In the wake of the recent rash of violent incidents on college campuses, University Police is closer to introducing a new emergency mass notification system for Texas A&M University-Commerce.
This week, students, faculty and staff logging on to myLeo were prompted to place their cellular phone number for collection by the Pride Alert Warning System (PAWS). PAWS is a mass notification system capable of voice, e-mail and text message delivery of emergency messages.
In the unlikely event of a campus emergency, all participants in PAWS would instantly receive direct notification of the situation, along with instructions.
“I think [PAWS] will help students greatly,” Lt. Jason Bone, crime information officer, said. “Especially if an unfortunate tragedy struck our campus, it will be useful to warn students. The next ice day we have, it will be nice for students to get a call instead of trying to call into the weather line or listen to the radio.”
According to Bone, the cost per person will be $2. UPD estimates around 10,000 participating, thus the University is allocating $20,000 for the system annually.
The activation of PAWS is under the direction of UPD staff, with Technology Services responsible for data collection and management. At the moment, PAWS is in the early stages of development and more testing of the system will be conducted before it is officially activated.
Other area universities such as the University of North Texas and Baylor University have acquired similar systems. Bone said most of the schools in the A&M System have opted to use text notification.
“I am encouraging all students, staff and faculty to take advantage of this. It’s free!” Bone said.
Registration is optional and students can opt out at anytime. However, since the system is run in conjunction with myLeo, it requires an account. For those who do not have a myLeo account, contact CTIS at 903-468-6000.
For more information, contact Jason Bone at 903-886-5866 or Jason_Bone@tamu-commerce.edu.