DU Alert is an automated message notification system used to contact students and employees (who have subscribed to the service) about emergencies or major disruptions to campus services. This is one of several emergency communication methods.

Sign up to receive DU Alerts now

When will I receive a DU Alert?

  • A life threatening emergency
  • Imminent danger, including a major fire or shooting
  • Imminent disaster, including an earthquake or flood
  • Severe weather, including tornado warnings
  • Major interruptions of campus operations, such as snow closings

How will I be notified?

Once you subscribe, you will get brief messages, activated by designated University personnel:

  • Voice and text messages to your cell phone
  • Voice message to your land-line phone

Text Messages

The DU Alert text messages have no advertising messages or spam. They are no more than 120 characters. The text will state the nature of the emergency or disruption so you can take appropriate action. Because these messages are sent through different cell providers, some people will receive them more quickly than others. You should be sure to inform other people when you receive a DU Alert. If text messages are delayed by other traffic, the first warnings you hear may be the Outside Warning System.

Check with your cell-service provider about possible fees when you receive these messages.

Testing

The DU Alert System will be tested at least once a semester. You will receive a test of the DU Alert System via voice and text messages on your cell phone and land-line phone (if you select it).

DU Alert FAQs

In an emergency, the DU Alert system sends alerts to your mobile phone, and other designated contact methods, so you can receive these important messages. Notices about class cancellations and office closings due to weather will be sent via DU Alert and other methods.

When you are sent an alert, you must confirm that you received it. If you do not respond, the system will send a message to the next land-line phone number or an office phone, followed by an alert to your Duquesne e-mail address.

If you do not respond, the alerts will continue for about five cycles. Once you respond, it will stop.

All students are automatically enrolled in the DU Alert System.  Faculty and staff are encouraged to subscribe in order to receive such notifications.  If you do not wish to receive DU Alerts, you can opt-out anytime.  However, we strongly encourage students to remain enrolled to stay informed about critical safety information on campus.

Please provide the number for your mobile device and an additional “land line” phone number. (Only one mobile phone number is accepted by the system.)

Add or change numbers even when you are not changing your MultiPass.

There is no charge. However, you are responsible for any charges from your phone company associated with receiving an alert voice or text message.

You can update your contact information when you change your MultiPass. You are responsible for making sure your contact information remains accurate. Duquesne will not update it from other University sources.

No. The contact data you provide will go only to the third party vendor that operates DU Alert. It will not be used to update any other Duquesne systems and will not be sold or disclosed to anyone else.

When required by law (e.g. in compliance with a subpoena or court order), your contact information may be disclosed.

  • When you leave the University.
  • If your University affiliation changes; you will not be notified.
  • If it has been determined (after due process) that you have intentionally abused or harmed the system.
If you do not subscribe, you can continue to use other notification methods to learn about emergencies.

Questions?

Contact the Public Safety Department.

Public Safety Department