1:07 p.m., Aug. 20, 2007--The University of Delaware is implementing a new emergency notification system, called UD Alert, that will make it possible to provide emergency information quickly to students, faculty and staff through several electronic communication options.

“With UD Alert, we will be able send out text messages, voice messages and e-mail messages quickly if there is an emergency situation,” UD President Pat Harker said. “In any crisis situation that may occur, the ability to communicate with the members of the University community is critical.

“A key part of the process is that students, faculty and staff must make sure their contact information is complete and up to date,” he said. “If you don't have a cell phone listed in our system, you won't be able to receive a text message.”

The UD Alert system will be used only to broadcast announcements related to emergency issues and to weather-related closings or late openings.

Students should enter contact information in UDSIS, and faculty and staff should check to insure their information is current in the Human Resources database. Employees who do not have computer access should contact their HR Liaisons.

Information on how to update information is available at two web sites:

For Students: www.udel.edu/udalertstudent

For Staff: www.udel.edu/udalertstaff

Contact and emergency information can be updated anytime online. Students also may use any of the nine kiosks in the Student Services Building.

Special kiosks will be available from Aug. 25-31 at three locations on the campus:

Rodney Room, Perkins Student Center: 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Aug. 25 and 26;

Trabant University Center Food Court and University Bookstore, Perkins Student Center: 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Aug. 25 and 26; 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Aug. 27; 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Aug. 28-31.

Staff members in Information Technologies are now in the process of working with Send Word Now, a leading provider of alert and response services, to get the system set up so that it will be operational for the 2007-08 academic year.