Arkansas Tech University has developed a new emergency text messaging system with a goal of more efficiently communicating important information to the campus community.
The new Arkansas Tech Campus Emergency and Outreach Notification (CEON) system is fully integrated with the Blackboard Course Management System that Arkansas Tech faculty, staff and students use on a daily basis. “Emergency notification is a critical part of the security of our students, faculty and staff,” said Susie Nicholson, vice president for Student Services and University Relations. “Individuals in the CEON system will receive direct communication from the university in the event of an emergency. Communication is paramount during urgent situations, and CEON provides Arkansas Tech with an effective tool to reach the campus community when time is of the essence.” Individuals who already had a mobile device registered as part of the Banner Student Information System (SIS) were automatically opted in to the Arkansas Tech CEON system.
Individuals who did not have a mobile device registered under the Banner SIS system and wish to opt in to the Arkansas Tech CEON system should log in to the OneTech portal, select the appropriate member tab (student, faculty or staff) and choose the personal information channel. There, individuals will have the chance to register via the CEON numbers link.
More information concerning registration for CEON can be obtained by calling (479) 968-0646 or by sending an email to tech.support@atu.edu. (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .) Students have the option of receiving class notifications via text messaging in addition to the current email option. In order for that function to operate, students will need to populate their mobile number under the CEON numbers area of the personal information channel in the OneTech portal. By doing so, students’ mobile numbers will be automatically added to Blackboard.
Other outreach notifications that will eventually become part of the system will include communications from campus agencies, such as Financial Aid, the Registrar’s Office and Student Accounts.
Ken Wester, associate director of Computer Services, said, “The Arkansas Tech CEON system is not finalized and a thorough guideline will be published when it is completed. Until then, the system will only be used for emergency notifications, and the university administration will make the call on the necessity of any notification.”
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