What is AlertU?

AlertU is an emergency short messaging service or SMS (text) messaging technology developed for college and university communities and enterprises. Campus account managers send text messages to subscribers mobile devices communicating critical campus updates to students, staff and faculty in real-time. Friends and family members are also able to subscribe to receive updates.

How does AlertU work?

AlertU is only used in emergency situations to communicate critical information to students, faculty and staff during an emergency. AlertU is not to be used for non-emergency information or general updates as actual emergency messaging can lose effectiveness.

Are any costs associated with AlertU?

The AlertU service is free. However, standard text messaging rates apply for individual subscribers. Please contact your cell phone service provider for details about your specific account and fees.

Why should I sign up?

Campus emergencies can strike without warning and real-time information can contribute to your safety and the safety of others. In addition to the campus website and phone recordings, AlertU is one more resource to improve communication with SBVC students/staff/faculty and others in times of crisis.

How do I subscribe?

Users can subscribe immediately by texting "SBVC" to AlertU (253788). Additionally, you can sign up through an interface widget posted at www.valleycollege.edu or at www.alertu.org/sbvc. To unsubscribe, text "stop" or "unsub" to 253788 (AlertU).

Will I receive SPAM messages from AlertU?

No SPAM! Your subscriber information is only accessible to campus administrators and not shared with any business partner or third party marketers.

How is the AlertU program managed?

AlertU supports current emergency action plans as an additional emergency communication layer to students, staff and faculty. Once a situation is declared an emergency, the designated AlertU account manager or administrator at SBVC sends an alert to subscribers.

Why is it necessary to opt-in?

Telemarketing and anti-SPAM regulations clearly warn against sending unsolicited text SPAM messages. Subscribers simply have to opt-in, authorizing permission to receive text alerts to their phones.

What carriers are supported?

AlertU is supported by all major carriers: Alltel, AT&T, Boost Mobile, Cellular One, Nextel, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, and Verizon.

Why are smaller carriers not supported?

Small regional carriers, pre-paid phones and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) often do not support short code access. If your carrier is not currently supported, please e-mail support@alertu.org as new carrier support is constantly being added to the AlertU platform.

Who can I contact with additional questions?

Technical and account questions can be directed to AlertU Customer Support at support@alertu.org or 1-866-251-1200.