UNMC has lifted a text message block on all Verizon corporate pool plan phones used by employees because it would stop emergency messages sent by the e2Campus system should a catastrophic event occur on campus.
Employees with private Verizon accounts who have set up the text-message block will need to turn it off if they desire to receive emergency messages from e2Campus.
In January, UNMC Today ran an announcement offering tips on how Verizon users could set up the text message block in order to stop unwanted incoming text messages. UNMC had initially set up the block for all corporate pool plan phones but has since disabled the block when it became apparent it also would stop emergency messages.
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UNMC set up an e2Campus system last year following shootings at Virginia Tech University that left 33 people dead. The system would send text messages, e-mails and/or pages to subscribed students and employees in the case of an extreme emergency on campus.
Employees wanting to register for the system, which is voluntary, can do so by logging onto http://ess.unmc.edu. Students can register online at http://care.unmc.edu or via Blackboard.
Registrants must have one of the following communication devices to receive an emergency message:
- Mobile phone with Short Messaging Service (SMS) capability;
- E-mail service with valid e-mail address;
- Access to Internet with Web browser;
- Text paging device; or
- Blackberry device.
Registrants can manage their own account via an Internet browser and make updates to their device or contact information, such as adding a spouse or family contacts who also would receive messages should a life-threatening event occur on campus.
Registrants would have to pay the cost for messaging should such an event occur but the cost of a message should only add about 10 cents to one’s cellular phone bill.
The system only will be used in the case of emergencies, not in the distribution of routine campus announcements or advertisements.