Safety Alert System

What is the Cal Poly Pomona Safety Alert System?

It is an emergency messaging system that can simultaneously send Safety Alerts to phones, e-mail addresses, text/SMS and TTY/TDD devices. It will be used only for emergency communication purposes and never for routine communications.

What is Connect-ED and Blackboard Connect?

Connect-ED is a service that Cal Poly Pomona has contracted to support the university’s Safety Alert System. The Connect-ED service is provided by the company Blackboard Connect.

Where did you get my contact information?

The Safety Alert System uses contact information from BroncoDirect. Updates can be made by visiting BroncoDirect.

Am I automatically enrolled to receive messages from the Safety Alert System?

While all faculty, staff and students are automatically enrolled to receive emergency messages, we ask that you log into BroncoDirect to confirm your data. Please provide all of your contact information, including a cell phone, so the university will have multiple ways of reaching you in the event of an emergency. Safety Alerts will only be used for emergency communication purposes and never for routine communications.

How do I update my contact information?

Just log into BroncoDirect and update your personal information. The university will refresh contact information for the Safety Alert System regularly.

How will I know a message is really from Cal Poly Pomona’s Safety Alert System?

Messages from the Safety Alert System will have the ID 23177 on text messages, (866) 869-7659 on phone messages and Cal Poly Pomona Safety Alert at safetyalert@csupomona.edu on e-mail messages. The campus community is encouraged to add these contacts into their cell phones under Cal Poly Pomona Safety Alert.

Why does the university have to test the Safety Alert System?

The university must test the Safety Alert System to ensure it is securely in place as well as to familiarize the campus community with this important emergency communication vehicle. It will only be done three times a year, once during the fall, winter and spring quarters.

I heard there was a previous Safety Alert message. Why didn’t I receive a message?

The university conducts tests of the Safety Alert System once each fall, winter and spring. The last test was Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010. All contact information is culled from BroncoDirect. Log into BroncoDirect and make sure you include all your contact information in the fields provided. If you want to receive text messages, make sure your cell phone number is in the field "cellular." If the correct information was already in BroncoDirect, but you did not receive a test message, please call the Help Desk at (909) 869-6776 so we can resolve the issue.

Why didn’t I receive a text message on my phone when the Connect-ED message went out?

First, please log into BroncoDirect and check the data under "Phone Numbers." Make sure your cell phone is under the Phone Type called “Cellular.” Even if you have your cell phone entered under another phone type, the Connect-ED system will not know that number can accept text/SMS messages. If you do not have a number listed for “Cellular,” then add a phone number, choose the phone type “Cellular” in the drop down menu, and then type in your cell phone number. Make sure you save your data after inputting each number. When you first input a cellular number into the database, you may receive a confirmation text message from SMS@ntigroup.com. For assistance with BroncoDirect, call the Help Desk at (909) 869-6776.

How do I change my contact information?

Just log into BroncoDirect and update your personal data. The university will refresh contact information for the Safety Alert System regularly. BroncoDirect can be used for employees at the university, Foundation, ASI and credit union.

I work for the Cal Poly Pomona Foundation. How do I update my information?

Foundation employees can now update their information through BroncoDirect. Log into BroncoDirect and make sure you include all your contact information in the fields provided.

I work for ASI. How do I update my information?

ASI employees can update their information with BroncoDirect. Log into BroncoDirect and make sure you include all your contact information in the fields provided.

How many phone numbers can I put in the Safety Alert System?

Every faculty, staff and student can list phone numbers in the following fields: a main phone, a cell phone, home phone, business phone and TDD/TTY device. A main number is required, and can be any primary phone such as for your home or mobile. Providing your cell phone is recommended so you can receive safety alerts through a text message and a voice message.

What does it cost to get the Safety Alert System messages?

There is no cost to receive Cal Poly Pomona Safety Alert messages. The only cost is the amount your cell phone company may charge you to receive a text message. Please keep in mind Cal Poly Pomona will only use the Safety Alert System for emergency communication purposes, and never for routine communications or announcements.

What are the consequences of not providing my cell phone number?

Providing your cell phone number is not mandatory. However, Safety Alert messages will generally be urgent and time sensitive. Providing us more options to reach you, such as calling your cell phone or sending a text message, increases our ability to communicate important information in the event of an emergency.

Who else will have access to my cell phone number?

No one. The cell phone number you provide in BroncoDirect will remain confidential and will NOT be released to anyone else.

What if my contact numbers or preferred e-mails have changed?

You must update your contact information by going to BroncoDirect. The university will refresh contact information for the Safety Alert System regularly.

How will I be alerted if I don't have a cell phone?

Alert messages will also be sent to other phone numbers and e-mail addresses you have listed in BroncoDirect. In addition, emergency information will continue to be posted on the Cal Poly Pomona website and Emergency Hotline (866-869-POLY).

Why did I get a confirmation text message from SMS@ntigroup.com? Was this the message?

No. Connect-ED is required to activate the SMS system with a simple confirmation message BEFORE anyone receives a message.

Why did my cell phone carrier send me a message confirming a subscription?

Some mobile phone service providers will confirm that you want to receive text messages from the Cal Poly Pomona Safety Alert System the first time you receive a Safety Alert message. Follow the text message instructions, and then the Safety Alert text message will be delivered.

How do I opt-out?

You can opt-out of receiving cell and text messages by eliminating that number in BroncoDirect. However, we strongly advise against that. It is important that we have every option available to reach you in time of a crisis. You cannot opt-out of a primary phone number or your e-mail.

Can I opt-out of just receiving text messages?

Yes – Just follow the instructions when you receive your text message. However, we strongly advise against that. It is important that we have every option available to reach you in time of a crisis.

What if I opted-out, but have changed my mind and want to opt back in?

Just log back into BroncoDirect and update your contact information. If you opted out through text messaging 23177, simply text “SUBSCRIBE CPP” to 23177 to initiate the opt-in process.

Why do I have to have a main phone line and e-mail address?

It is university policy that we have a current main phone number for every faculty, staff and student. E-mail is the official communication vehicle for the university.

Who can I contact to get more information?

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact us by e-mailing safetyalert@csupomona.edu or calling the Help Desk at (909) 869-6776.