In response to the recent robberies during homecoming week, WSSU’s public safety department has stepped up its efforts to keep the campus safe by heightening the RAMalert system.
RAMalert was implemented after the April 2007 Virginia Tech tragedy.
“The WSSU RAMalert is an internet-based communication tool,” said Jonathan Martin executive assistant to the Chancellor.
“It is designed to keep students, administrators, faculty, staff and other key constituents informed in emergency situations.”
When the campus experiences an emergency such as criminal activity, inclement weather conditions or environmental hazards, students are sent automatic e-mail alerts.
Students can receive text message alerts if they sign up for RAMalert.
A cell phone number with text messaging capabilities must be provided. Standard text messaging fees apply.
According to the WSSU website, RAMalert also provides the capability to track and respond to questions from outside organizations such as the police, fire department, EMS, hospitals and the media.
Students were sent RAMalert e-mails but not text messages about the robberies that took place during homecoming weekend.
Apryll Monroe, a junior, says she registered her phone number because she didn’t want to be in the same predicament as the Virginia Tech students.
“I watched as people went unaware of what was happening on their campus, right outside of their doors,” she said.
Many institutions, including WSSU are examining their emergency response systems to determine whether their systems are prepared to handle, respond, and communicate information during an emergency.
Martin explained that after the database of student names and numbers is complete, the RAMalert system will start its testing phase, which should be complete by January 2009.
RAMalert should be fully functional by February.
RAMalert works in conjunction with campus police and the office of the chancellor.
To sign up for RAMalert, visit www.wssu.edu , scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the RAMalert banner.