Frequently Asked Questions About
Arcadia’s Emergency Notification System
Am I required to sign up?
No. Arcadia has selected an opt-in system for text messaging. It’s your call whether you sign up. If you don’t, you will still receive emergency alerts at your Arcadia e-mail address.
Why should I sign up?
About 90 percent of today’s college students have mobile phones and carry them wherever they go, as do many faculty and staff. We hope we’ll never have to use this system, but in the event of a life-threatening emergency, it’s the fastest way for Arcadia to get information to you.
Who can sign up?
This emergency notification system is for Arcadia students, faculty, staff and on-campus contractors. The registration page can be accessed only through MyArcadia.
What are the benefits of text messaging?
It’s Fast (delivery within seconds of an announcement), Accurate (comes directly from Arcadia) and Easy to Use (comes right to your phone). The telecom industry has collaborated, and text messages sent through an emergency notification system get priority routing, especially during an emergency when phone lines are jammed. Also, the system is run offsite, with multiple backups, so even if the power if off at Arcadia or our computer network is down, e2Campus can deliver our emergency notifications.
Can I just get e-mails?
Yes. Your Arcadia e-mail address is automatically part of the system. Use the registration page on MyArcadia to enter up to two additional e-mail addresses. To register an e-mail, log in and select “Services.” To complete the registration of an e-mail address, you must click on the validation link sent in an e-mail to that address.
When will the system be used?
This new emergency notification will be used only in the event of a life-threatening emergency. It will be tested occassionally. It does NOT replace any of the other forms of communication that Arcadia currently uses. Messages sent in the event of a life-threatening emergency will be designed to convey actions you should take to protect yourself.
How many mobile phone numbers can I enter?
Two, but you must have the phone with you when you register it so that you can enter the validation code sent by e2Campus via text message. To register a number, log in and select “Services.”
How many e-mail addresses can I register?
Two. Remember that your Arcadia e-mail address is already part of the system, so only register non-Arcadia e-mail addresses. To register an e-mail, log in and select “Services.” To complete the registration of an e-mail address, you must click on the validation link sent in an e-mail to that address.
What is e2Campus?
Arcadia has selected e2Campus as the vendor for our emergency notification system. More than 300 other colleges are using e2Campus’s SMS text message capability.
Can I change my phone numbers and e-mails or opt-out after I register?
Yes. To add or delete e-mail addresses or mobile phone numbers, log in and select “Services.”
Will I receive unsolicited messages ("SPAM") on my mobile phone or email account?
NO. e2Campus enforces a ZERO SPAM policy which clearly prohibits unsolicited messages, and e2Campus does not sell the contact information of our subscribers to third party marketers.
Is my phone set up for text messaging?
If you’re not sure, check with your carrier. e2Campus uses the industry standard SMS text messaging protocol to send messages to your phone. Your mobile phone plan will need to accept text messages to work properly.
Will this cost me anything?
Maybe. Depending on your wireless carrier provider and the plan you have, you may be charged a nominal fee (like ten cents per message) to receive SMS text messages. Many people have unlimited text messaging plans, so there would be no additional charge.
Where is the registration page?
The registration page is located in a “module” or box on MyArcadia. You can access it only after you have logged into Arcadia’s Blackboard portal at http://my.arcadia.edu. If you have never customized your MyArcadia layout, the module will be near the top. If you have customized your layout, it will appear at the bottom of the page.
