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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up for WVU Alerts?

Current Students:
Current students are automatically subscribed to receive WVU Alert messages. There is no need for further registration. However, if you would like to update your information, please sign in using the  WVU Alert Student Login.

Parents:
The Alert system allows students to add their parents cell phone numbers and email addresses to their account to receive alert messages. It is up to the student to determine if they would like an alternative contact to receive WVU Alerts as part of their account. 

Students who wish to add a parent’s cell phone or email address may do so by signing in at at the  WVU Alert Student Login and following the instructions on the Services tab.

Faculty and Staff:
Faculty and Staff are encouraged to register with the WVU Alert system by visiting the  WVU Alert Login and clicking on the "SIGN UP" link near the top right corner of the page.

Can parents sign up for WVU Alerts?

The Alert system allows students to add their parents cell phone numbers and email addresses to their account to receive alert messages. It is up to the student to determine if they would like an alternative contact to receive WVU Alerts as part of their account. 

Students who wish to add a parent’s cell phone or email address may do so by signing in at at the  WVU Alert Student Login and following the instructions on the Services tab.

When do Alert messages get sent?

WVU Police and select staff a WVU have the authority to decide whether an emergency message is warranted. These messages include notifications regarding critical incidents that pose an imminent threat to the health or safety of the greater university campus community. Examples include:
  • Acts of criminal violence on or near campus.
  • Hazardous materials incidents.
  • Weather conditions that may cause delays or will close the university.

I didn't receive an Alert what happened?

Current Students:
If you did not receive an alert please fill out the  Missed Alert form.

Parents: 
If you did not receive an alert please fill out the  Missed Alert form.

Faculty and Staff:
  1. Visit the  WVU Alert Login and sign in using the username and password you created.
  2. Click the “Dashboard” tab to check to see if your service has expired.
  3. Renew service if it has expired.
  4. If you did not receive an alert please fill out the  Missed Alert form.

Can I opt-out?

 
We  highly recommend that you do not opt out of the alerts. However, if you would like to stop receiving emergency alerts, you may opt out by completing the  Alert Opt-Out form.

How do I validate my Faculty or Staff Account?

To validate your Faculty or Staff account:

  1. Visit the  WVU Alert Login and sign in using the username and password you created.
  2. Click the “Services” tab
  3. Under “Status” you should see “Validate Now” next to the phone number or e-mail you have registered
  4. Click “Validate Now”

If you’re validating your cell phone number: 
You must have your cell phone available to complete the process. A validation code will be sent to your phone via SMS text message. Enter the validation code where prompted, and click the “Validate” button.

If you’re validating your email address:
Ensure that you have access to your email account. An email message including a validation link will be sent to the email address you specify. Click the validation link in the message to complete the validation process.

How do I update my contact information?

Current Students:
To update your contact information, please  sign in using the  WVU Alert Student Login .

Parents:
Contact information for parents is registered on the student's WVU Alert account. Please ask your student to  sign in using the  WVU Alert Student Login to update your information.  

Faculty and Staff:
  1. Visit the  WVU Alert Login and sign in using the username and password you created.
  2. Click the “Services” tab to change and validate your cell phone number or email address.

How long does it take to receive an Alert?

  • Text messages are received within five minutes from the time they are initially sent . 
  • Email delivery times may vary by service provider, but messages are typically received within a few minutes of the time they are sent.

How else can I receive emergency information?

During an emergency, WVU officials and staff will issue emergency messaging through various channels. The current emergency status and related updates are posted to the Emergency webpage. 

Other channels include:
  • Alerts posted to th e  WVU Hom e page via an emergency banner at the top of the page.
  • Audio and visual alert messages on the InfoStations around campus.
  • Alerts posted to WVU social media channels including  Facebook and Twitter.
  • Alert messages posted for current students via MIX email.
  • Real-time safety alerts through the  LiveSafe app.

Who has access to my email address I provide?

Only the WVU support staff for the emergency alert system will have access to your email address. Your email address is also shared with the system vendor, Omnilert, to facilitate the service they provide for the WVU Alert system. They will never contact you directly or share your email with any other third parties. Visit the Omnilert privacy page to learn more about their policies.

Who can I contact with questions regarding my Alert account?

For questions about the WVU Alert system or your alert account, please contact University Relations - Digital Services at  wvualert@mail.wvu.edu.

How often are test alerts sent?

WVU is required to send out one test message each semester (fall, spring, and summer), so expect three test messages during the academic year. 

Do I have to pay for WVU Alert messages?

Depending on your cell phone carrier and plan, there may be a minimal fee from the carrier to receive text messages, but there is no charge from WVU. The University absorbs the cost of maintaining the mailing list and sending the message. 

I received a text message that I should extend my alert. What should I do?

The message will say, "Dear (your login), Your WVU Emergency Alert subscription will expire in 30 days. To extend the subscription, sign in at  https://wvu.ommilert.net." Omnilert is the vendor that provides the software for for the WVU Alert system. University Relations-Digital Services manages this system. If you have questions, write to  web_services@mail.wvu.edu.

You should log in with your WVU login and password and extend your account for the remaining time that you expect to be associated with West Virginia University to ensure that you continue to get the WVU Alert. Students, faculty and staff initially are signed up for four years at a time. 

Emergency Resources