UNC pushes text messaging program
By: Alice Miller, Staff Writer
Issue date: 2/19/08 Section: University
Although the University has been pushing an emergency text messaging program since last semester, many UNC students are not taking advantage of the feature.
Of the about 28,000 students and 11,000 faculty and staff on campus, only about 5,200 cell phone numbers -3,500 of those students- are registered to receive a text message in the event of a campuswide emergency - totaling about 13 percent of the campus.
"It doesn't take long to do, and it doesn't cost anything except a possible 10 cents when receiving a text message about an emergency," said Bryan Payst, the director of informational technology for student affairs. "I would even offer to put a bucket of dimes in the Pit in order to have people sign up."
And in the wake of last week's shootings at Northern Illinois University, UNC's Department of Public Safety is stressing campus safety policies even more.
This weekend Chancellor James Moeser sent out a formal notice to all UNC students and faculty, suggesting they sign up for the text message alert program.
The N.C. General Assembly is considering safety recommendations that came out in January. They include the addition of communication systems that link to local police and the ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, said Brad Wilson, a member and former chairman of the UNC-system Board of Governors.
Junior Dana Rodgers said she plans to register her phone number but hasn't yet, because she's afraid of her number being distributed.
"I think it is a good thing especially since everyone always carries their cell phone," she said.
But registering a phone number does not mean anyone can see it.
"People can block their number from the public and still have it be picked up for text messaging purposes," said Jeff McCracken, the chief of police and director of public safety.
Students who use UNC Mobile as their cell phone service provider, about 1,386 total, are automatically registered for the alerts, Payst said.
McCracken also stressed that UNC will use the text program only in the event of emergencies.
The text messaging service is one of several programs to improve campus safety. Four sirens were installed last semester on campus to alert students of emergencies.
"We work in a layered communication system," McCracken said. "The sirens will alert people outside the buildings, and the texts will alert people inside the buildings."
A new Web site, alert.unc.edu, is another place students can find directions and informational updates during emergencies.
"We want lots of different ways to let people know what is going on," said Mike McFarland, director of University communications. "In case of an emergency, we will use a combination of all the channels of communication available."
Assistant State & National Editor Ariel Zirulnick
contributed reporting.
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
Of the about 28,000 students and 11,000 faculty and staff on campus, only about 5,200 cell phone numbers -3,500 of those students- are registered to receive a text message in the event of a campuswide emergency - totaling about 13 percent of the campus.
"It doesn't take long to do, and it doesn't cost anything except a possible 10 cents when receiving a text message about an emergency," said Bryan Payst, the director of informational technology for student affairs. "I would even offer to put a bucket of dimes in the Pit in order to have people sign up."
And in the wake of last week's shootings at Northern Illinois University, UNC's Department of Public Safety is stressing campus safety policies even more.
This weekend Chancellor James Moeser sent out a formal notice to all UNC students and faculty, suggesting they sign up for the text message alert program.
The N.C. General Assembly is considering safety recommendations that came out in January. They include the addition of communication systems that link to local police and the ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, said Brad Wilson, a member and former chairman of the UNC-system Board of Governors.
Junior Dana Rodgers said she plans to register her phone number but hasn't yet, because she's afraid of her number being distributed.
"I think it is a good thing especially since everyone always carries their cell phone," she said.
But registering a phone number does not mean anyone can see it.
"People can block their number from the public and still have it be picked up for text messaging purposes," said Jeff McCracken, the chief of police and director of public safety.
Students who use UNC Mobile as their cell phone service provider, about 1,386 total, are automatically registered for the alerts, Payst said.
McCracken also stressed that UNC will use the text program only in the event of emergencies.
The text messaging service is one of several programs to improve campus safety. Four sirens were installed last semester on campus to alert students of emergencies.
"We work in a layered communication system," McCracken said. "The sirens will alert people outside the buildings, and the texts will alert people inside the buildings."
A new Web site, alert.unc.edu, is another place students can find directions and informational updates during emergencies.
"We want lots of different ways to let people know what is going on," said Mike McFarland, director of University communications. "In case of an emergency, we will use a combination of all the channels of communication available."
Assistant State & National Editor Ariel Zirulnick
contributed reporting.
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
sam
posted 2/19/08 @ 4:56 PM EST
And did you send a txt when the escaped prisoners (5) were on their way to Chapel Hill?
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