UU Alerts:
Frequently Asked Questions

Union University continues to work to provide a safe learning, living and working environment for students and employees. However, there can be times when it is critical that the college find ways to immediately inform the campus community of an emergency.

As part of the college's review of the emergency response plan, a new program was implemented during the Fall 2007 semester. All students and employees are strongly encouraged to sign up for notification of campus emergencies through a text message and email alert system.

Q: How do I get this service?
A: You must have a cell phone that accepts text messages. You may want to sign up for a text message plan with your carrier, if you do not have one already. Register for alerts at http://www.uu.edu/uualerts/.

Q: How do I stop this service?
A: The suggested method is to unsubscribe on http://www.uu.edu/uualerts/. Alternatively, you may also text STOP to 68247.

Q: What will it cost?
A: There will be no cost from the university; the only cost would be from your carrier depending on the standard messing rate of your plan.

Q: Will my cell phone number be given out or made public?
A: No. The university will not publish or give out your cell phone number. It will only be securely shared with OTAir, the company providing Union with this alert service.

Q: Some alert services are advertiser supported; will I receive ads on my phone?
A: No, the OTAir solution is not advertiser supported and though many advertisers use OTAir's mobile marketing and alert services, they do not have access to our data.

Q: Does this work with all carriers?
A: The service works throughout the United States and some territories. 99% of U.S. mobile subscribers are covered. If you have a pay-as-you-go plan with carriers such as Virgin Mobile, you may not be able to receive alert messages and is a limitation of those carriers, not the service or service provider.

Q: What if I change carriers or phone number?
A: Please be sure to re-register or update your profile information to facilitate successful message delivery to you.

Q: What is the difference in carriers between AT&T (mmode.com) and AT&T (txt.att.net)?
A: As you choose your carrier, please note that you have two choices for AT&T. Mmode refers to older/former Cingular customers and will end by the end of the year. att.net is the choice most of you will make if AT&T is your current carrier. (e.g. When in doubt, choose att.net if that is your carrier.)

Q: I have Cellular South (or another carrier not listed). What are my options?
A: Please send an e-mail to webmaster@uu.edu that includes your name, ID, confirmation of carrier and cell phone number, and we will evaluate how to enter you into the system.

Q: How will this be used?
A: Union University will use the emergency alert system only in case of emergency that impacts the campus(es) and requires immediate communication (e.g. campus power outages, security threats, and/or severe weather alerts). Campus involvement alerts will be sent as determined by the group administrator. Again, the service will not be used for commercial advertising.

Q: How else does the college communicate in emergencies?
A: Depending on the situation, various types of communication are used. This includes, but is not limited to Union email, voice mail, postings on the website, radio and television broadcast, the Info Dawg Hotline (731-661-5048), and personal contact to an area.

Q: Can parents sign up for this program?
A: Yes.

Q: If I've signed up before, do I need to sign up each semester?
No, once you have signed up, you are in the system until you choose to un-register by logging back in at this site with your number or replying to one of our texts with UUALERTS END.

Q: Has this system been tested?
A: Yes, at Union University on a small scale, however, many colleges, businesses and organizations nationwide are using this same system on a daily basis. Each October 1 and April 1 a message will be sent to test the system and those that have signed up will receive instructions on how to respond.

Q: How do I get help if I have a question or problem?
A: For general system questions and issues with registration, e-mail webmaster@uu.edu. For technical questions about text message alerts and phone compatibility, contact OTAir at 888-898-8247 or support@otair.com. You may also text HELP to 68247 at anytime to get the support info.