Why a text message alert system?

Messiah College is committed to providing a safe learning, living, and working environment for students and employees and recognizes the importance of communicating quickly and effectively during an emergency situation.  While the College would utilize multiple communication outlets in an emergency situation, the widespread prevalence of cellular phones offer a means of communicating quickly and broadly to the campus population.  Even if only one student in a classroom receives a text message alert, he/she can notify an entire classroom of the situation.  The word of mouth potential with this type of alert system certainly adds additional value.

Studies reveal that 98% of college students have a cell phone, and more than 90% of students use text messaging.  Messiah sees an opportunity to utilize text messaging technology to communicate during an emergency and has partnered with mobile technology experts OTAir to develop a database of student and employee cell phone numbers for use only in times of emergency. 

Starting in late August 2007, students and employees will be asked to provide their cell phone numbers through a sign up in MC Square. 

Q&A about the text message alert system

Why is the College utilizing a text messaging system to communicate during emergencies?

Cellular phones are integral to college life – 98% of students have one on campus – and text messaging is popular, fast, and far-reaching.  Also, after a significant crisis, like September 11, 2001, text message capabilities are often the first technology to be restored. 

 

How do students and employees sign up for Messiah’s text message alert system?

First, you must have a cell phone and a plan that accepts text messages.  If you are uncertain if your current plan allows text messaging, please call your service provider.  Then, register your cell phone number on MC Square. 

Will this service cost me money? 

The only cost would be from your cellular phone carrier, depending on the standard messing rate of your plan.

Will my cell phone number be shared or made public?

No.  The College will not publish or give out your cell phone number.  It will be in a secure file that is shared only with OTAir, the company partnering with Messiah College to provide this emergency alert service.

What if I change my carrier or phone number?

You will need to register again to provide updated information.  Occasional reminders will be sent to the entire campus community to prompt people to provide new cell phone numbers, if appropriate.  

What if I don’t have a cell phone?

Even if only one person in a classroom receives a text message alert about an emergency situation, he/she can notify an entire classroom of the situation.  Plus, text messages are just one way the College will communicate with campus during an emergency situation.

Do I have to sign-up for these alerts?

No, but the College advises you to participate to be among the informed in an emergency situation. 

How will this alert system be used?

Messiah College will use the text messaging alert system as one resource for communicating about an emergency that impacts the campus. The alert system will not be used for advertising or marketing purposes.

Has OTAir’s text message alert system been tested?

Many colleges and businesses nationwide are using this system on a daily basis.  This fall, Messiah will announce a day and time in which the system will be tested with those students and employees that signed up on campus.

How do I get assistance if I have a question or technical problem with the text messaging system?

For general questions about registering for the text message alert system, e-mail emergencyresponse@messiah.edu.  For technical questions about text message alerts and phone compatibility, contact OTAir at (888) 898-8247 or support@otair.com.  You may also text HELP to 68247 at any time to get support.

Once I’ve registered my cell phone number, can I change my mind and opt out?
Yes.  Please unsubscribe by going to MC Square or text STOP to 68247.

How else will the College communicate in an emergency?

Depending on the situation, various communication outlets are used, including, but not limited to, email, voicemail, website postings, radio and television broadcasts, and personal contact.  In an emergency, a variety of these outlets, as well as the text message alert system, will likely be used.  Additional information about the College’s emergency response is available at www.messiah.edu/emergency. 

How will parents be notified in an emergency situation?

Parents will be notified in a timely manner of an emergency situation on campus through e-mail and website updates.

Who can I contact with additional questions about the alert system?

Feel free to send an e-mail to emergencyresponse@messiah.edu.