1:41 p.m., Sept. 8, 2007--Implementation of the new UD Alert emergency notification system is under way, and it is anticipated that the system will be operational in October, according to David E. Hollowell, executive vice president and treasurer.

The UD Alert system will give the University the capability to provide emergency information quickly to the campus community. The system has the capability to send text, voice and e-mail messages.

"We've been collecting data from students and staff, and working with our vendor on technical matters," he said. "Of course, we want to have the system operational as soon as possible, but at the same time we want to ensure that everything is set up correctly so that it will operate properly should we need to use it."

Testing of the system is expected in late September or early October, he said.

UD Alert will be used only to broadcast announcements related to major emergencies or when weather forces closing of the University.

UD Alert builds on the University's existing emergency response plan, he said. "The new system is an important addition to our capability for communicating in an emergency, but it's important for the campus community to remember that the system is only effective if the phone numbers in our database are correct and up to date. I would urge everyone who has not already done so to update their contact information right away."

To date, more than 8,000 students have added cell phone numbers to the University's database.

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