Emergency
Preparedness
Resources

UB Text Messaging System

In an effort to supplement existing campus communication channels, the University at Buffalo is offering a text messaging service to members of the campus community for the dissemination of critical information. This new service is part of the mUB initiative, and expands our communications network to reach UB community members via their cell phones, anywhere, anytime. The text messaging service is only one of several communication and information sources used at UB.

To Register and Receive RAVE Text Message Alerts

1. Click the “Sign-up Now” button on the Emergency Preparedness Home page.
2. On the UB/RAVE Alert Web site, click the “If you haven’t registered, Join now!” link located at the bottom of the Login box.
3. Follow the UB instructions. You will need your cell phone number and your 'UBITName@buffalo.edu' e-mail address to register.
4. Once all your information has been saved, you will receive a text message with your confirmation code.
5. Enter your confirmation code in the “Confirmation Code” field, and click “Done”.
6. You will receive an acknowledgement message and new user e-mail.
   

Text Message System Frequently Asked Questions

Who can subscribe/use the service?
Any student, staff, or faculty member of the UB community with a @buffalo.edu e-mail address (your UBITName plus ‘@buffalo.edu’) can subscribe. You can find your UBITName here.

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 will need to register for the text messaging service with their UBITName@buffalo.edu.

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. The text messaging service is only one of several communication and information sources utilized at UB. There are a number of other sources for emergency information, including: WBFO-FM 88.7, MyUB, 645-NEWS, local broadcast media, and emergency.buffalo.edu.

What if I'm interested in alerts, but I don't have a cell phone/text messaging capabilities?
You can also receive alerts via e-mail after you 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. NOTE: 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 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 any critical message impacting the university.

Who sends the messages?
UB’s Emergency Response Team, including university police, designated associate of university police, or UB media services will send text messages.

Under what circumstances are messages sent?
Text 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 by sending an e-mail request to cit-helpdesk@buffalo.edu from your @buffalo.edu e-mail address.

What if my cell phone number changes?
You simply access your account on the RAVE Web site, and edit your mobile number.

Is there an easy way to suspend text messages while I'm on holiday or studying abroad?
You can suspend text messages from the RAVE Web site 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.

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.

I am a parent. Can I register for the text messaging service?
No. Only students, faculty, and staff with an active UB e-mail address can participate.

If I don’t register for emergency text messaging, where else will I receive emergency notification?
There are a number of other sources for emergency information, including: WBFO-FM 88.7, MyUB, 645-NEWS, local broadcast media, and emergency.buffalo.edu.

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.

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.

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 sign-up 2 different cell phone numbers when I register?
At this time, only one cell phone number can be included at registration.

Who do I contact for help?
If you need assistance, contact cit-helpdesk@buffalo.edu.

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 text messaging system. Although it appears information can be added on the “create a channel” pages from the RAVE 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 notification.