University updating alert system to enable more employees to receive texts during emergencies

Colleagues,

The University of Kansas is updating its emergency alert system to ensure Lawrence and Edwards campus employees receive critical information during an emergency.

The updates will be different for employees of the University of Kansas versus employees of KU affiliate organizations (such as Kansas Athletics, the KU Memorial Unions, and others). Details are below.

Updates for university employees

Effective February 18, all university employee mobile phones listed in HR Pay will automatically be opted into the emergency alert system, which sends text messages and emails in the event of an emergency. This change means employees whose phone numbers are in HR Pay no longer need to specifically sign up for emergency text messages in the My KU Portal, and will instead receive them automatically.

If your mobile phone number is already in HR Pay, you don’t need to take any action. If you have not already added your mobile number in HR Pay, we recommend you add it now so you will receive emergency alerts. Please refer to the online instructions on how to update your number.

If you prefer not to receive text messages, you may choose to opt out in HR Pay.

Updates for affiliate organization employees

For employees of KU affiliate organizations, the process to receive emergency text messages is not automatic. Rather, you will need to text “Jayhawk” to 226787 to subscribe, at which point you will receive a welcome text message.

System test February 18

As part of this system update, employees may receive a test text and email message on the afternoon of February 18. No action is required of employees during this test.

In the meantime, review the FAQs below about our emergency alerts system and how it keeps employees and students informed during an emergency. If you have additional questions, visit alerts.ku.edu or contact the Office of Emergency Management at emergencymgt@ku.edu.

Sincerely,

The Office of Emergency Management

 

How does the university’s emergency alert system work?

The university has a multi-channel approach to communicating with employees and students in the event of an emergency. This system includes:

- Text messages

- Email messages

- An emergency public address system with speakers covering 98% of academic areas on the Lawrence and Edwards campuses.

Why is this change important?

Rapid notification in emergency situations is sent to students, faculty and staff for incidents that occur within the university’s geography as defined by the federal Clery Act. As part of the Clery Act, the university is required to send emergency notifications in the case of significant emergency or dangerous situations involving an immediate threat to health or safety. Refer to Clery information webpage for details.

How often are emergency alerts sent?

The emergency notification system will only be used for three reasons:

- An emergency requiring immediate action

- A campus closure due to inclement weather

- Periodic system testing

What phone number(s) and email address will emergency alert messages come from?

Text messages will come from 226787, 67283, 78015 and 77295. Emails will come from ku@email.getrave.com.

After an emergency alert is issued, where can I find more details about an emergency?

Additional information may be provided via subsequent text messages, email and at alerts.ku.edu. 

Will an “all clear” message be sent when an emergency is resolved?

Yes, an “all clear” will be sent once the emergency has been resolved and the campus is safe to resume normal operations.    

How do I keep my information updated to receive notifications via text?

For university employees, the data is pulled from HR Pay. Please refer to our online instructions on how to update your number. Employees of KU affiliates and others who are interested can subscribe by texting “Jayhawk” to 226787.

What about students?

Students will notice no changes, as their mobile phone data will continue to be automatically pulled from the information they provide in Enroll & Pay. Students do have the option to opt out of mobile alerts. Once logged in to Enroll & Pay, instructions are on the “Personal Details” tile at the bottom of the “Contact Details” page. 

Do I need to install an app on my phone to receive messages?

No.

 

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Lawrence KS
66045
kugr@ku.edu

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