Text messaging expanded for emergency notification

As part of ongoing efforts to improve emergency communications, all students will begin receiving emergency notifications via text messages through the DukeALERT notification system, beginning in January 2011. This change replaces the "opt-in" system currently in place. The system will also be expanded to include all business cell phones paid for by Duke.

"Text messaging has been an effective part of our DukeALERT notification system, especially for those who are scattered around campus at any given point during the day or night," said Kyle Cavanaugh, Duke's emergency coordinator and vice president for Human Resources. "This measure will help ensure we reach more people quickly in the event of an emergency."

Beginning December 20, all students will be required to include their cell phone number as part of the standard student data verification process. In the event of an emergency or incident that potentially represents an ongoing threat on campus, this number will be used by administrators to notify students of the threat.

The numbers collected will not be included in Duke's online directory, unless the student chooses to have it listed.

"DukeALERT messages are sent infrequently - some semesters only for testing purposes," said Larry Moneta, vice president for Student Affairs. "But text messaging is now so ubiquitous among students that this medium will serve as one of the most reliable means of getting emergency information to students effectively."

In January, more than 4,000 employees who use a Duke-purchased cell phone for business purposes will also be added to the emergency text messaging system.

Text messaging was added to the DukeALERT notification system in 2008 as an option for students, faculty and staff. Currently, approximately 8,000 individuals have registered for emergency text messaging. These changes will enable emergency response personnel to reach as many as 12,000 additional campus cell phones with emergency information.