A test of the Whitman Emergency Notification system took place on Feb. 18 around noon, with all faculty, students and staff receiving messages via phone, email or text.  

The messages clearly indicated that it was a test. In case of a real emergency, the message would contain specific instructions or details about the emergency.  

“The systems being tested are called Blackboard-ED and Informacast Notification System. Their purpose is to provide vital information during an emergency to the campus community in a timely manner,” said Safety Coordinator Kathy Rogers.  

The systems rely on having current contact information from faculty, students and staff. The message is sent through all available sources listed in the system, like text, e-mail and phone.  

“We will test them a couple of times a year, not only to allow our staff to stay practiced in the operation of the systems, but also to let the campus community know how the systems would work in an emergency, and to make sure the systems are functioning properly,” said Rogers.
The notification system will be tested a couple times a year, to ensure that the campus community knows what to do in an emergency and that the staff will stay well-versed in operating the system.