By The Editors
The test of the new Blue Alert emergency notification system accomplished what the system intended – alerting the campus.
Students, faculty and staff reported receiving a test alert via text, email or computer popup by 12:01 p.m. April 3.
The test reached 2,600 subscribers. The success rate for the notifications system was almost perfect at 99 percent, said Gerry Hunt, chief information officer.
Aside from the 1 percent of people who might need to rely on social media for their emergency alerts, the success of the test run is a welcome sign of improving communication within the university.
After all, an emergency message has only a small window of effectiveness.
After multiple emergency situations were met with delayed and confusing alerts this academic year, officials acknowledged the failure to effectively communicate and made a change.
The company working with the old system did not have an arrangement made with cell phone providers to ensure that text alerts were received in a timely manner.
Many students relied on social media for updates regarding two lockdowns this academic year.
Officials are applauded for listening and acting to change the shortcomings of the system, and the campus commuity looks forward to alerts that can successfully inform the campus as needed.
Students who have not received the Blue Alerts can register on BlueLink at http://bluelink.okcu.edu.
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