Text Message System Frequently Asked Questions
What is UB Alert?
Sign Up for UB Alert
Receive immediate notice of any campus emergencies or closings via text messages and/or e-mails.
UB Alert is a free service offered by the University at Buffalo that delivers text messages and/or e-mail messages to members of the campus community during emergencies and when adverse weather conditions affect normal campus operations.
Who can subscribe?
What do I need?
How does it work?
Who can subscribe?
Who can subscribe to use the service?
Any student, staff, or faculty member of the UB community with a "@buffalo.edu" e-mail account (your UBITName plus "@buffalo.edu") can subscribe.
Can I register for text messages if my e-mail account includes "@facilities.buffalo.edu" or "@business.buffalo.edu"?
No. Only a "@buffalo.edu" e-mail account will work with the text messaging system. Many departments use an additional identifier in their e-mail accounts, such as "UBITName@facilities.buffalo.edu" and "UBITName@business.buffalo.edu" to channel e-mail. All UB community members have a UBITName. Students, staff and faculty must register for the text messaging service with their "UBITName@buffalo.edu" e-mail account.
Can I register for text messages if I am located on campus, but I am not a UB student, staff, or faculty member?
No. Only UB community members with a "UBITName@buffalo.edu" e-mail address can register. UB Alert is only one of several communication and information sources utilized at UB. There are a number of other sources for emergency information, including: emergency.buffalo.edu, MyUB, 645-NEWS, WBFO-FM 88.7, and local broadcast media.
I am a parent. Can I register for the this service?
No. Only students, faculty, and staff with an active UB e-mail address can participate in UB Alert.
What happens if I transfer or leave the University at Buffalo?
You will need to cancel your account by sending an e-mail request to cit-helpdesk@buffalo.edu from your @buffalo.edu e-mail address.
What happens when I graduate?
Your account will be removed from the system soon after you graduate, although this will not occur immediately.
What do I need?
What if I'm interested in UB Alert, but I don't have a cell phone/text messaging capabilities?
You must have a cell phone to register.
Does it matter who my cell phone provider/carrier is?
The following U.S. cell phone carriers will work with our text messaging system: Cingular/AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, Nextel, Boost Mobile, Alltel, Syniverse (Tier-3 carriers), Virgin Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Cellular One of Dobson, Cellular Systems, Cincinnati Bell. Some prepay or minutes cell phone plans may not work with the text messaging system. Also, some "smartphone" Verizon plans may not allow you to register. These issues are currently under review.
What if my cell phone provider changes?
If you change your mobile number, you will need to edit the mobile number in your account. If you keep the same mobile number, and simply change cell phone provider, you do not have to change anything.
What if my cell phone number changes?
You will need to access your account on the Web site and edit your mobile number.
How does it work?
What are the benefits of subscribing?
Timely notification of any UB emergency situation or critical message.
What types of messages/information will I receive?
You will receive messages during emergencies and when adverse weather conditions affect normal campus operations.
Who sends the messages?
UB’s Emergency Response Team, including University Police, designated associates of University Police and University Communications, will send text messages.
Under what circumstances are messages sent?
UB Alert messages will be activated and implemented following the guidelines set forth in the University at Buffalo All-Hazard Emergency Plan.
How often will I receive messages during the semester?
The frequency of messages is determined by the number of emergency situations or critical messages.
What is the cost of this service?
There is no registration or subscription fee associated with this service. You may incur a “per text message” cost determined by your actual cell phone plan.
How do I cancel?
Although we do not recommend terminating text messaging, you can cancel your account as follows:
TO LOG IN:
- Point your web browser to: https://www.getrave.com/login/buffalo
- Enter your UBIT email address as your Rave Username.
- Enter your Rave Wireless password. This is NOT the same as your UBIT password.
TO REMOVE YOUR ACCOUNT:
- After logging in, click the "My Account" tab.
- Click the "Edit" link to the right of the "Rave Account" heading.
- Click the "Delete Account" link at the bottom of the page and follow the directions provided.
Is there an easy way to suspend UB Alert messages while I'm on holiday or studying abroad?
You can suspend the text messages by logging into your account. However, you will still receive e-mail notifications.
Will the type of messages I receive change in the future? If so, can I choose to subscribe only to emergency communications?
Other text messaging channels will expand in the future, but you will be given the option to participate.
If I don’t/can't register for UB Alert, where else will I receive emergency notification?
There are a number of other sources for emergency information, including: emergency.buffalo.edu, MyUB, 645-NEWS, WBFO-FM 88.7, and local broadcast media.
I thought cell phones were not allowed in classrooms. How am I going to receive important text messages?
Due to the new emergency messaging initiative, the disruption in the classroom policy is being reviewed to include an allowance for the instructor or designated member of the class to keep their cell phone activated; however, the designated person must have registered to receive alerts.
Will I receive test text messages?
At times, UB may need to test our messaging network to ensure proper operation and functionality in the event of an actual emergency or critical message broadcast.
Will my sign-up information be shared with third parties?
No. Your e-mail address and cell phone number will not be provided to organizations outside of UB.
Can I register two different cell phone numbers when I sign up?
At this time, only one cell phone number can be included at registration.
I see that I can “create a channel” with this new service. How do I add a channel?
Use of additional channels and groups is a future function of our system. Although it appears information can be added on the “create a channel” pages from the Web site, entries are not being saved or reviewed at this time.
Why do I see critical e-mail messages more than once?
UB’s emergency messaging initiative employs multiple channels of communication, including several UB e-mail lists. It is possible you will receive duplicate e-mail messages or notifications.
Who do I contact for help?
If you need assistance, contact cit-helpdesk@buffalo.edu.