Hastings College has joined the list of schools that will use text messaging to alert students, faculty and staff to on-campus emergencies. The system is up and running.

 Last week, the college conducted a successful test of the new text message emergency notification system. A message was sent to 60 randomly selected faculty, staff and students. Fifty of those selected confirmed receipt of the message.

 A large percentage of students and faculty have cell phone numbers in the system, and college staff will continue to gather numbers for the others.

 The emergency system was created in response to the April 16 shooting at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. 

The college has also formed a committee to review other emergency and communication procedures. The group is developing a guide that will provide basic administrative guidelines necessary to cope with most emergencies common on college campuses.

The emergency plan addresses safety in on-campus residences, academic offices and in classrooms, and reinforces communication between the college and local authorities.

 For more information, contact Ron Chesbrough, vice president of student affairs, at (402) 461-7394.
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