diff --git a/scodoc.py b/scodoc.py
index f541cce66..44e65aa60 100755
--- a/scodoc.py
+++ b/scodoc.py
@@ -412,6 +412,7 @@ def delete_dept(dept, force=False):  # delete-dept
     from app.scodoc import notesdb as ndb
     from app.scodoc import sco_dept
 
+    msg = ""
     db.reflect()
     ndb.open_db_connection()
     d = models.Departement.query.filter_by(acronym=dept).first()