When must timely warnings be sent to students and employees?

Timely warnings must be sent to students and employees when there is a serious or ongoing threat to the safety of the campus community. This requirement is part of the Clery Act's provisions designed to keep the campus community informed about potential dangers. The goal is to ensure that individuals can take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and enhance their safety in light of the specific threat.

This approach is focused on immediate risks, enabling timely intervention and awareness among students and employees. The emphasis on "serious or ongoing threats" ensures that warnings are relevant and impactful, targeting situations that could pose a significant risk.

The other options do not align with the Clery Act's requirements. For instance, sending warnings immediately after a crime occurs may not be necessary if there is no continuing threat, while limiting warnings to the annual report would fail to address real-time safety concerns. Sending warnings frequently as a standard practice could lead to desensitization, reducing the urgency and seriousness of important messages. Therefore, the need for timely warnings is specifically tied to significant threats, ensuring relevant communication within the campus community.