TCU ALERT FAQs

Fort Worth, TX

11/3/2009

What is TCU ALERT?
TCU ALERT is a service that will send emergency text messages or
weather-related campus closure information to faculty, staff and students via their cell or home phones.

When will TCU activate TCU ALERT?
Once a major emergency situation or weather-related closure has been declared, TCU will immediately send that information to the campus via TCU ALERT. Additionally, the University will post the information to the TCU home page, send a campuswide e-mail and place a recording on the recorded information line (817-257-4636 – INFO or toll free at 1-866-321-7428).

How will the University know if the campus member has received the message?
Each campus member will press a number on his or her phone to acknowledge receipt of the emergency message. If a recipient fails to do this, he or she will continue to receive calls until acknowledgement is received.

What if I don’t have a cell phone or I don’t want TCU to have my cell phone number?
Sending a text message to a cell phone or other electronic device is a very efficient way to disseminate campus emergencies or weather-related closures. However, if an individual does not have a cell phone or chooses not to give a cell phone number, another number can be used.

What other numbers can be called?
Home phone numbers* and key residence hall and facility phones.
* Students, this is your local apartment or residence telephone number that is categorized as “current” in my.tcu.edu. The “permanent” category is for your parents’ number only.

Why do I have to add cell phone information on my.tcu.edu?
TCU currently collects all phone number information through my.tcu.edu. Technology resources staff will add phone information collected through my.tcu.edu into TCU ALERT.

What if I already updated my phone information at the beginning of the semester?
If you added your cell phone number using the category cellular phone then you do not need to do anything at this time. However, if your cell phone number is listed as your permanent or current number, you will need to remove that number from those categories and add it to the cellular phone category.

How often will TCU ALERT be tested?
TCU will test TCU ALERT on a bi-annual basis.

If I’m a student, how do I add my cell phone number?
•    Go to my.tcu.edu
•    Click on the Student Center and then click Student Center link
•    Under Personal Information, click on Home/Permanent phone number link
•    Add your cell phone number under the cellular phone category
•    Save the changes

If I’m a faculty or staff member, how do I add my cell phone number?
•    Go to my.tcu.edu
•    Click on the Employee Self-Service link and then the HR Self-Service Home link
•    Click on Permanent Phone link
•    Choose “Add a Phone Number”
•    Add your cell phone number under the cellular phone category
•    Save the changes