University will send emergency text messages to cell phones

Fort Worth, TX

9/26/2007

TCU today announced that it is set to launch TCU ALERT, a new service that will allow the University to send emergency text messages and weather-related campus closures via cell phones. The service is powered by 3N, a national vendor specializing in mass notification services. The University will implement TCU ALERT in the coming weeks after campus members’ cell phone numbers have been collected.

“The Chancellor appointed a committee to examine mass communication services for use in emergency situations,” said Jill Laster, associate vice chancellor for human resources. “We researched numerous companies and reviewed other institutions’ mass communication methods and determined 3N was the best option for TCU.”

TCU is currently collecting campus members’ cell phone numbers via my.tcu.edu. Faculty and staff can add their cell phone numbers at the HR Self-Service site located on my.tcu.edu; students can add their information at the Student Center on my.tcu.edu. Technology Resources staff will migrate phone information into TCU ALERT.

Although many students added their cell phone numbers prior to registering for classes this semester, some listed their cell number under the permanent or current phone category instead of the cellular phone category. Students who did this must go back to my.tcu.edu and put their cell phone number under the cellular phone category in order to receive messages from TCU ALERT.

In addition to TCU ALERT, the University will continue to use the TCU home page, campuswide e-mails and the recorded information line to relay emergency messages and weather-related closures to campus. TCU ALERT will be utilized during major campus emergencies or when campus is closed due to inclement weather.

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