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Text Messaging and E-mail

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GRIFFON ALERT?
GRIFFON ALERT is a messaging system that allows Western to communicate with members of the campus community quickly in the event of an emergency that affects a number of campus community people or facilities.

What is e2Campus?
e2Campus is the company that is contracted to provide the GRIFFON ALERT system. When you sign up for the GRIFFON ALERT system, you will be directed to their Web site for part of the process.

Is GRIFFON ALERT just for cell phones?
GRIFFON ALERT system can send messages to any device that can receive text messages through cellular service, such as cell phones, text pagers, BlackBerrys, and some wireless PDAs. In addition, you can also opt to have the messages sent to your e-mail address.

When will I get a GRIFFON ALERT message?
The university has created a well-defined set of situations that would prompt a GRIFFON ALERT message. GRIFFON ALERT will only be activated when there is a critical need to transmit urgent information to the campus community. Here are some examples:

• Ongoing safety threats in which an armed or dangerous criminal is at large on campus.

• Major facility emergencies or evacuations. This may include a large scale gas leak, fire, or hazardous material spill, occurring either on campus or near enough to campus to cause a credible threat to members of the campus community.

• Severe weather or illness. This may include a threat from a tornado requiring those on campus to take shelter or an outbreak of widespread illness on campus.

• Timely notification of crime. Though not all on-campus crime incidents will be reported via the GRIFFON ALERT system in addition to the Missouri Western Police Department's usual methods, those that represent a possible threat to campus safety will be communicated through GRIFFON ALERT.

How can I get more information once I receive a GRIFFON ALERT message?
Due to the limitations of text messaging, GRIFFON ALERT messages will be very brief and contain vital and immediate information. More information about a GRIFFON ALERT message will be made available through the other forms of communication available to the university, including messages posted to www.missouriwestern.edu, broadcast e-mails, and announcements to local media. More information can also be found on the Missouri Western Police Department Web site at www.missouriwestern.edu/PoliceDepartment.

Will I get advertising messages from GRIFFON ALERT?
No. GRIFFON ALERT will not be used to deliver any kind of advertising content, and mobile numbers will not be shared with any third parties.

Can my parents or guardian subscribe to GRIFFON ALERT?
The university has arranged for a limited number of subscriptions only for Western students, faculty and staff members. However, as a subscriber, you may list up to two cell phone numbers and two e-mail addresses to receive GRIFFON ALERT.

Does signing up for GRIFFON ALERT cost me anything?
There is no cost to sign up for GRIFFON ALERT. The only charges you incur would be the normal fees charged by your mobile service provider for receiving text messages.

Why is GRIFFON ALERT necessary?
The university has a wide variety of methods to communicate with members of the campus community. In recent years, the number of mobile telephones has dramatically increased, and text messaging has become a popular method to reach people immediately. The GRIFFON ALERT service allows the university to use the most up-to-date communication method to reach students, faculty and staff in the event of an emergency in addition to the university's other established communication methods.

What if I don’t have a cell phone or my cell phone doesn’t have text messaging?
GRIFFON ALERT is just one of the communication channels used in the event of an emergency. e2Campus is also used to activate other components of GRIFFON ALERT: voice messaging, public address notices, beacon activation and VOIP (Voice over IP) notices. The GRIFFON ALERT system is designed with multiple methods of emergency notification. You also have the option of signing up for e-mail notification only.

How do I sign up for GRIFFON ALERT?
It's easy! Just go to http://www.missouriwestern.edu/griffonalert and click on the cell phone graphic "Click Here to Sign Up for Griffon Alert Today". You will then be prompted to enter your e-mail user name (e.g. juser or jou9999) and password. Fill out the remaining form and click "Create Account." Be sure to have your mobile phone when you sign up, as you'll need it to enter a confirmation number.

Have additional questions or problems?
Contact griffonalert@missouriwestern.edu for assistance or additional information.