Emergency Information

Campus Notifications

In the event of an emergency, the campus community will be notified through a variety of mechanisms including text message, email, and voice mail. Under certain circumstances, the Norwich.edu website homepage will be replaced with an emergency page, which will reflect all current information and messaging to the community; all queries will be directed to it.

At Norwich University we take the safety of our students, faculty, and staff very seriously. We are committed to protecting the Norwich community in the event of an emergency on campus or in the region of Northfield, Vt.,and the state of Vermont. To achieve this, the university has partnered with RAVE Mobile Safety to implement the Norwich University Emergency Notification System.

In the event of an emergency on campus or in the region of Northfield, Vt., or in the state of Vermont, university authorities are able to quickly communicate to all students, faculty, and administrative staff who have registered online with the Norwich University.

Students are required to register for the emergency mass-notification system at the beginning of the fall or spring semester during orientation. In a matter of minutes, each registered member of the Norwich community will receive a communication alert from Norwich University authorities. The alert will be sent to each of the communication devices that a student, faculty, or staff member specifies during their initial registration, including email accounts, cell phones, landlines, and text messaging devices. Additional contact information may be added or current information may be updated at any time.

Emergency Notification FAQ

How is an emergency being defined?

Norwich University will only use the Emergency Notification System when it is imperative to contact students, faculty, and staff as quickly as possible. This can include, but is not limited to, cancellation of classes or Norwich University closures due inclement weather, a fire requiring the evacuation or closing of a building, or an ongoing criminal incident that requires members of the Norwich University community to take action to ensure their safety. Email will still be used to provide important information in a timely manner for situations that do not rise to the level of an emergency.

What contact information should I provide?

The Emergency Notification System allows you to provide up to three cell phone numbers, three voice-only (landline) phone numbers, and up two alternate email addresses. By default, your Norwich University email account will be one of those email addresses. You can then add two additional email address you use frequently (for example: Hotmail or Gmail), a cell phone number where you receive text messages, and other telephone numbers (examples: your cell phone, your dorm room or apartment, your parents' home) you would like to receive the emergency voice message. All phone numbers must be U.S.-based. We encourage you to add as many points of contact as possible, as it will increase the likelihood of being promptly notified in an emergency situation.

Why should I sign up for more than one way to get an emergency message?

An emergency can happen at any time and while you are in any place. Having more than one way for Norwich University to contact you helps ensure that you will get the necessary notification and information as quickly as possible.

What will show up on my caller ID or in my email account when I am contacted by the Emergency Notification System?

When the Emergency Notification System is activated, you will receive an automated phone call that will leave a voice message. We recommend that you pre-program this number into your phone as "Norwich Alert" so that you will know when you are being contacted by the Emergency Notification System. Email message alerts are also sent out. We recommend you add this address to the "Safe" address list for your external email account. When you receive a text message the sender's ID varies based on your individual carrier.

Can I sign up to receive (SMS) text messages on more than one cell phone?

Yes. You can only receive text messages up to three cell phone numbers if you have turned on the option to receive text messages for the specific cell phone number. You can also opt to receive voice messages on three phone numbers.

Can I receive both text and voice messages on the same cell phone?

Yes. You must enter the cell phone number in both the text message box and in the phone number box.

What should I do if I get a new phone number or email address?

Once you have signed up for the Emergency Notification System, you can log on and update your information at any time. Use your Norwich University email address as your username and enter the password you created when you signed up.

Once I sign up, do I need to do anything else?

You will need to sign up for the Emergency Notification System at the beginning of each academic year. Norwich University sends an email to all students, faculty, and staff as a reminder to sign up. Your information is cleared from the system at the end of every academic year so it is important that you take the time to re-register.

How will my contact information be used?

The information you provide will only be used for the Emergency Notification System. It is kept private and confidential and will not be shared with any other entities.

Can parent(s) be notified of an emergency by the Emergency Notification System?

The Emergency Notification System is designed for current students, faculty, and staff. However, if you choose to enter your parent(s) phone number or email address on the signup form, they will be able to receive messages from the Emergency Notification System.

If I choose text messaging as one of my methods of contact, will Norwich University reimburse me for the cost of text messages received from the Emergency Notification System?

No. Please keep in mind that signing up to receive text messages is optional. While we recommend that you designate as many points of contact as possible, you may choose to limit your methods of contact to email and voice mail.

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