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Frequently asked questions about CougarAlert and Connect-ED

CougarAlert is an emergency alert system that can send alert messages via cell phone, text message and e-mail in the event of a campus emergency. The following list should answer most questions about the system, powered by Connect-ED. If you have additional questions not addressed below, please contact Public Relations department at 706-568-2030, or pr@colstate.edu.

What types of situations will call for use of this system and how will the university determine when to use this system?

This system will only be used to communicate in a time of true emergency. It is difficult to predict exactly what those might be, but some examples are situations in which the safety of our campus community is at risk, such as a fire, a tornado or an intruder.

If I get an alert that there is a crisis at the university, how should I get more information?

The university will try to provide a source for additional information when it is available. For example, you may be directed to CSU's Web site, or to check your e-mail for follow-up information. Please remember that during an emergency, the safety of our campus community members will be our primary concern, and any use of CougarAlert will initially address that need.

Can I opt out of the system?

The university believes it serves all of the campus community best by facilitating our communications capabilities during times of emergency. Therefore we highly encourage participation in the CougarAlert emergency response program. If you wish to opt out of receiving emergency communications, you may do so on the emergency contact form.

I've heard these types of systems crash during an emergency. What kind of guarantees is the university going to make that I will actually receive notification of an emergency?

The university has worked to build technology redundancies into the system on its end and Connect-ED has a number of remote locations with redundant technology on its end. The best way to ensure you receive an emergency notification is to provide as many different types of contact information as you can, including home phone and cell phone numbers.

How frequently will the university use this system? Will the university use this system for other types of messages besides crisis alert, such as for snow cancellations?

While the university may test the system from time to time, at this time, the university has determined at this time that CougarAlert emergency messages will only be sent during times of emergency, when campus safety is at risk or perhaps when campus is closing.

How fast will I get a message if there is a crisis? Is there a time difference between when an e-mail, text message or phone message gets sent? Which one will the university send first?

The university has taken a multi-layered approach to emergency communications to ensure its best efforts can be achieved in warning and informing people during an emergency. Some of the systems are internal to the university – such as office phones, the CSU home page and e-mail – and some of the systems are external, such as cell phone calls and local media notifications. The redundancy should a message reaching you – perhaps multiple times – quickly during an emergency.

How will the privacy of my information be protected?

The university's privacy policies protect all student, staff and faculty private information. In addition, our contract for the use of Connect-ED prohibits that company from sharing any of your private information.

I am a parent of a student who never seems to fill out forms! Can I fill this one out myself?

According to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the university must receive contact information directly from students.

How can I verify that my student has filled out the form and, if so, has done it correctly?

You will need to speak directly with your student to verify that he or she has filled out the online form and to learn exactly what information your student has provided to the university. Students may update their emergency contact information at any time in CougarNet (CSU's intranet).