Registration is under way for NIU’s new text alert system at http://www.niu.edu/alert/.
Enrollment is quick, easy and free. Cell phone users without unlimited texting might incur charges for text messages and should check their plans.
More than 5,500 cell phone users already have signed up to receive text message notifications of imminent and verifiable dangers or threats affecting the general campus population, said Walter Czerniak, associate vice president for information technology. Because the typical participation rate for college campuses is around 30 percent, another 4,500 are expected.
The text alerts add to NIU’s repertoire of emergency warning options, which also include sirens, public address systems, e-mail and Web page notices. Text alerts will only be sent in the event of imminent and verifiable dangers or threats affecting the general campus population.
“Students and families wanted to know if we have a text messaging system. The people who ask for one are pretty passionate about it and think it’s pretty important,” Czerniak said. “We looked at several systems and found one that was easy to use and fast to set up.”
NIU chose New Lenox, Ill.-based Xstream Mobile Solutions Corp.’s Xstream SAFE technology, which ITS will maintain. NIU’s Department of Public Safety will control the use of the system, Czerniak said.
Testing has gone well, he said. A few early concerns with wireless carriers that were “a little bit slower” have been resolved. If cell networks are not overtaxed, the alerts will come to users unobstructed and in a timely manner.
For more information, including frequently asked questions, visit http://www.niu.edu/alert/.