Text Alert System

Messiah University is committed to providing a safe learning, living and working environment for students and employees and recognizes the importance of communicating quickly and effectively during an emergency situation. While the University would utilize multiple communication outlets in an emergency situation, the widespread prevalence of cellular phones offer a means of communicating quickly and broadly to the campus population. Even if only one person in a classroom receives a text message alert, they can notify an entire classroom of the situation. The word of mouth potential with this type of alert system adds significant additional value.

How to register for Messiah text alerts

We encourage all Messiah University students and employees to register for the alert system, called Rave, through an easy sign up in the University's portal, FALCONLink. Message and data rates may apply.

FAQs about Messiah’s text message alert system

Why is the University utilizing a text messaging system to communicate during emergencies?

Cellular phones are integral to college life and text messaging is popular, fast and far-reaching. Also, after a significant crisis, like September 11, 2001, text message capabilities are often the first technology to be restored. 

Who can sign up for the text alert system?

Currently enrolled students (undergraduate and graduate) at any Messiah University campus and current employees able to log into FALCONLink are strongly encouraged to sign up for text message alerts.

How do I sign up for Messiah’s text message alert system?

First, you must have a cell phone and a plan that accepts text messages. If you are uncertain if your current plan allows text messaging, please call your service provider. Then, register your cell phone number through FALCONLink.

Will this service cost me money?

The only potential cost would be a charge from your cellular phone carrier, depending on the standard messaging rate of your plan.

Which cellular service providers are compatible with the system?

All of the major cellular service providers are compatible with Messiah's text alert system. Pay-as-you-go phones are not compatible with the University's text message alert system at this time.

Will my cell phone number be shared or made public?

No. The University will not publish or give out your cell phone number. It will be in a secure file that is shared only with the company partnering to provide Messiah University with this text alert service.

What if I change my carrier or phone number?

You will need to register again to provide updated information. Occasional reminders will be sent to the entire campus community to prompt people to provide new cell phone numbers, if appropriate.  

What if I don’t have a cell phone?

Even if only one student in a classroom receives a text message alert about an emergency situation, he/she can notify the entire class of the situation. Plus, text messages are just one way the University will communicate with campus during an emergency.

Do I have to sign-up for these alerts?

No, but the University advises you to participate to be among the informed in an emergency situation. 

How will this alert system be used?

Messiah University will use the text messaging alert system for two primary reasons: 1) As a resource for communicating about an emergency that impacts the campus and 2) To share information regarding weather-related delays and closings. The alert system will not be used for advertising or marketing purposes.

How often will I receive text alert messages from Messiah?

The University will only send a text message alert in case of a weather-related delay or closing or in an emergency situation, so it is very hard to predict how frequently either of those situations might occur. Based on our experience since the system was implemented in 2007, it is unlikely you will receive more than a few alerts each academic year.

How do I get assistance if I have a question or technical problem with the text messaging system?

For general questions about registering for the text message alert system, e-mail emergencyresponse@messiah.edu.

Once I’ve registered my cell phone number, can I change my mind and opt out?

Yes. You can text “STOP” to one of the following Rave short codes 226787, 67283 or 81437. If you want to re-enroll: text “START” to 226787, 67283 or 81437.

I signed up, but I don't seem to be receiving any text message alerts. What should I do?

You should receive a message immediately after registering your cell phone number. If you do not, check with your carrier to ensure that Messiah's number (21333) isn't being tagged as spam or blocked.

How else will the University communicate in an emergency?

Depending on the situation, various communication vehicles are used, including, but not limited to, email, social media, voicemail, website postings, radio and television broadcasts and personal contact. In an emergency, a variety of these outlets, as well as the text message alert system, will likely be used.

Can parents register for text message alerts from Messiah University?

At this point parents cannot register for Messiah’s text message alerts; however, the University is looking into adding that feature to its system.

How will parents be notified in an emergency situation?

Parents will be notified in a timely manner of an emergency situation on campus through e-mail, social media, the University's emergency blog and website updates.