Rutgers announces mobile phone emergency notification system to enhance campus safety

In the wake of the tragic events that took place at Virginia Tech last week, Rutgers is implementing a new tool to enhance safety on campus. Beginning this week, Rutgers is encouraging students, faculty and staff on its three campuses to register their mobile phone numbers with the university so that they will be able to receive alert messages.

Anyone with a Rutgers “netID” – the university’s Internet identification that permits registered students and employees access to official information online – may go to a secure Web site, alerts.rutgers.edu, to record his or her cell phone number with the university. The information will be confidential. It will be used for notification only in emergencies, such as major weather events that force the cancellation of classes or imminent threats to the safety or security of the campus community.