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University Adds Desktop/Laptop Alerts as New Way to Reach SLU Community During Emergencies

Emergency Notification System Test Planned for April 8

Saint Louis University is adding Alertus Desktop Notification to its emergency notification system.

When DPS issues an emergency notification, all SLU-managed computers or laptops connected to the University’s network (wired or “SLU-Users”) will display a full-screen, pop-up alert providing information about the situation. 

These desktop alerts are designed to supplement – not replace – the alerts already sent to mobile devices through RAVE Wireless, SLU’s provider of emergency notifications. The two systems will be connected. 

ITS will deploy Alertus campus-wide on Friday, March 29, in advance of a campus-wide test of SLU’s emergency’s notification system that is planned for Monday, April 8. 

If the Alertus notification pops up on your screen during the test, click the green “acknowledge” button located bottom center of your screen to remove the alert from your screen. 

If you have questions regarding Alertus, please contact DPS at dps@slu.edu or (314)-977-2276. 

Alertus FAQs 

What will I see when an alert pops up?

The alert will provide information about the emergency situation and, when appropriate, instructions on what you should do, such as avoiding a certain area of campus. 

Will the Alertus message lock my computer?

No. Once you’ve acknowledged you have read the message, it will disappear. 

Will I lose any data when the message activates?

No. The notification will not cause you to lose what you were working on when the alert activated. 

How long will the message remain on my computer?

If you don’t click on the green “acknowledge” button, the alert will remain on your computer for a short duration. After that, it will go away automatically.

Will the alerts appear on my computer if I’m using “SLU Guest” to connect to wireless?

No, computers that are off-network during testing or during an event will not receive notifications. 

Do other universities use Alertus?

Yes. A number of campuses across the country use the tool, including Boston College, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Missouri, Kansas State University and Purdue. 

More about Emergency Alerts at SLU 

SLU takes its responsibility to inform the campus community about safety issues very seriously. Below is a brief overview of the safety-related alerts that DPS issues to students, faculty and staff. 

Emergency Notifications

For incidents – including severe weather – that represent an immediate or imminent threat to the campus, the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires that SLU send an emergency notification. These take the form of text messages, phone calls, email, social media post and building monitor pop-ups and, now, Alertus. 

Timely Warnings

For reports of Clery Act crimes that don’t represent an imminent or immediate threat but considered by the University to represent a serious or continuing threat to students and employees, DPS will send an email to all members of the SLU community. This is also required by the Clery Act. Parents who have signed up for the Parent Safety Email List-Serve also receive these messages. 

Advisories

For other crimes deemed by the University to be important for the community to be aware of, DPS will send out an advisory email. These types of notifications are not required by the Clery Act.

More About SLU's Emergency Notification System

More About the Clery Act