MSU DPPS announces alert upgrades, semesterly test to take place 5/21 at 10 a.m.

May 1, 2024

As part of our commitment to enhance our capabilities within our mass notification system, the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety will conduct a full system test of our campus alert notification system on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 10 a.m. This routine test occurs at the beginning of every semester.

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.

A new modality that will be incorporated during this test includes the successful integration with AVAYA Desktop Phones in buildings north of the Red Cedar River on campus. This means that when an MSU Alert is sent, you can expect to hear this audible tone on your desktop phone, followed by an emergency message. This upgrade goes into effect today, May 1.

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. MSU DPPS plans to work to continue implementing this modality in all buildings on campus throughout the summer.

Wireless Emergency Alerts, or WEA, also will 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 information 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 your 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.

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Media Contact:
Dana Whyte, Communications Manager and Spokesperson, Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety  
517-282-3711 | WhyteD@dpps.msu.edu