- What is CougarAlert?
- Who is eligible to sign up for CougarAlert?
- How many phone numbers and email addresses can I put in when signing up?
- Can I include "long distance" phone numbers?
- Will I get the same message by telephone, text message and e-mail?
- What types of situations will call for use of this system and how will the College determine when to use this system?
- Will alerts be issued 24/7?
- How will I tell the difference between a crisis alert from the College and other text messages/emails I get in any given day?
- Why should I sign up for more than one way to get an emergency message?
- How will the privacy of my information be protected?
- How is my contact information updated?
- Is there a charge for utilizing the CougarAlert System?
- I heard that my classmate received a voice message from CougarAlert but I did not. Why?
- Can I sign up to receive text messages on more than one cell phone?
- Can I receive both text and voice messages on the same cell phone?
- If I need help or do not have access to a computer, how can I update my Cougar Trail information?
CougarAlert is the name chosen by the College of Charleston for the emergency mass notification system. Effective communication is one of the major challenges in emergency management. CougarAlert will be used to improve our ability to communicate prior to, during, and after emergencies. Students can register up to six telephone numbers and two email addresses to receive emergency alerts. Faculty and Staff will be able to register up to three phone numbers and two email addresses. The system can push out thousands of messages within minutes.
Who is eligible to sign up for CougarAlert?
All College of Charleston students, faculty, and staff with a valid Cougar Card and password are eligible.
How many phone numbers and email addresses can I put in when signing up?
Students can reflect up to six phone numbers and two email addresses. Faculty and staff will be allowed to register three phone numbers and two email addresses. Typically, most registrants need only reflect one or two phone numbers (e.g. cell and office) to ensure they will be able to receive emergency announcements but more are permitted.
Can I include "long distance" phone numbers?
Nationwide numbers are accepted. The system will not accommodate international numbers.
Will I get the same message by telephone, text message and e-mail?
They will all contain the most important information and instructions. Because of length limitations, the text and phone messages will be shorter.
What types of situations will call for use of this system and how will the College 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.
Yes. Because it is impossible to track which College of Charleston students, faculty, and staff may be on the campus at any given time, when an emergency situation warrants use of this system, the warning will be issued regardless of the time of day or night.
How will I tell the difference between a crisis alert from the College and other text messages/emails I get in any given day?
E-mail messages will appear with the subject line "College of Charleston Emergency." The text sender will appear as cougaralert@cofc.edu.
Why should I sign up for more than one way to get an emergency message?
An emergency can happen at any time and while you are in any place. Having more than one way for the College of Charleston to contact you helps ensure that you will get the necessary notification and information as quickly as possible.
How will the privacy of my information be protected?
The College'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.
How is my contact information updated?
Individuals must update their contact on Cougar Trail. You are responsible for making all updates when it changes.
Is there a charge for utilizing the CougarAlert System?
No, the College will not charge a fee for the Alert system. However, if you elect to receive text messages, you may incur charges from your carrier for any messages sent to your number.
I heard that my classmate received a voice message from CougarAlert but I did not. Why?
It is possible that we do not have your contact information loaded in Cougar Trail, or it may be inaccurate. Please visit Cougar Trail to update and/or verify your information.
Can I sign up to receive text messages on more than one cell phone?
No. You can only receive text messages at one cell phone number. You can opt to receive voice messages on multiple phone numbers.
Can I receive both text and voice messages on the same cell phone?
Yes. You must enter the cell phone number in both the text message box and the additional phone numbers box.
If I need help or do not have access to a computer, how can I update my Cougar Trail information?
If you are a student, contact the Registrar’s Office at 843-953-5668. If you are a staff member or faculty member, contact Human Resources at 843-953-5512.