What is CUNY A!ert?

CUNY A!ert is a new emergency notification system that will enable the University’s campuses to advise students, faculty and staff of an emergency (a severe hurricane or snowstorm, for example), and provide timely information to protect lives and minimize campus disruption. CUNY has worked with the State Emergency Management Office to utilize the state’s all-hazards alert and notification system, NY-Alert, for use by the CUNY campuses.

Depending upon the severity of the incident, CUNY A!ert messages can range from specific instructions to general warnings. These notifications will be sent to members of your campus community who have signed up for CUNY A!ert. Messages can be received via cell phone (text and/or voice), land line telephone and e-mail. You must “opt in” to receive alerts, and you can choose your preferred format or formats to receive the messages. The CUNY A!ert system will be operational in early 2008 on all campuses after an initial sign-up period.

Stay alert! Sign up at your campus today for CUNY A!ert!

How to Sign Up

To sign up for CUNY A!ert at your campus visit www.cuny.edu/alert for step-by-step instructions. You'll be asked to provide at least one email address. You may also include a cell phone number and a provider to receive text message alerts and a phone number, either cell or land line, to receive voice alerts. You may list one phone number for each of these options, but you should be aware that the alert system will attempt to contact every number you list. Therefore, we advise that you list your preferred number for text messaging and/or your preferred number for voice messages. We suggest that you avoid using a CUNY phone number so that you can be reached at all times.

Are all CUNY campuses participating in CUNY A!ert?

Yes. All students, faculty and staff are urged to sign up for CUNY A!ert at your campus.

When and how can students, faculty and staff sign up?

To sign up for CUNY A!ert at your campus log on to www.cuny.edu/alert and follow the instructions. Enrolled students, including continuing education students, faculty, staff and other members of the campus community, are eligible to sign up.

What are the benefits of CUNY A!ert?

• CUNY A!ert provides a secure, web-based emergency alert system for the entire CUNY campus system.

• CUNY A!ert is an opt-in system, which means you choose to participate, and you select the way you want to be notified.

• CUNY A!ert is available to you even if you are presently registered with another emergency notification system.

What types of "Emergency Messages" may I receive?

Primarily, you may receive messages for emergency events. Here are a few examples:

• Weather – severe weather conditions to include flooding, snow/ice/cold, thunderstorm, wind, tornado or hurricane.

• Fire – fire to building(s), wildfires, local community or industry that endangers a campus.

• Bomb Threat/Suspicious Package – based on intelligence that indicates the threat is credible.

• Civil Disturbance – large group disrupting normal campus activities.

• Hazardous Material - dangerous or hazardous material incident that may pose a risk to the college community.

• Major Road Closing/Off Campus Incident – unanticipated external event that would disrupt safe passage to and from a campus.

• Medical Emergency – epidemic or event with mass casualties.

• Personal Safety – situations that include use of weapons, violence, perpetrator(s) at large, active shooter, hostage situation or missing persons. Any situation on or off campus that constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat to person or property.

• Utility Failure – a major disruption or damage to utilities including gas, electricity or water.

Depending upon the severity of the incident, CUNY A!ert messages can range from specific instructions to general warnings. These notifications will be sent to members of your campus community who have signed up for CUNY A!ert. Messages can be received via preferred phone (text and/or voice), telephone and e-mail. You must “opt in” to receive alerts. The CUNY A!ert system will be operational in early 2008 on all campuses after an initial sign-up period.

To sign up for CUNY A!ert at your campus visit www.cuny.edu/alert for step-by-step instructions. You'll be asked to provide at least one email address and may also provide up to 3 phone numbers to receive audio and text message alerts. Alerts will be sent to all registered phone numbers and email addresses that you provide. Therefore, we advise that you list your preferred number for text messaging and/or your preferred number for voice messages. We suggest that you avoid using a CUNY phone number so that you can be reached at all times.

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