Missouri State University

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Office of the President 

March 2008 Friday Focus

Vol 3, No 5

“Missouri State Alert” Emergency Mass Notification System To Be Launched

One of the recommendations of the Emergency Response Task Force was that Missouri State University use a host-based text messaging service to communicate with all members of the University community in instances of campus emergencies. The Task Force further recommended that the service be a voluntary system with validation services, and that the web site and other support services would be maintained by an outside vendor.
 
I am pleased to announce that Missouri State University is establishing an emergency mass notification system, known as “Missouri State Alert,” for the Springfield and West Plains campuses. This system will enable Missouri State to communicate with students, faculty, and staff by using a number of contact methods, greatly increasing the likelihood that emergency messages will be delivered and received in a timely manner.
 
The “Missouri State Alert” system will only be used in the following situations:
  • Immediate threat/violent situation on campus
  • Security alert
  • University closings, early dismissal, delayed start
  • Severe weather alerts
  • Other emergency situations of an extreme nature
  • Periodic testing of the system
The system will not be used for advertisements, marketing messages, or to communicate campus or community events. Subscription information obtained from registration will not be shared.
 
Registration for “Missouri State Alert” is completely voluntary; however, because of their unique responsibilities, the following relatively small number of individuals will be required to register for the system:
  • All Members of Administrative Council
  • Associate Provosts
  • Academic Deans
  • Academic Department Heads
  • Public Safety Officers
  • All Building Coordinators
  • Selected Residential Life Staff Members
Registration for all students, faculty and staff will begin in the next two weeks, and additional information will be provided concerning the sign-up process. While it is voluntary, I want to encourage students, faculty, and staff to sign up for the service. I believe the “Missouri State Alert” system will provide one more measure of security to our campus, and I am pleased that we are now able to introduce this service.