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Suki Deen, University Relations Associate
31 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 295-1164
FAX (302) 295-1137
suki.r.deen@wilmu.edu
Wilmington University Implements Effective Emergency Alert System
October 11, 2007—New Castle, DE. Wilmington University has implemented an emergency alert system to assure the safety of all their students, faculty and staff. The system, which was created by the NTI Group Inc., was tested on September 24, 2007 and sent to 8,176 students at nine locations throughout the states of Delaware and New Jersey.
The alert system known as ConnectED, was sent to all active students by means of email and voice mail and encouraged students to visit WebCampus, a student portal on the University website, to fill out their most current contact information. On the website students to include their cell phone numbers, so that in the event of an emergency they can also be contacted via text messages.
Results of the emergency alert test show that it is very effective. 96.8% of those who were sent the alert responded saying they had received it. The message read, "This is a test of our Emergency Communications System. Your safety is paramount to us. In the event of a campus closing, you will be notified. Please help us keep you informed by updating your contact information."
Jack Cunningham, Director of Public Safety for the University, stated, "This system is probably one of the best investments we could have made to assure student safety. It is a perfect tool to notify faculty, students and staff of emergency conditions." He went on to say, "Timely notification of students in times of crisis should be an integral part of every institution's safety plan."
In the weeks ahead, Wilmington University plans to continue to ensure all contact information for students, faculty and staff is accurate and up to date. Eileen Donnelly, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management said, "We are very pleased with the results of the ConnectED system and we hope to continue to utilize technology in order to effectively communicate messages to the University community."