Frequently Asked Questions
What is involved with Campus Alert text messaging?
How do I get an email address that goes to my text messaging device?
Why is the University implementing emergency text messaging?
How can I participate in the emergency text messaging project?
Who will have access to the email address I provide for emergency text messaging?
Is this service linked to any other campus-related list?
When will emergency messages be sent?
Who pays for the emergency text message?
How long will it take to receive a message if there is an emergency?
Can parents receive emergency text messages?
What is involved with Campus Alert text messaging?
The University will maintain a list of users who want to be warned if a campus emergency occurs. Instead of typical email information, the list will use email addresses that send text messages to pagers, cell phones or any other devices. The emergency mailing list will be maintained in a database and updated nightly.
How do I get an email address that goes to my text messaging device?
Use any email address that will send text messages to your mobile text messaging device. To get this email address, contact your service provider. Each provider has its own system. Some let users forward mail as text messages from existing email accounts or customize their text-message email addresses. Ask your service provider for details.
Why is the University implementing emergency text messaging?
The University reviewed its options and decided that adding wireless text messaging would broaden the reach of its emergency communications. Many students, faculty and staff members carry devices that receive text messages, so the new system adds a way to spread the word effectively.
How can I participate in the emergency text messaging project?
Enrollment is voluntary, but all UT Dallas students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate. The user can maintain an emergency text email address through the NetID Web applications. See www.utdallas.edu/campusalert. This Web application allows a user to set, change or remove the text message address. Users can also arrange to have a test message sent.
Who will have access to the email address I provide for emergency text messaging?
Non-technical personnel will never have access to an individual's emergency text email address. It will not be included in any UT Dallas directories. Even personnel in charge of sending the emergency emails will have no access to this information.
Is this service linked to any other campus-related list?
No. The list will include only users who provide their emergency text email addresses through the NetID web application. Providing your text email address to anyone else on campus cannot add you to this mailing list. The University must have your express permission to do this.
When will emergency messages be sent?
Select staff at UT Dallas will have the authority to decide whether an emergency message is warranted. Examples include:
- Weather-related emergencies.
- Criminal activities that endanger the campus.
- Fires, hazardous chemical spills, or other incidents that might force a lockdown or evacuation of campus buildings.
- Unscheduled campus closings.
Note that standard announcements or advertisements will not generate an emergency text message.
Who pays for the emergency text message?
The University absorbs the cost of maintaining the mailing list and sending the message. The user, however, must cover any wireless service charges incurred for receiving the message.
How long will it take to receive a message if there is an emergency?
Emergency emails can be sent only by select personnel based on their best judgment. Once the email is sent to the mail server, it will be handled separately from all other UT Dallas email and distributed in a matter of minutes. Once it leaves the University mail server, speedy delivery is dependent on your service provider.
Can parents receive emergency text messages?
Only individuals who have UT Dallas NetIDs can receive text messages. Informing students, faculty and staff when immediate action is necessary is the priority of this system. In case of an emergency, parents can find information on the University’s homepage, and can call their students to check on their situations. Students are also encouraged to call parents to share information regarding their status. Parents also should encourage their children to enroll in Campus Alert.
Updated: September 20, 2007
