NAU Alert gets 1st real trial

The university's new text-messaging system had its first tryout Friday when subscribers were alerted to the possibility of an armed robbery suspect heading toward campus.

A message was sent through the NAU Alert system within five minutes of notification from the NAU Police Department.

The message warned faculty, staff and students of the situation, and advised them to visit the NAU home page for more information. The text message was followed by e-mails to all faculty, staff and students, and a computer pop-up.

Another text message—also followed by campuswide e-mails and web updates—was sent about 90 minutes later, informing individuals that no one matching the suspect's description had been seen on campus.

Each message took only seconds to reach subscribers' telephones.

NAU Alert is free, but a subscription is required. Users can sign up a friend or family member's phone number, also for free.

Visit the NAU Alert page to register.