WVU Alert FAQS

Why did WVU implement ?WVU Alert??

WVU reviewed its options and decided that adding text/email messaging would broaden the reach of its emergency communications. Many students, faculty and staff members carry devices that receive text messages and emails, so the new system adds a way to spread the word effectively.

When will ?WVU Alert? messages be sent?

Select staff at WVU will have the authority to decide whether an emergency message is warranted. Examples include:

  • Emergency Alert: Notifications regarding critical incidents that pose an imminent threat to the health or safety of the University on-campus community. Examples of such emergency incidents include, but are not limited to severe weather, hazardous materials incidents, and acts of criminal violence that broadly threaten the safety of the University community.
  • Crime Alert: Utilized for major crimes which have occurred on or off-campus, requiring University Police response, and/or present an ongoing threat directly affecting the university community. These offenses include but are not limited to; Criminal Homicide, Sex Offenses, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Motor Vehicle Theft and Arson.
  • Weather Alert: Utilized when weather conditions have, or will cause delays and additionally when such conditions have or will close the university or when a severe weather warning has been issued.

Note that standard WVU announcements will not generate a WVU Alert.

How can I participate?

Enrollment is voluntary, but WVU students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate.

  • To sign up for WVU Alert, faculty and staff should go to http://emergency.wvu.edu/alert/ ; students can sign onto Mountaineer Information Xpress (MIX) and click on the emergency alert system icon. (NOTE: If off-campus, people will be asked to supply their MASTERID.)
  • The instructions are self-explanatory; however, users must have their mobile phones handy in order to verify the access code once confirmation comes through. Users who have a Blackberry will receive their validation code via the phone?s email. Users will not be registered until they verify the access code.
  • Once registered, individuals are automatically signed-up to receive all three alert notices ? emergency alert, crime alerts and weather-related closings and delays.
  • The system is registered with every cell phone carrier in the country and takes only seconds to minutes to activate once the registration is complete. Accounts can also be customized so that alerts can be received via e-mail Mobile phone (via SMS text message), Blackberry, Wireless PDA, Text pager, School email & personal e-mail accounts, Personal portal (My Yahoo, iGoogle or My AOL page) or RSS reader.
  • University Police recommend users ?opt out? on an annual basis and renew their registration each year. When the registration runs out, participants will receive an e-mail alerting them to sign up again or let the service drop (if they have moved on or graduated, for example).

How do I validate my WVU Alert account?

To validate your account:

  1. Go to: http://emergency.wvu.edu/alert/e2campus_login/
  2. Login using the username and password you created
  3. Click the “Services” tab
  4. Under “Status” you should see “Validate Now” next to the phone number or email you have registered
  5. Click “Validate Now”

If you’re validating your cell phone:
You will be taken to another page and a validation code will be sent to your phone. Enter the validation code and click the “Validate” button. You will be taken to a page which verifies your validation

If you’re validating your email address:
Email accounts will receive an email with a validation hyperlink. Click the link and you will be taken to a web page which verifies your validation.

How long will it take to receive a WVU Alert?

Once the email is sent to the mail server, it will be handled separately from all other WVU email and distributed in a matter of minutes. Once it leaves the University mail server, speedy delivery is dependent on your service provider.

What is involved with WVU Alert?

The University will maintain a list of users who want to be contacted via WVU Alert. Instead of typical email information, the list will use email addresses that send text messages to pagers, cell phones or any other devices. The WVU Alert mailing list will be maintained in a database and updated nightly.

The system, powered by e2Campus and endorsed by the campus crime watchdog group, Security on Campus, is used by a number of colleges and universities across the country.

Who will have access to the email address I provide for WVU Alert?

Non-technical personnel will never have access to an individual’s WVU Alert email address. It will not be included in any WVU directories.

Who do I contact with questions about my WVU Alert account?

If you have any questions, concerns or issues you can contact the Help Desk at (304) 293-4444 or oithelp@mail.wvu.edu

Who pays for WVU Alert?

The University absorbs the cost of maintaining the mailing list and sending the message. Depending on the person?s personal cell phone carrier, there may be a minimal fee from the carrier to receive text messages, but there is no charge from WVU.

Can parents receive WVU Alert messages?

Besides the participant, the system also allows users to add one additional cell phone and e-mail address. It is up to the user to determine if they would like an alternative contact to receive WVU Alerts.