Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I sign up for WVU Alerts?
- Can parents sign up for WVU Alert messages?
- When do WVU Alert messages get sent?
-
I
didn’t
receive an Alert. What happened?
- Can I opt-out of the WVU Alert system?
- How do I validate my Faculty and Staff Account?
- How do I update my contact information?
- How long does it take to receive a WVU Alert?
- How else can I receive emergency information?
- Who has access to the email address I provide?
- Who can I contact with questions regarding my WVU Alert account?
- How often are test WVU Alerts sent?
- Do I have to pay for WVU Alert messages?
- I received a text message that I should extend my WVU Alert subscription. What should I do?
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 WVU Safety Notification System allows students to add their parent cell phone numbers and email addresses to their account to receive WVU 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 cell phone or email address may do so by
signing in 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 Safety Notification 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 Alert messages?
The WVU Safety Notification System allows students to add their parent cell phone
numbers and email addresses to their account to receive WVU 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 cell phone or email address may do so by signing in at the WVU Alert Student Login and following the instructions on the “Services” tab.
Students who wish to add a parent cell phone or email address may do so by signing in at the WVU Alert Student Login and following the instructions on the “Services” tab.
When do WVU Alert messages get sent?
WVU Police and select staff at WVU have the authority to decide whether a WVU Alert 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 a WVU Alert, please fill out the Missed Alert form.
Parents
If you did not receive a WVU Alert, please fill out the Missed Alert form.
Faculty and Staff
2. Click the “Dashboard” tab to check to see if your service has expired.
3. Renew service if it has expired.
We highly recommend that you do not opt out of the WVU Safety Notification System. However, if you would like to stop receiving WVU Alert messages, you may opt out by completing the Alert Opt-Out form.
How do I validate my faculty and 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 email 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 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 Safety Notification System account. Please ask your student to sign in using the WVU Alert Student Login to update your information.
Faculty and Staff
2. Click the “Services” tab to change and validate your cell phone number or email address.
How long does it take to receive a WVU 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 on the
Emergency web page.
Other channels include:
- WVU Alerts posted to the WVU homepage via an emergency banner at the top of the page.
- Audio and visual WVU Alert messages on the
digital signage around campus.
- WVU Alerts posted to WVU Safety social media channels including Facebook, X and Instagram.
- WVU Alert messages sent to current students via MIX email.
- WVU Alert messages pushed through the LiveSafe app.
Who has access to the email address I provide?
Only the WVU support staff for the WVU Safety Notification System will have access to
your email address. Your email address is also shared with the system vendor,
Omnilert, to facilitate the service provided for the WVU Safety Notification 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 WVU Safety Notification System account?
For questions about the WVU Safety Notification System, please send an email to safety@mail.wvu.edu.
How often are test WVU Alerts sent?
WVU is required to test the WVU Safety Notification System annually. Typically, the University tests the WVU Safety Notification System each fall and spring semester, so users should expect two 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
messages.
I received a text message that I should extend my WVU Alert subscription. What should I do?
The message will say, “Dear (your login), Your WVU Alert subscription
will expire in 30 days. To extend the subscription, sign in at https://wvu.omnilert.net/subscriber.php.” Omnilert is the vendor that provides the software for the WVU Safety Notification System. The University Police Department manages
this system.
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 you continue to receive WVU Alert messages. Students, faculty and staff initially are signed up for four years at a time.