PSU Alert: Emergency Notification System
PSU Alert is a robust, multimodal mass notification system used to send emergency alerts to the campus community. The need to activate all or part of the PSU Alert emergency notification system is often time-sensitive and based on the nature of the incident. In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act, which calls for institutions to have capabilities to notify the campus community of significant emergencies, once the situation has been confirmed as an imminent threat to health and safety or the need for broad communication is identified, a PSU Alert message can be sent to appropriate groups using a variety of modes.
It is important to understand that no single mode has the capability to reach 100% of the PSU community. An effective and reliable notification system utilizes many redundant modes. Based on the incident, campus first responders (and, if time allows, in coordination with the Incident Management Team) will determine the appropriate message content and modes for dissemination.
PSU students, faculty and staff must opt-in to receive PSU Alert messages via text message or phone call. PSU encourages all students, faculty and staff to register for the PSU Alert system.
A PSU Alert message can be sent via some or all of the following modes:
- Email (from psualert@pdx.edu)
- Text message (from: 231-77 or 630-79)
- Phone call (from: 503-725-3000)
- Social Media (PSU Facebook and Twitter; PSU Public Safety Twitter)
- RSS (Real Simple Syndication) trigger for the PSU Website (www.pdx.edu)
- PSU Mobile App (m/pdx.edu)
- Call-in line (503-725-3000)
- Broadcast voicemail to PSU phone numbers
- Flash Alert
Examples of emergency situations
PSU Alert is used for a variety of emergency situations, that may include (but are not limited to):
- Unscheduled campus closures
- Building emergencies
- Potential life-threatening situations on campus
- Inclement weather conditions
Important next steps
- Update your PSU Alert subscriptions to receive alerts via text message or phone call
- Add the PSU Alert contact information into your contact list so that you will know when you are receiving an official message
- PSU Alert text messages will come from: 231-77 or 630-79
- PSU Alert emails will come from: PSUALERT@pdx.edu
- PSU Alert phone calls will come from: 503-725-3000
- Take steps at home, at work, and at school to prepare for emergencies by making a personal emergency plan and emergency kit.
Update your PSU Alert subscriptions
To update your PSU Alert preference, follow these steps:
Students
Log into myPSU.
Select My Account.
Fill in or update your information.
Employees
Log into Banweb with your Odin username and password.
Select Personal Information.
Select PSU Alert Emergency Notification System.
Fill in or update your information.
Save your preferences.
Note: All @pdx.edu email addresses are automatically enrolled and can not be removed.