MSU DPPS to test campus emergency alert notification system July 31

July 25, 2024

As we prepare for the start of a new academic year, the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety will conduct a full system test of our campus alert notification system on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 10:15 a.m. It is important to note this is not the fall 2024 semester test.  

Earlier this summer, DPPS implemented and tested a new modality that delivers an audible tone on university AVAYA desktop phones north of the Red Cedar River, followed by an emergency message whenever an MSU Alert is sent. The upcoming test of our campus alert notification system will help to ensure the new modality is working at all East Lansing campus buildings. This fall, DPPS will begin exploring the expansion of this enhancement to MSU-affiliated buildings located in Grand Rapids and Flint.

In addition, DPPS, in partnership with MSU, has successfully completed the automatic enrollment of cell phone and preferred/primary residence phone numbers for students and employees into the MSU Alert system. These phone numbers will be a part of the upcoming test.

The mass notification system is used to provide emergency notifications and timely warnings to the Spartan community. The test will include text and email alerts, computer notifications, SafeMSU app notifications, desktop phones, MSU Green Light emergency phones and the outdoor siren system. Audible tones will also be heard from the outdoor sirens during the test. Upon hearing the tone in an emergency, community members are asked to check their mobile devices for additional instructions.

Please note that if you have your desktop phone forwarded to another phone, are using a soft client or are using the phone during the alert, the alert will not be completed.

Please visit the MSU Alert FAQ webpage to learn more about additional settings, including opting out of certain modalities, adding locations and adjusting notification preferences. You cannot opt out of receiving alerts via MSU email.

Wireless Emergency Alerts, or WEA, will also be tested by Ingham County Emergency Management. To receive these alerts, individuals must be within the geofence Ingham County has created and have test alerts enabled on their mobile device. The geofence runs approximately north to south from Saginaw Street in East Lansing to the area of Mt. Hope Road near south campus and runs west to east from US-127 to Hagadorn Road. You can learn more about how to receive WEA tests on your mobile device from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Prior to the test, we encourage students, faculty and staff to review or update their notification preferences. Students and employees also are encouraged to download the SafeMSU app and enable push notifications. The app includes emergency alerts, safe rides and location sharing all in one place.

Those who need support or have questions regarding the MSU Alert system can request help by completing this form.

The MSU Department of Police and Public Safety is committed to enabling a safe and welcoming university for all.

Media Contact:
Mark Bullion, University Communications
517-884-1786 | bullionm@msu.edu