What is StagAlert? How do I sign up?
Fairfield University utilizes an emergency notification system provided by Blackboard Connect, locally referred to as StagAlert, as one method to notify and relay information to students, faculty, and staff in the event of a significant emergency.
The StagAlert system is able to send messages simultaneously as voice calls, text messages, and e-mail messages. Depending on the nature of the situation, any or all of these methods may be used to communicate with the intended recipients.
For Employees
- Log in to Workday via My.Fairfield
- Click on the Personal Information application button, then Contact Information
- Confirm your Mobile number is accurate. If it is incorrect or missing, use the Edit button at the top of the screen to add or change it.
For Students
- Log in to My.Fairfield
- In the search toolbar, search for “self-service” and select Student Records
- Once in the self-service area, click on the Personal Information tab, and then the Update Cell Phone Number link
- Follow the on-screen instructions to add or edit your cell phone number.
If you have difficulty updating your contact information via My.Fairfield, please send an e-mail from your University e-mail account to StagAlert@fairfield.edu with your name, Fairfield ID number, and the contact information that needs to be updated.
When Will StagAlert Be Used?
In order to maximize the effectiveness of emergency notifications, StagAlert will generally be deployed in limited situations, such as:
- When there is a clear and active (e.g., in progress or pending) emergency or risk to the University community that requires both notification and immediate action by the intended recipients
- Weather-related delays or closings that affect the start or end of classes, potential damage to property, or the reduced availability of essential University services
Students, faculty, and staff are able to designate one mobile phone number for the receipt of StagAlert voice calls and/or text messages. Any StagAlert e-mail messages will automatically be sent to the preferred e-mail address on record (e.g., University-issued accounts). Students, faculty, and staff will be reminded at least annually to review and update their information online. Similarly, test messages will be sent twice per year to all students, faculty, and staff. Students can also update their information in person at the Office of the University Registrar, and faculty and staff can do so at the Office of Human Resources.
The University reserves the right to utilize StagAlert, at its sole discretion, for purposes other than those outlined above. Additionally, StagAlert is not intended to be a substitute for more traditional communication methods (verbal, written, or electronic), and students, faculty, and staff should not rely exclusively on receipt or non-receipt of StagAlert messages to take appropriate actions in the event of an emergency.
What About Parents?
Students are asked to contact their parents directly and immediately in the event of an emergency notification. StagAlert communications are only sent to recipients who need to take immediate action. Most alerts are sent to select populations, and are typically weather related (e.g., our student beach-area residents being sent a flood alert), or students and staff alerted of a weather-related delay to the start of classes.
The system is tested twice per year, once in the fall semester, once in the spring. Prior to testing, the University community is reminded to log in to My.Fairfield to ensure their cell phone number is up-to-date.
Text Messaging Information & Opt-In And Opt-Out Instructions
The University updates the contact list in the StagAlert system on a regular basis. In order to comply with federal regulations regarding text messaging, anyone newly added to the system will receive a text message from Blackboard Connect confirming their enrollment, and also giving the user the opportunity to opt out. Confirmation messages are sent between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the day of system enrollment.
The initial message will be: "Fairfield University: You are now confirmed to receive alerts from us. More info text reply "HELP" or "STOP Fairfld" to opt-out. Msg & data rates may apply." If you opt out of text messaging, you will still receive recorded voice calls, as well as e-mails from StagAlert. Please note that our site code for Blackboard Connect is limited to seven letters, thus "Fairfld", in this case, is not misspelled.
If you have opted out and would like to opt-in, send the keywords Start Fairfld to both 23177 and 53291. You will receive a confirmation message that you have been opted in.
All messages from StagAlert will originate from either 23177 or 53291. Please save them in your address list so you know where they are originating from.
If you do not have a text-enabled phone, or you do not have texting as part of your phone's plan, you will still receive voice calls, and/or e-mails (if your phone is capable of receiving e-mail).
