OVERVIEW
Target audience: All McGill faculty, staff and students
The following Frequently Asked Questions pertains to mobile device notifications distributed primarily by McGill Campus Safety during an emergency on campus.
Why do you need my mobile device number?
In the event of a major disruption or security threat, we want to send notifications to a communications device you are most likely to have with you or check frequently. Nearly every student, faculty and staff member has a mobile device, most of which can receive text messages.
Can I opt in to the service with an international mobile number?
No. You can enter international phone numbers on the Mobile Devices page, but you can only opt in with a North American phone number to receive voice or SMS messages through McGill’s emergency notifications service.
If I opt in on my mobile device how will I receive text or voice notifications?
If your carrier is supported, you will receive an SMS (text). When you select your Carrier from the dropdown list, the Notification Type (SMS or Voice) is displayed next to it. If your carrier is not found in the list, you can choose Other and enter the carrier name in the space provided; for all “Other” carriers, you will receive a voice message.
What kind of event would warrant an emergency notification?
Notifications will be issued during an existing or imminent event that affects the health or safety of students, faculty and staff. These can include, but are not limited to: fires, floods, electrical outages, chemical spills, University-wide class cancellation due to major weather events.
Notifications may also be sent out for urgent and time-sensitive announcements that are deemed pertinent to the campus community.
How often will we get messages from the service?
We anticipate up to two campus-wide tests per calendar year. Otherwise, we cannot predict how many actual events will warrant the use of the service.
What should I do when I receive an emergency notification from McGill?
Read or listen to the notification immediately. Once you have done so, follow any instructions provided and spread the word to others around you.
I want to opt out of emergency notifications but I cannot access Minerva at this time.
You can contact the IT Service Desk and request that your mobile device(s) be opted out. When emailing the Service Desk, make sure to include the mobile device number, including area code, in addition to your full name.
What if I replied "2" to the confirmation SMS message and accidentally opted out, or if I ignored the confirmation message?
Go back to Minerva. If you see your phone is still showing "Opt-in", select to "Opt-out" the device and submit. Wait 24 hours, go back to Minerva and opt in again. Make sure to reply "1" when you receive the confirmation SMS message.
What if I replied "STOP" to the confirmation SMS and now I want to opt in again to the service?
In this case the only way to restore the service is to contact your mobile service provider and request that they unblock this short code: 624455.
Is my personal information shared outside McGill?
No. A third-party cloud-hosted solution is used to distribute the mobile voice and text messages; however, no personal information is transmitted outside the University. All confidential information is stored on McGill servers and mobile device numbers are submitted with a unique identifier which cannot be linked to an individual.
