Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is ENS?

The Sacramento State Emergency Notification System, developed by Mutare Software, is designed to send out text messages to cell phones and e-mail accounts of students, faculty, and staff in the event of a significant incident on campus.

2. Why is this system needed?

Sacramento State began a review and upgrade of its emergency notification process in 2006 and received funding for the procurement of an electronic Emergency Notification System in the wake of the April 16, 2007 shootings at the Virginia Tech campus. The new system augments the existing emergency notification process with the ability to provide notifications such as text-messaging and e-mail notifications that can immediately reach members of the campus community through their cell phones and personal e-mail accounts. These messages will advise the recipient of an incident on campus and provide instruction on precautions they need to take.

3. How does it work?

When the campus Police Department becomes aware of a critical situation which has the potential of causing harm or imminent danger, pertinent information such as the location is placed into a message and sent out to the campus community. The initial message may warn recipients of a critical incident and whether they should seek shelter or take other precautions. Because of limitations involved in sending out such text messages, the warnings will be brief. After the initial warning, a second, more detailed message can be distributed by e-mail to members of the campus community through SacLink’s e-mail accounts.

4. What kinds of emergencies are covered?

Emergency personnel have created a comprehensive list of emergency scenarios. Most are based on threats that any campus could experience, such as shootings, terrorist attacks, bomb threats, hazardous materials, or fire. Because of Sacramento State’s location next to the American River, a flood alert has also been prepared.

5. Who will get the alerts?

First responders and emergency personnel, students, faculty and staff.                

6. How can students and campus personnel make sure they receive the alerts?

Current students, faculty and staff members are automatically signed up to receive an e-mail message through the SacLink e-mail account. To receive a text message, go to www.csus.edu/ens and log in with your SacLink login ID and password to register for the alerts. Since the focus is presently on those who would be immediately affected by an emergency, only current students, faculty and staff may participate in the ENS. However, notification for third parties, such as parents and spouses, is being planned.

7.  I’m a member of a Sacramento State foundation or auxiliary without a SacLink account. How do I sign up for ENS?

Contact the Information Technology Coordinator for your organization to establish a SacLink account.

8. Is my cell phone or smartphone supported and will it work?

Nearly all cell phone carriers offer text messaging. Most phones purchased within the past few years are text messaging compatible. If you are unsure, contact your carrier to ask about your phone and text messaging. Many carriers activate the text messaging service automatically. You should check with your carrier to make sure that the text messaging is active on your phone.

9. Will I be reimbursed for text messaging expenses?

Receiving a text message via ENS is a voluntary program, therefore any text messaging related expenses are the responsibility of the individual.

10. My department has its own e-mail server. Will I still receive an e-mail message from ENS?

The Emergency Notification System will only send an e-mail message to an individual’s SacLink e-mail account. If you wish to receive e-mail at a different location, you must log into your SacLink account and turn on forwarding to a different e-mail address. For more information on e-mail forwarding, go to www.saclink.csus.edu.

11. I have a SacLink account but don’t know my password. How can I sign up for ENS?

Contact the Help Desk at (916) 278-7337 or www.csus.edu/irt/helpdesk.

12. I am a student, faculty or staff member, and I do not want to receive e-mail from ENS. Can I opt out of the e-mail service?

Communications via e-mail is a critical component of the University’s emergency notification strategy. If you are a student, faculty or staff member, e-mail messages from ENS to your SacLink account are mandatory.

13. How is the University getting the word out about the new system?

Sacramento State is embarking on a comprehensive public awareness campaign aimed at students, faculty and staff. This initiative is ongoing and will begin in the Spring and continue throughout the year. Wallet cards with instructions for registering will be distributed through a number of outlets—residence halls, orientation sessions, student clubs and support groups, and faculty and staff department offices. The cards also will be available wherever large numbers of students can be found, such as the library, University Union information desk and the bookstore. Ads in the student newspaper, the State Hornet, and mass e-mailings also will be employed to reach out to students, faculty and staff. Press releases will be distributed to inform the larger community and directions will also be listed on the University’s web site.

14.  Who will be responsible for the system?

The University’s Public Safety and Information Resources & Technology departments will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of ENS.

15.  Does anyone else use this system?

The Mutare software is used by a number of entities, including the U.S. Senate, Harvard University, the University of Arizona and Pepsico.

16.  What other ways can Sacramento State alert the campus during an emergency?

The campus PBX broadcasting messages to telephones; the campus’ emergency telephones; the current e-mail system; fire alarms; bullhorns; loudspeakers on vehicles; runners; the University’s emergency web page; press conferences; and the campus radio station, KSSU 1580.

17. How may people get more information during an emergency?

Local media, and the emergency web site. Do not come to the campus to find out what is going on! E-mails, the emergency web site and the media will all be updated as soon as information becomes available.

18. Where can I get more information about ENS?

More information is available at www.csus.edu/ens.

Message:
The University is doing what it can to ensure that the campus community is as safe as possible, but ENS is only effective if students, parents, faculty and staff do their part. Visit the ENS website www.csus.edu/ens and register your cell phone number and preferred e-mail address so that in the event of an emergency, you will be properly warned.