2008 Woodie Awards
Emergency notification test gets mixed results
By: Meghan Kazer
Issue date: 2/12/08 Section: News
"If there is something going on on campus, I want to be aware of it," she said.
Although the majority of students have not signed up for the text messaging service, Currier said she believes it is a good idea.
"Students always have their cell phones on them," she said. "The only problem there would be is if you are in class and your cell phone is on silent, but other than that, I think it it's really effective."
Cox said he also hopes students decide to utilize JYNGLE.
"It really costs [students] nothing, and is certainly one of the best means of sending out an alert," Cox said.
Cox said six students reported not receiving text messages, which will be something the University looks into fixing.
Another problem is that too few students listen to WGRE in a day to make it an ample source for notification. Feedback showed that the University has a long way to go in terms of effectively communicating information in a crisis, Cox said.
"We will continue to benchmark with other schools and review more comprehensive means of emergency notification," he said. "Some of those ideas include networking our emergency blue lights and incorporating public address capabilities, and also research into outdoor 'emergency sirens.'"
Cox said he is pleased with the outcome of the test, but at the same time, the school recognizes the need for continued attention.
"The 97 percent success rate among those participating in the survey in encouraging, however we know we still face ... challenges," Cox said.
Cox said one thing Public Safety is pleased about is that the minor problems found during the test were resolved quickly. The campus will continue to run periodic testing at least once a semester.
Although the majority of students have not signed up for the text messaging service, Currier said she believes it is a good idea.
"Students always have their cell phones on them," she said. "The only problem there would be is if you are in class and your cell phone is on silent, but other than that, I think it it's really effective."
Cox said he also hopes students decide to utilize JYNGLE.
"It really costs [students] nothing, and is certainly one of the best means of sending out an alert," Cox said.
Cox said six students reported not receiving text messages, which will be something the University looks into fixing.
Another problem is that too few students listen to WGRE in a day to make it an ample source for notification. Feedback showed that the University has a long way to go in terms of effectively communicating information in a crisis, Cox said.
"We will continue to benchmark with other schools and review more comprehensive means of emergency notification," he said. "Some of those ideas include networking our emergency blue lights and incorporating public address capabilities, and also research into outdoor 'emergency sirens.'"
Cox said he is pleased with the outcome of the test, but at the same time, the school recognizes the need for continued attention.
"The 97 percent success rate among those participating in the survey in encouraging, however we know we still face ... challenges," Cox said.
Cox said one thing Public Safety is pleased about is that the minor problems found during the test were resolved quickly. The campus will continue to run periodic testing at least once a semester.
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