From severe weather events to crimes on campus and important safety updates, West Virginia University uses its WVU Alert system to keep faculty and staff informed about emergencies and incidents on or near the Morgantown campus.
WVU’s campuses in Keyser and Beckley have similar but separate systems.
Email and text messages are utilized to disseminate important information quickly and efficiently.
The three-tiered notification system – WVU Alert, Campus Warning and Community Notice – is guided by the Clery Act and a Clery Geography map. Campus property is included in this map as well as some adjacent off-campus property.
“We wanted to make sure our students and employees understand the kinds of messages they receive, as well as when and how they’ll receive them,” Interim University Police Chief Phil Scott said. “And most importantly, we know it’s important for everyone to understand the decision-making process we use to keep our campus informed when an emergency or incident happens.”
Scott shares more information in this Inside WVU Today VIDEO.
Tier 1: WVU Alert
A WVU Alert is immediately sent when there is an imminent threat or impact to the safety of the campus community. Incidents in this tier could include:
acts of criminal violence, like an active shooter or a bomb threat.
civil unrest or rioting.
explosion.
hazardous materials incidents.
earthquake, tornado or other extreme weather conditions.
emergency weather-related delays or closures.
These messages will be sent to our community immediately upon confirmation of the situation and will include important instructions and safety guidance.
Communications regarding WVU Alerts are shared via multiple platforms including text message, email, social media posts and website updates.
Tier 2: Campus Warning
A Campus Warning is sent when Clery-reportable crimes occur within the area designated by the Clery Act that are reported to WVU authorities or local police agencies and are considered by the University to represent a serious or continuing threat to students and employees. Incidents in this tier could include:
robbery.
burglary.
motor vehicle theft.
sexual assault.
hate crime.
arson.
aggravated assault.
homicide.
Email communications and social media posts, as well as other channels of communication where necessary, are used to communicate these incidents as soon as sufficient information is available.
Tier 3: Community Notice
A Community Notice is sent in order for the University to enhance student and employee safety and provide useful information to the community. Incidents in this tier could include:
pedestrian safety protocols.
mental health resources.
crimes in areas outside those designated by the Clery Act, but where students and/or employees may be affected.
Announcements, resources and other platforms
During a crisis at WVU, a designated team maintains the responsibility of communicating important information to the campus community and beyond.
Announcements will be posted to safety.wvu.edu where health, safety, preparedness and training resources are also available. Additional campus safety and Clery Act information is regularly shared at police.wvu.edu.
Those currently registered with the WVU Alert system will continue to receive alerts about incidents like normal. In fact, they may begin to see an increase in communications from the system, in E-News and on social media as WVU continues to strive to communicate about happenings that may pose danger to students and employees.
Faculty and staff are not automatically subscribed to receive WVU Alert emails or text messages. They should visit the log-in page to sign up and add their contact information to the system. Faculty and staff accounts must be validated by following the steps provided. Employees should also periodically log in to confirm that their contact information is correct.
In addition to the WVU Alert system, emergency messages are posted to the @WVUalert Twitter and WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page. Employees are encouraged to follow these social media accounts, as well as the @WVUsafety Twitter, to get updates about incidents.
Faculty and staff are also encouraged to download the LiveSafe app to report tips anonymously to WVU Police. The app also allows users to virtually walk home with friends or family at night or for extra security any time.