What is CUAlert?

The Catholic University of America has partnered with Rave Mobile Safety to offer an emergency notification system - CUAlert - capable of sending users text, voice, and email messages.

What type of messages will I receive?

CUAlert will send notifications in the event of a major campus emergency via email, text, and voice mail. If you have not done so already, you should log in to CUAlert to add non-CUA email addresses and phone numbers. This is very important in the event of an emergency in which the CUA network (email and voice mail) is not functioning.

Who can subscribe to the service and how do I enroll?

All CUA students, faculty, and staff are automatically enrolled in CUAlert. Log in to CUAlert to update or verify preferred email addresses and cell phone and landline phone numbers.

What is my username?

CUAlert username and password are the same as your Catholic University network username and password.

Is there a cost for receiving the text messages?

There may be a per use charge when you receive a text message. These charges are the sole responsibility of the recipient. Contact your service provider for more information. Any CUAlert notices will be brief and will occur infrequently.

What mobile phone carriers are supported?

All U.S. mobile carriers are supported. International numbers are not compatible at this time and so should not be entered when you update your CUAlert contact information.

What if my cell phone number changes or I change providers?

There is no need to update information if the cell phone number remains the same. If a phone number changes, log in to CUAlert and update that information.

Will my personal information be shared with outside organizations for the purposes of advertising or text message SPAM?

No. Your privacy is valued and you will not receive any communications besides official Catholic University notifications.

How will I identify incoming messages from CUAlert?

CUAlert transmits text messages using something called short codes. If your carrier or phone supports short code messaging, text message alerts will come from either 67283 or 226787. If it does not support short code messaging, the texts you receive will be identified as coming from CUAlert@getrave.com.

Is CUAlert the only way to hear about campus emergencies?

No. CUAlert supplements current emergency protocols, which include email through CUA listervs, on- campus voice mail, social media, building watch captains, emergency sirens, etc.

I don't understand why we need another notification option, given all the ones that currently exist. Is it really necessary?

CUAlert is the only means for the University to transmit emergency text messages to the community. It is also the only way to send such messages via email blasts and voice mail to non-CUA accounts. In a dire emergency, when time is of the essence, the University employs multiple notification options in order to reach the largest number of people quickly. CUAlert significantly enhances the University's capability to do so.

What if I do not want to receive messages from CUAlert?

Users can log in to CUAlert and opt out. However, for the reason given above you are strongly encouraged to remain enrolled in order to enhance the University's ability to reach you in the event of a campus emergency.

What if I support the idea of receiving CUAlert messages but wish to opt out of receiving emergency notification emails to my CUA account? Is that possible?

No, the University will always send emergency email notifications via listserv to all students, faculty, and staff. CUAlert is an optional service and thus does not meet the criteria for ensuring that everyone will receive an emergency notification.

Will CUAlert be used to notify us of closings or delayed openings due to inclement weather?

CUAlert will be reserved exclusively for emergency situations in which urgent notification is of paramount importance. To use it for other purposes would dilute its identity and effectiveness as an urgent emergency notification tool. Existing communication channels such as social media, listserv messages, and website postings have proven to be effective means of providing ample notification of weather-related closings and delays.

Who do I contact for assistance?

Contact the Technology Services help desk at techsupport@cua.edu or
202-319-4357 for assistance.