The University sent out more than 46,000 e-mails and text messages to students, faculty and staff on Tuesday morning to test its message alert system.
Between 7:55 a.m. and 7:59 a.m., the University’s Emergency Management Program sent 27,000 e-mails and 19,000 text messages.
Manager of the UO Alert! system Krista Dillon said Tuesday’s test run was a success.
“Our goal is to get messages out in as many methods as possible,” Dillon said. “Today was a good example of its effectiveness.”
Sophomore Tygan Meyer, who received an e-mail alert Tuesday morning, criticized the system.
“It’s impossible to bank on students checking their e-mail constantly,” Meyer said. She said she did not sign up for the optional text message alert, calling it an “invasive method.”
In addition to the e-mails and text messages, the main projectors in 50 classrooms displayed a flash, telling students to check their e-mail. Tuesday’s classroom alert was the first trial run and newest addition to the UO Alert! system. This alert will warn students and professors who may have their phones on silent during class.
“It’s important that everyone on campus is informed when there is a situation that may threaten their health and safety,” Dillon said.
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