UWindsor alert initiated
By Hannah Larking
News Editor
September 17, 2008
 On Sept. 8, an emergency notification system was initiated at the University of Windsor that could save lives with just a few clicks.
The new system, known as UWindsor Alert, has been in the works for about a year, according to Chris Zelezney of Campus Community Police.
“After the Dawson College [shooting] and the Virginia Tech [massacre], we wanted to get a head start ... We have a responsibility to students, staff and faculty to provide a safe environment,” Zelezney explained.
Signing up is completely free of charge—that was a priority in the development, Zelezney said.
Individuals are able to subscribe to the notification using their UWin personal identification code, and can register home, work and cell phone numbers, along with any additional emails.
The system also conveniently allows for a significant other contact option for students or staff who have parents or spouses outside the city.
Zelezney assures that the contact information that is provided will remain confidential within the system for the sole purpose UWindsor Alert.
In addition to it being a notification for a potentially armed attacker, the system is also able to warn recipients of anything from an impending natural disaster to a chemical spill, said Zelezney.
“We wanted a program in place that would address a wider range of dangers.” The system is capable of sending alerts to designated parties, as well, such as by a department or a specific campus region.
When a threat is identified, UWindsor Alert will notify all subscribers via phone, text messaging, voicemail, email, fax and PDA within minutes.
For more information, or to register for UWindsor Alert, visit www.uwindsor.ca/alert
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