Yes. Students can subscribe multiple phone numbers and email addresses to receive RamAlert notifications through the Self-Update Portal. Because registration requires an invitation code, students should use their own Self-Update Portal account to add their parents' phone numbers and email addresses. Parents should not create their own Self-Update Portal account.

What kind of messages will I receive?

Via text message or e-mail (depending on your preference), subscribers will receive electronic notices regarding emergencies or crises on campus. The notices may include warnings, details of the crisis, emergency protective measures, and any other necessary action plans, along with post-incident information. Users will also receive important messages about class delays and/or cancellations, particularly during times of inclement weather.

What constitutes an emergency or crisis?

Emergencies may include, but are not limited to, an accident or serious injury to a student or employee, a facility emergency such as a fire or flood, loss of utilities, a public health issue, severe weather, a bomb threat, an intruder, a hazardous waste spill, evacuation, confinement, or a civil disturbance. Additionally, while class delays and/or cancellations may not constitute an emergency, RamAlert is also used to notify students, faculty, and staff about such occurrences.

Will I get the alert messages even if I don't want them?

While the university strongly encourages students, faculty, and staff to subscribe to RamAlert because of the significant advantages it provides for crisis communication, the system is an opt-in system, which means individuals may or may not choose to enroll. In addition, since the system is opt-in, users may also determine their preference in receiving the alerts—via text message, e-mail, or both.

Is RamAlert for online students and remote employees, too?

Yes. All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to subscribe to RamAlert to receive critical wireless communication from the university. In some cases, the communication may be intended for traditional students only or faculty and staff only on the main campus in Bluefield. In other cases, RamAlerts may be for all students, including those online, and faculty and staff working off campus. Therefore, all members of the BU family are urged to subscribe.

How long does my RamAlert subscription last?

Your RamAlert subscription remains active until you remove your own phone numbers or email addresses from your account or until university staff remove your contact information.

Will I automatically be deleted from RamAlert when I leave or graduate?

No. RamAlert subscriptions are not automatically removed when you leave the university or graduate. However, university staff may manually remove subscribers who are no longer affiliated with the university.

How do I find out more information about RamAlert?

If all of your questions have not been answered or you need more information about RamAlert, feel free to contact the BU Office of Public Relations at bunews@bluefield.edu.