer.

Around 11 a.m. Monday, Utica Police responded to the campus for a phone threat of violence. The college went on lockdown and a day of uncertainty was underway.

Despite initial rumors, police say there were no shots fired on campus and no students were injured.

“The police department immediately began an investigation. As a result of that investigation, every building on campus was checked and secured,” said Utica Police Deputy Chief Edward Noonan. 

“As time went on, around 2 p.m., they came into our room with rifles and they said 'you need to leave.' That’s when things seemed pretty serious,” said Mayer.

The entire college was swept, according to police. Just outside of the school, worried family members waited.

“She just said 'I love you guys.' When I woke up -- and especially in Utica, you never expect something like that to happen -- to wake up to that just shocked me. I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, basically,” said Amar Badnjevic, a brother of a Utica College student.

Students and staff were released from campus just before 5 p.m., but all affected remain rattled.

“I always tell everyone, leave on a good note, you never know what’s going to happen. Especially here, you never in a million years expect anything to happen here,” said Badnjevic.

Utica police say that federal, state and local law enforcement all assisted in the investigation of the threat. That threat remains under an active investigation, and police say they will brief the public with more information at a later date.

The college responded Monday evening on Facebook.

As for the college's decision to open Tuesday, President Laura Casamento and other administrators released a statement saying:

"We understand that some may not agree with our decision to resume classes Tuesday. We feel that there is a need to provide structure and support for students. 

However, faculty members are encouraged to be supportive of and lenient with students who feel they are unable to attend classes or who need more time to process what has happened. 

Please be assured that law enforcement will have a continued presence on campus, and counselors in the Counseling Center are standing by to assist students."