Oregon Public Broadcasting

Reports of attacks on campus have prompted Washington State University managers to send out three alerts to student cell phones and e-mails in less than a week.

Three women have reported assaults near central campus in Pullman. But as Anna King reports, the latest case, from Monday, turned out to be false.

WSU administrator Richard Heath says the university has never had to use its emergency alert system so often in this short amount of time.

The latest attack warning went out at about 11 p.m. Monday night. But the student later recanted her story.

Heath says it was unfortunate to wake students, but he doesn't regret sending out an alert.

Richard Heath: “It's better to provide the information than not. At least people have information.”

WSU installed its new advanced alert system in 2007, funding for it came after the shooting rampage at Virginia Tech University. In all, WSU has used the system about 20 times.

Washington State University President Elson Floyd has also created $5000 reward for information about the attacks.