What is StFX Alerts?
StFX Alerts is the university's emergency alert notification system. In the event of an emergency or other urgent situation, time-sensitive alerts are sent to members of the campus community who have opted to receive them. Alerts are also sent in the case of campus closures due to inclement weather.
You can opt to receive emergency alerts via text, email (a different one than your StFX email) and/or voice message. This system is in addition to (and does not replace) other university communications tools like campus-wide email, social media, and updates via local media partners.
How Do I Sign Up?
Visit the StFX Alerts portal and sign up. All information you provide will be kept strictly confidential.
You may register for StFX Alerts at any time. Your information will remain in the system for one year. Beginning in September, registrants will be asked to confirm that they still want to receive StFX Alerts and have their information within the notification system saved. Registrants who do not confirm within the designated period of time will be purged from the system and must re-enrol should they wish to receive future StFX Alerts.
You can log in to your alerts.stfx.ca account at any time to update contact information, your alert preferences, and/or unsubscribe.
FAQs
How will StFX contact me in the event of an emergency?
Emergency alerts will automatically be sent to your StFX e-mail account and posted on StFX social media and StFX website. By registering for StFX Alerts, you can also receive one or all of the following:
- Text message
- Phone call
- Message to an alternate e-mail account
When will StFX Alerts be used?
StFX Alerts will be used in the following circumstances only:
- Campus closure due to storm or other event
- Campus emergency
What should I do when I get a message?
There are three things you should do when you receive a StFX Alert:
- Read the message. Do not ignore it!
- Alert other people. It's very important to spread the word of the emergency notification.
- Follow the instructions given carefully.
An "All Clear" message will be sent when the emergency is over.
If I sign-up for text, voice and email, will I get multiple messages?
Yes, you will receive multiple messages, depending on what options you select when you register for StFX Alerts. The goal is to inform you quickly. While emergency notifications will be sent to your StFX email, you are strongly encouraged to register for at least one additional way to contact you in case of an emergency. The more information you provide the more likely you will get the message.
PLEASE NOTE: an emergency can occur at any time of the day or night. If you choose to receive phone messages, your phone will ring at the number you provide when an alert is issued. For campus closures due to winter storms, for example, this may mean your phone will ring in the early morning hours when the closure is announced.
Can I change my cell phone number or other information?
Yes. Simply go to http://alerts.stfx.ca to update your information.
Can I unsubscribe from receiving voicemail, email and / or text messages from this service?
Yes. Go to http://alerts.stfx.ca and leave the field blank or delete the information in fields if you do not wish to be contacted via that mean.
I received a StFX Alert. How do I know it's legitimate?
StFX Alerts will come from:
Text: 89364
Voice: 902.867.4444
Email: @email
You may wish to add the above to your contacts/address book.
Do I need to install software on my phone?
No. Your mobile phone plan will need to accept text messages to work properly.
Do I have to pay for the texts I receive from StFX Alerts?
There is no cost to enrol. However, if you elect to accept text messages, you may incur a cost for incoming text messages depending on your mobile phone plan. (i.e. standard text rates may apply. Please check with your provider.)
When should I expect to receive notifications?
The StFX Alerts system will be tested periodically. During a test, you will receive a test message to ensure the system is operating properly and users are receiving the messages. Other than a test message, StFX Alerts will only notify you when there is an emergency situation on campus.
My cell phone does not have texting enabled. Can I still receive alerts?
Yes. You can still sign up to receive voicemail and email alerts.
Will I still get emergency notifications if I don't sign up or have a cell phone?
Yes, notifications will continue to be sent to your StFX Email, as well notifications will be posted on the StFX University website, Facebook, and twitter.
Will my contact information be shared with others?
No. The information you provide is private and will not be shared. It will be used only by StFX University for emergency communication purposes.
Who administers StFX Alerts?
StFX Alerts is administered by IT Services. For inquiries regarding registration, passwords and functionality please contact IT Services (902) 867-2356 / @email.
Who sends the emergency notification messages?
Most emergency messages are sent by Communications & Marketing. Depending on the emergency this may be in consultation with emergency response agency (the RCMP or the fire department, for example).
How is my contact information updated?
You are responsible for making all updates or changes to your contact information. StFX does not update your information from other sources. If you change your phone number, it is important to update your emergency contact information as soon as possible.
Will I continue to receive alerts after I graduate?
The registration list for StFX Alerts is updated every September. Graduated students, those who have not signed up for any courses during a term, or those who have withdrawn from the University (that had registered with their StFX email address) will not continue to receive alerts.
Who do I contact for more information?
StFX IT Services (902) 867-2356 / @email
