Text message emergency warning system to be implemented by next summer
Jack Willems
Issue date: 11/9/07 Section: News
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Last spring when a mass shooting occurred at Virginia Tech, UA officials said they were developing new ways to inform students in the event that such an attack were to occur on campus. Among the ideas proposed was to create a system where students with registered cell phone numbers would be sent a text message in case of such an attack.
The UA has not yet put that system in place but is in the process of doing so, said Tysen Kendig, associate vice-chancellor of university relations.
The UA had actually been thinking about a new emergency communications system prior to the Virginia Tech shooting, Kendig said. Finding a system that is both flexible with the university's needs and compatible with its existing databases has been challenging, he said. University officials are confident they have found such a system, and they will implement it in the coming months, he said.
"We expect to have it fully operational by summer," Kendig said.
To get the text messages, subscribers will provide their contact information, particularly their mobile phone number, Kendig said. Students will sign up for the service through a web interface, he said. To introduce students to the system, the UA will have information about it at orientation and other events for new students to explain the system at that time, Kendig said.
If an emergency occured, University Relations would have the ability, after consulting with the UA Police Department and other administrators, to distribute the information electronically via text message, email, voicemail message or other means, he said.
"Having a variety of delivery options enables us to have the greatest potential reach," Kendig said. "We would endeavor to keep the information brief and pertinent to the threat and include steps that individuals should take to help protect their own safety and the safety of others."
As for whether or not text messages would have been sent out in response to last Friday's shooting at the Sigma Chi fraternity, University Relations would have to consult the UAPD before determining when it would be used, Kendig said. The system could be a useful tool in enhancing campus safety, but overuse could dilute the impact and the call to action of all subscribers, Kendig said.
The UA has not yet put that system in place but is in the process of doing so, said Tysen Kendig, associate vice-chancellor of university relations.
The UA had actually been thinking about a new emergency communications system prior to the Virginia Tech shooting, Kendig said. Finding a system that is both flexible with the university's needs and compatible with its existing databases has been challenging, he said. University officials are confident they have found such a system, and they will implement it in the coming months, he said.
"We expect to have it fully operational by summer," Kendig said.
To get the text messages, subscribers will provide their contact information, particularly their mobile phone number, Kendig said. Students will sign up for the service through a web interface, he said. To introduce students to the system, the UA will have information about it at orientation and other events for new students to explain the system at that time, Kendig said.
If an emergency occured, University Relations would have the ability, after consulting with the UA Police Department and other administrators, to distribute the information electronically via text message, email, voicemail message or other means, he said.
"Having a variety of delivery options enables us to have the greatest potential reach," Kendig said. "We would endeavor to keep the information brief and pertinent to the threat and include steps that individuals should take to help protect their own safety and the safety of others."
As for whether or not text messages would have been sent out in response to last Friday's shooting at the Sigma Chi fraternity, University Relations would have to consult the UAPD before determining when it would be used, Kendig said. The system could be a useful tool in enhancing campus safety, but overuse could dilute the impact and the call to action of all subscribers, Kendig said.
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