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Emergency Notification System

P: 800-368-3227 E: universitypolice@vuu.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can get VUU ENS Alerts?
The VUU ENS is designed for students, faculty and staff of Virginia Union University who will be affected directly by an emergency on the University Grounds and/or the proximate areas.

What do I need to get VUU ENS Alerts and how much does it cost?
You will need is a cell phone with text messaging capabilities. There is no charge to users for signing up. Individual cell phone plans will apply normal charges for the text message.

Why should I get VUU ENS Alerts?

Text messaging is more reliable in emergency situations when communication systems reach high capacity. Text messages will get through when phone calls won't.
You will receive alerts anywhere, even when you do not have access to a computer.

What will the VUU ENS Alerts tell me?
A short text message will state the type of threat or the advisories and the suggested action.

How do I sign up for VUU ENS Alerts?

To register, you need to have your cell phone handy.
Login to the Signup page with your VUU email address (yorname@vuu.edu) and password.
Complete the online form. You will be asked to create your own user name and password. (Note: you may choose any user name and password for your VUU ENS account they are not your VUU Email address and password.)
You will receive a text message in that will include 4-digit validation code.
You must enter the validation code on the confirmation web page and hit the "Validate" button.
You will then automatically be forwarded to a "Thank You" page.

The validate button also creates your own personal account where you will log in to update personal contact information.

Will my cell phone number be kept confidential?
Yes. VUU ENS cell phone numbers are not shared or sold to any other systems or services.

How many VUU ENS Alert text messages will I receive?

VUU ENS Alert text messages will be sent only to alert you to emergency situations in which there is an imminent threat to public safety. And advisories about Closings, Weather etc The exact number is difficult to predict, but there should be very few. You will receive messages within seconds of their transmission.

What if I change my cell phone service provider?
When you change cell/mobile phone providers but keep your existing mobile number it is considered "ported." Depending on the mobile phone provider, it may take up to 30 days for the VUU ENS to be updated. During the "ported" time period, you may not receive alerts because the alerts are sent to the old mobile provider, which may not forward them. You will find details on how to solve this problem and immediately register when you log on to get registration information.

What if I am not able to register?
For registration assistance, e-mail your mobile phone number and the name of your provider to ITC@VUU.edu from your VUU email account. Indicate you want to register for the Virginia Union University’s Emergency Notification System.

How can I opt-out of VUU ENS?
You can opt-out (discontinue) at any time just as quickly and easily as you signed up.