Text Alert System
Messiah University Text Alert System
Messiah University 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 University would utilize multiple communication outlets in an emergency situation, the widespread prevalence of cell phones offer a means of communicating quickly and broadly to the campus population. Even if only one person in a classroom receives a text message alert, they can notify an entire classroom of the situation. The word of mouth potential with this type of alert system adds significant additional value.
Messiah University uses the RAVE emergency text alert system to notify students and employees of critical campus emergencies and weather-related delays/closings.* The system helps ensure the safety of our campus community and the university’s compliance with federal law under the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act.
All students are automatically enrolled when they register for classes, and all employees are automatically enrolled when they are hired using the mobile phone number they provide to the University.
If you do not wish to receive emergency text alerts, you may opt out by emailing your request, including name and cell phone number, to operations@messiah.edu. Note: Individuals who opt out of text alerts will continue to receive RAVE emergency notifications through the University's campus email system. However, opting out of text alerts is not recommended because it may delay your receipt of important emergency information.
FAQs about Messiah’s text message alert system
Why is the University utilizing a text messaging system to communicate during emergencies?
Cellular phones are integral to college life 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.
Do I need to sign up for Messiah’s text message alert system?
No, all students are automatically enrolled when they register for classes, and all employees are automatically enrolled when they are hired using the mobile phone number they provide to the University.
Will this service cost me money?
The only potential cost would be a charge from your cellular phone carrier, depending on the standard messaging rate of your plan.
Which cellular service providers are compatible with the system?
All of the major cellular service providers are compatible with Messiah's text alert system. Pay-as-you-go phones are not compatible with the University's text message alert system at this time.
Will my cell phone number be shared or made public?
No. The University will not publish or give out your cell phone number. It will be in a secure file that is shared only with the company partnering to provide Messiah University with this text 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 student in a classroom receives a text message alert about an emergency situation, he/she can notify the entire class of the situation. Plus, text messages are just one way the University will communicate with campus during an emergency.
How will this alert system be used?
Messiah University will use the text messaging alert system for two primary reasons: 1) As a resource for communicating about an emergency that impacts the campus and 2) To share information regarding weather-related delays and closings. The alert system will not be used for advertising or marketing purposes.
How often will I receive text alert messages from Messiah?
The University will only send a text message alert in case of a weather-related delay or closing or in an emergency situation, so it is very hard to predict how frequently either of those situations might occur. You will usually not receive more than a few alerts each academic year.
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 operations@messiah.edu.
Once I’ve registered my cell phone number, can I change my mind and opt out?
Yes. You may opt out by emailing your request, including name and cell phone number, to operations@messiah.edu. Note: Individuals who opt out of text alerts will continue to receive RAVE emergency notifications through the University's campus email system. However, opting out of text alerts is not recommended because it may delay your receipt of important emergency information.
I signed up, but I don't seem to be receiving any text message alerts. What should I do?
You should receive a message immediately after registering your cell phone number. If you do not, check with your carrier to ensure that Messiah's number (21333) isn't being tagged as spam or blocked.
How else will the University communicate in an emergency?
Depending on the situation, various communication vehicles are used, including, but not limited to, email, social media, 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.
Can parents register for text message alerts from Messiah University?
At this point parents cannot register for Messiah’s text message alerts; however, the University is looking into adding that feature to its system.
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, social media, the University's emergency blog and website updates.