Emergency Text Messaging System

Terms and Conditions

Responding to institutional emergencies in a rapid or timely fashion is becoming increasingly important as demonstrated by recent events at other colleges. The Information Technology department is focusing on the development of emergency communication mechanisms that will allow us to reach our constituents in a timely manner. One new feature is the capability to send out text messages in the case of an emergency. This document summarizes Tri-County Technical College’s Emergency Text Messaging System and procedures.

This service is provided to all active employees and students who opt in to receive emergency text messages. It is offered on a purely voluntary basis, and at any time you may opt in or out. In order to receive these notifications, you must have a mobile device that can receive text messages and a service plan with your provider that enables you to receive such messages. Any costs associated with receiving text messages from your provider will be your responsibility. It is recommended that your cell phone be configured to alert you to incoming text messages either by tone or vibration.

This service will only be used by the college’s administration to send text messages to cell phones when an emergency situation has been determined to present a safety or security threat to students or employees on our campuses.

If you decide to opt in, there is no guarantee of delivery, since the demands on local cell towers are outside the college’s control. In the event of an actual emergency, thousands of text messages will be sent. Congestion at your service provider may delay or prevent the delivery of these messages. The text messaging system is not a guarantee that you will receive timely notice of every emergency.

Campus-wide testing of this system will be performed each term. During these tests, you will be asked to return to the Opt-In page to report whether you received a text message, and if so, how timely it was received.

Test text messages will be sent from the email address txtmsg@tctc.edu. This is not an email account that is monitored by Campus Safety. In the case of an emergency, a text message will be sent from the email address campussafety@tctc.edu. This address is monitored daily by Campus Safety. However, if you need to report an emergency situation, please contact 911 or Campus Safety at extension 1800.

Click here and follow the instructions to enter your cell phone number, select your cell phone provider and opt in or out from receiving text messages in the case of an emergency.