Frequently Asked Questions
Am I going to get inundated by messages from NSU?
Strict protocols govern the Purple Alert system. It is activated only for emergencies that pose an immediate risk to the health and safety of the campus community or for campus closures. Occasional system tests may occur.
Am I required to sign up?
Providing personal contact information is optional. All Northwestern State University email addresses are automatically entered and will always receive email alerts, even if no other personal information is added.
How do I change my information after I register?
- Go to the member portal at https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612883#/login.
- Click the green button labeled “Use my network Credentials to login”.
- On the “My Profile” page, select Edit.
- Add or change any information you want.
- Click Save.
How do I delete my information from the Purple Alert System?
You cannot completely delete yourself because NSU email addresses are always in the Purple Alert system and will always receive alerts. You may choose not to register personal phone numbers or personal email addresses. For questions or to request a registration email, contact Purple-Alert@nsula.edu.
How do I know I’m receiving a Purple Alert message?
- “Purple Alert” appears in the subject of the email,
- is listed first in the text message, and
- is vocalized in the voice phone call.
Should I respond to the messages that I receive from Purple Alert?
- Yes. Emails and text messages request a response—click the link or reply “Yes”.
- Responding stops further contact attempts to you and allows the system to move to the next person, saving valuable time during emergencies.
So what happens then?
Additional information will be provided as needed and may be shared through multiple channels. Additional Purple Alerts may be sent depending on the situation.
- University website
- Phone
- Campus radio and television resources
What happens when the Purple Alert is activated?
A brief notice about the situation and instructions on what to do are sent. Delivery methods include:
- Cell phone text message
- Cell phone voice call
- Landline phone call
- Email message
Updates are sent as available and as the circumstances require. Some alerts may not need further updates; others may provide ongoing updates depending on the emergency.
What is an emergency?
A situation that poses an immediate risk to the health and safety of the campus community.
Where is the registration page?
The registration page is located at https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612883#/login.
- Click the green button labeled “Use my network Credentials to login”.
- On the “My Profile” page, select Edit.
- Add the ways and contact information for emergency notifications (you must enter two contact methods for the information to save).
- Leave your registration email as your NSU email address.
- Click Save.
Who decides when a Purple Alert message is to be sent?
Key administrative personnel determine when the system is used and initiate the process. It is used for emergencies that present an immediate risk to health and safety or when campus closures are necessary.
Who receives the emergency alert messages?
Registered Northwestern State University students, faculty, and staff receive alerts. University email addresses always receive alerts. Personal contact information receives alerts only if it is registered.
Why should I provide my emergency contact information?
Having current contact information helps you make informed choices about your personal safety. Providing your cell phone and other contact details ensures you can be reached quickly and easily with the latest information.
Why should I sign up?
Because most students, faculty, and staff carry cell phones, this system may be the fastest way to get information to you in an emergency, even though we hope it is never needed.
Will my emergency contact information be published?
No. It is used by NSU solely for emergency notifications.