UCCS uses several communication channels during emergencies to quickly and effectively notify the campus community. These channels ensure that everyone receives timely and accurate information. While each tool serves a different purpose, the content of emergency messages is typically the same across all platforms.
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In the event of an emergency, notifications sent through RAVE text alerts, the UCCS Safe app, email, and desktop notifications will generally include the following information:
How to Stay Informed: Updates on the incident are typically available on the UCCS Alerts website (alerts.uccs.edu). Ongoing updates will generally be provided through non-emergency channels, such as email or the UCCS Safe app unless the situation requires immediate emergency notifications.
Type of Incident: A clear description of the emergency (e.g., “Active Shooter,” “Severe Weather,” “Evacuation Order”).
Location: The specific area on Campus affected or where the incident occurred.
Immediate Actions Needed: Instructions on what you need to do (e.g., “Evacuate the building,” “Shelter in place,” “Avoid this area”).
The decision to send messages is based on the nature and urgency of the situation. The following individuals and groups are responsible for determining when and how emergency messages are sent:
- UCCS PD Command Staff: Responsible for sending immediate life-threatening emergency notifications (e.g., active shooter, severe weather) through the RAVE alert system and other emergency communication tools.
- Executive Leadership Team: This group oversees broader campus-wide notifications, such as operational closures or non-emergency situations. These decisions typically involve communication via email, the UCCS Safe app, and the UCCS Alerts website.
The method of communication (RAVE, email, app notifications) depends on the level of urgency and whether the situation poses an immediate threat to the safety of the campus community.
- Emergency Messaging: Sent through RAVE text alerts, the UCCS Safe app, desktop notifications, and email when there is an immediate threat to life or safety (e.g., active shooter, hazardous materials, severe weather).
- Operational Messaging: This is used for non-life-threatening situations such as campus closures due to inclement weather or power outages. These messages are typically sent via email and the UCCS Safe app; updates are provided on the UCCS Alerts website.
If the Campus is closed due to an incident or weather, the UCCS Closure Line at 719-255-3346 will be updated.
Once the initial emergency notification is sent, updates will typically be provided via non-emergency communication methods, such as the UCCS Safe app, email, and the UCCS Alerts website. These updates will include any changes to the situation, further instructions, and information on when the incident is resolved. If the situation requires immediate action or a new threat arises, another round of RAVE and other emergency notifications will be issued.
In compliance with the Clery Act, UCCS regularly tests its Emergency Notification System (ENS) to ensure the community is familiar with receiving alerts and to confirm the system functions properly.
- The ENS alert system is tested at least twice yearly, typically at the start of each semester. All current users are sent these tests.
- Prior notification of these tests is emailed to the campus community, informing everyone when the test will occur.
- During the test, the system sends simulated emergency messages through all primary communication platforms, including RAVE text alerts, UCCS Safe app notifications, email, and desktop notifications.
- In addition to these scheduled tests, the ENS system is frequently used for weather-related closures or delays, providing additional real-world opportunities to assess its functionality throughout the year.
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Communication Methods Used and Corrective Actions if not Receiving notifications
What It Is:
RAVE text alerts are sent directly to your mobile phone via SMS to provide immediate notification during life-threatening emergencies or situations that require urgent action.
When We Use It:
- Active shooter incidents
- Severe weather warnings
- Evacuation or shelter-in-place orders
Why This Mode:
RAVE alerts are fast and reach a broad audience instantly, making them ideal for urgent situations where quick action is critical.
What to do if you are not receiving these texts:
Check to make sure your have not blocked these messages. They will come from 67283 or 22678. Be sure that if you have “do not disturb” on your phone that these numbers are listed as ones that go past your “do not disturb”.
If you still are not receiving these message, goto alerts.uccs.edu, sign in and verify your phone number or contact Emergency Management at 719.255.3106 or eprepare@uccs.edu.
You can also go to your student profile and update your number there. To access the option to register a mobile number via the student portal, log in to your My UCCS Portal, click Students —> Records & Registration —> Access Student Self-Service —> Personal Information —> Use the drop down menu on the lower left to select Phone Numbers —> Enter your mobile phone number
What It Is:
The UCCS Safe app delivers push notifications for emergency and non-emergency updates to your phone. It also provides access to safety resources and emergency procedures.
When We Use It:
- Emergency notifications (same information as RAVE alerts)
- Routine safety updates (e.g., power outages, road closures)
- Follow-up messages after the initial emergency notification
Why This Mode:
The app allows users to receive notifications and access safety tools in one place, useful for updates and ongoing communication throughout an event.
To get the UCCS Safe App:
Go to https://police.uccs.edu/services/safe-app and follow the instructions
What It Is:
Emails are sent to provide detailed information during or after an emergency. Email allows for more comprehensive updates than SMS or app notifications.
When We Use It:
- Emergency notifications (in conjunction with text and app alerts)
- Follow-up information and instructions during or after an incident
- Ongoing updates, especially once the immediate threat has passed
Why This Mode:
Email provides a way to communicate more detailed instructions, resources, and clarifications.
What to do if you are not receiving these emails:
if you are forwarding your @uccs.edu email to another email account you may not receive these notifications depending upon your email provider.
What It Is:
Desktop notifications are pop-up messages sent to computers connected to the UCCS network. These notifications mirror the information provided in RAVE alerts and are displayed on campus computer screens.
When We Use It:
- Immediate emergency notifications for users on campus computers
- Critical updates related to ongoing emergencies
Why This Mode:
Desktop notifications ensure that those working on campus computers are informed of emergencies, even if they aren’t checking their phones or email.
What It Is:
The UCCS Alerts website is the official platform for posting real-time updates about campus safety, emergencies, and closures.
When We Use It:
- To post ongoing updates during an emergency or campus-wide incident
- To provide detailed information and guidance after the initial alert
- To serve as the central hub for all safety-related communications
Why This Mode:
The website is continuously updated with the latest information throughout an incident, making it a reliable source for those seeking more comprehensive details about an ongoing emergency or its resolution.
Students
Students are automatically enrolled to receive emergency notifications via their UCCS email and mobile phone. To add non-UCCS email addresses or additional phone numbers (e.g., parents or spouses), visit the RAVE Mobile Safety portal at rave.uccs.edu.
To update your contact information:
- Log in to your MyUCCS Portal.
- Navigate to Students → Records & Registration → Access Student Self-Service → Personal Information.
- Use the drop-down menu to select Phone Numbers and enter or update your mobile phone number.
For questions about portal security, contact Emergency Management at 719-255-3106 or eprepare@uccs.edu.
Faculty and Staff
Faculty and Staff are automatically enrolled to receive emergency notifications via their UCCS email and mobile phone listed in their HRMS profiles. To add non-UCCS email addresses or additional phone numbers (e.g., spouses, significant others), visit the RAVE Mobile Safety portal at rave.uccs.edu.
To update your contact information in your HRMS profile:
- Log in to your MyUCCS Portal.
- Navigate to your profile and update your personal information
Affiliates- Visitors – Parents
Affiliates must opt-in to receive email/text alerts. Contact Emergency Management at 719-255-3106 or eprepare@uccs.edu.to register.
Visitors and parents can register for temporary alerts by texting UCCSAlerts to 67283. You will have the option to renew the alerts after 90 days. If you have questions or concerns regarding the security of this portal, please contact Emergency Management at 719.255.3106, or via email at eprepare@uccs.edu
For questions about portal security, contact Emergency Management at 719-255-3106 or eprepare@uccs.edu.continuously updated with the latest information throughout an incident, making it a reliable source for those seeking more comprehensive details about an ongoing emergency or its resolution.