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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blue Storm Alert?
Blue Storm Alert is an emergency messaging system that can send text messages, text-to-speech calls, and e-mail messages directly to you in the event of severe weather, campus emergency or emergency closing. It will not be used for routine communications.
Am I automatically enrolled to receive the emergency text messages?
Yes, if you previously provided the College with a cell phone number. If you do not wish to receive text messages, you must remove your cell phone number from the system. Your phone number will be removed automatically from the system if you are no longer a student or employee of the College.
What does it cost?
The only cost is the amount your cell phone company may charge you to receive a text message - usually just a few cents. However, Macon State will ONLY use the Blue Storm Alert system for emergency notifications - NOT routine communications or announcements.
Who else will have access to my phone numbers/e-mail addresses?
No one. The information you provide will remain confidential and will NOT be released to anyone else.
What if my phone numbers/e-mail addresses change?
You must update your contact information by going to the Blue Storm Alert link in BannerWeb.
How will I be alerted if I don't have a cell phone?
Alert messages will continue to be sent via campus e-mail and will be placed on the Macon State College website as appropriate. Blue Storm Alert also uses landlines as a form of communication.
Will the Blue Storm Alert system cover all Macon State College campus locations?
Yes, all students, faculty and staff can receive emergency messages regardless of their location.
Can my family sign up for Blue Storm Alert?
At this point Blue Storm Alert is only designed to reach students, faculty and staff.
What kinds of messages will I get through Blue Storm Alert?
We will only send you a message in the event of a severe weather warning, a campus emergency or an emergency closing. The system WILL NOT be used for routine communications.
Are other institutions using this type of emergency notification system?
Yes. The Blue Storm Alert system is "powered" by Blackboard Connect. Currently, Blackboard Connect provides service to more than 2,700 clients across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. Clients include:
- 3.6 million students and staff at 450 college campuses;
- 13 million K-12 recipients (primarily parents, faculty and staff); and
- 550 city and county governments.
Frequently Asked Questions about SMS/Text Messaging
How do I receive text messages from Macon State College?
Students, staff and faculty can receive text messages by providing the College with a text enabled cell phone number via BannerWeb.
What happens after I sign up via BannerWeb?
You should expect to receive one test message per semester – unless there is a campus emergency.
Is my cell phone text-enabled?
You will need to check with your specific provider to determine if you have text capability.
What if I don't want to receive text messages?
You will have the opportunity to provide several types of phones numbers. If you do not wish to receive Blue Storm Alert text messages, do not provide a “Text Message” phone number.
If I change cell phone providers, do I need to enroll again?
Only if your cell phone number changes.