Mass Notifications
Category: Public Safety
Last updated: 09/12/2025
Statement
In a crisis, timely communication can save lives and reduce the risk of injury on campus. To offer the greatest protection to the community possible, on-duty public safety employees must be able and authorized to make campus-wide notifications when a threat to life and safety exists or is imminent.
Purpose
Audience
Definitions
Policy
The College uses EVERBRIDGE software for mass notification. The EVERBRIDGE system is used to send text messages and emails to students and employees registered in the system. Student and employee information is uploaded automatically into the system.
Issues involving life safety concerns will be authorized and sent by the Director of Public Safety, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) manager or designee with an emphasis on the timeliness of the notification. Consultation with the college’s Public Information Officer (PIO) or designee is encouraged when the situation allows but this consultation should not delay the issuance of a notification.
In the event of an immediate threat to life and safety for students, employees or other persons on campus, and a delay in contacting a supervisor may result in an increased risk of injury or death, Public Safety Officers on duty are authorized to direct an emergency alert be sent out either by themselves or by a dispatcher. Dispatchers are authorized to transmit the emergency notification with the information pertinent to the emergency. On-duty public safety staff will make all possible attempts to contact the Patrol Captain, Associate Director and/or the Director regarding the emergency. Examples of a life-threatening situation may include a significant fire or an active threat of lethal violence. Further guidance on notifications can be found in the Clery Center guidance matrix for notifications, Mass Notifications Annex 1.
Public Safety employees must remember that sending a campus-wide emergency message will have a significant impact on the physical operations as well as the mental and emotional well-being of students and employees on campus. Messages must be reserved for truly emergent situations. All other requests for campus-wide notifications must be vetted by the Director of Public Safety at their discretion.
Exceptions to This Policy
Policy Implementation
Consequences of Violating this Policy
Related Information
Contacts
For questions about this policy, contact:
| Name/Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Jeff Favreau | favreau@stolaf.edu |