jAlert Procedure

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TBR Policy Reference: NA

Approved by: President's Cabinet

Original Date Effective: 2014-04-15

Last Modified: 2024-06-17

Procedure

The alert system provides effective communication with campus community members through telephone, voice mail, email and text messaging. Telephone and e-mail messages will be sent to all students or by pulling distribution groups from the Banner system.

This tool will be used in a controlled manner to address institutional priorities and maximize effectiveness. Overuse of the system could result in apathy and frustration. Therefore, the alert system will be used only for the following priorities unless otherwise approved by the President:

Priority 1 - Campus Emergencies

  • Fire
  • Tornado/severe storm
  • Earthquake
  • Lockdown/active shooter
  • Other events that threaten the safety of community member

Priority 2 - Urgent Announcement

  • School closing
  • Canceling classes for situations affecting safety or physical plant issues.

Priority 3 - Enhancing Enrollment

  • Retention
  • Orientation
  • Registration
  • Financial Aid
  • Advising
  • Event Announcements
  • Other requests as deemed appropriate

Points of Control and Implementation:

The President or their designee will approve all Priority 1 and 2 announcements.

The Chief of Police will issue all Priority 1 messages, In the event of their absence, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer will approve and issue such messages.

The Chief Marketing and Communications Officer will issue all Priority 2 messages. In the event of their absence, the Director of Information Technology will approve and issue such messages.

The Chief Marketing and Communications Officer will approve and issue all Priority 3 messages. In the event of their absence, a member of that Office will issue such messages.

Process:

  • Priority 1 announcements will be issued upon the determination of the President of the college or their designee. The President or designee will notify the Chief of Police with the specific message to be issued.
    • The Chief of Police, or, if they are unavailable, the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer will issue the announcement.
    • Those wishing to be removed from the text/phone alerts can do so at any time by updating or modifying their contact information (except for their official campus email) by logging into jAlert through jWeb and opting out of any of the groups via the dashboard. The JSCC All Emergency Group cannot be opted out of. Users can also opt-out of a distribution group by replying to the text message received with the word “STOP”
  • Priority 3 announcements will be issued based on an online request submitted thru jWeb's PR & Marketing Order. The request will go to the Office the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for approval.