HMC
Students' Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions  |  Sign up Questions |  Cell Phone Questions 

GENERAL QUESTIONS
1. What is HMC Emergency Notification System?
2. Will the HMC Emergency Notification System be used for non-emergency announcements?
3. How often will I HMC test the Emergency Notification system?
4. What do I do if I get an Emergency Message?
5. Will the HMC Emergency Notification System replace emails from Emergency-L?
6. Where can I get more information about the HMC Emergency Notification System?
7. What if I am in class and my cell phone is off. How will I be notified?

1. What is the HMC Emergency Notification System?
HMC is able to rapidly disseminate information to the campus community during an emergency. The Connect-ED Notification System is used to blast voice messages, e-mails and text messages. Shortly, HMC will add sirens will to send tones and voice messages via a public address system.

2. Will the HMC Emergency Notification System be used for non-emergency announcements?
No. HMC will only use the Emergency Notification System for emergencies that require immediate attention or actions.

3. How often will I HMC test the Emergency Notification system?
The HMC Emergency Notification System will be tested each semester by the Director of Campus Safety. HMC will send an announcement indicating the date and time of the test message.

4. What do I do if I get an Emergency Message?
An emergency message sent via Connect-ED will give you specific information on what to or where to go. The message may direct you to the HMC emergency web page or phone hotline. Read the message and follow any instructions given.

5. Will the HMC Emergency Notification System replace emails from Emergency-L?
No. Emergency-L is a campus-wide email distribution list used for updating the community on events that have limited impact to the campus. For example, if there is a major accident on Foothill Blvd,near the campus,emergency-l can alert the campus and advise alternate traffic routes. Connect-ED would be used to alert the campus if an immediate evacuation was necessary.

6. Where can I get more information about the HMC Emergency Notification System?
HMC Connect-ED and http://www.nitgroup.com will provide additional information on Connect-ED.

7. What if I am in class and my cell phone is off. How will I be notified? Every campus phone is part of the HMC Connect-ED notification system. If there is a phone in the classroom the occupants will be notified. Additionally, students who have their cell phones on vibrate will receive a message at the same time. HMC is also working on the installation of a siren and intercom system. These systems will also alert students of immediate emergencies.

HMC EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SIGN UP
1. How is my information put into the HMC Emergency Notification System?
2. Do I have to provide my personal contact information into the HMC Emergency Notification System?
3. How many phone numbers and email addresses can I add to the HMC Emergency Notification System?
4. The Emergency Data Sheet for New Students only allows me to add a cell phone number. How can I add additional e-mail and phone numbers?
5. Can I add my parents/guardians to the HMC Emergency Notification System?
6. How do I update my personal information for the HMC Emergency Notification System?
7. How long is this information maintained in the HMC Emergency Notification System database?

1. How is my information put into the HMC Emergency Notification System?
 Students’ official HMC e-mail address and dorm phone extensions are automatically loaded into the system. Each fall and spring new students will be asked to voluntarily supply their cell phone or personal phone number(s) and/or an e-mail address. This information will be used for notifying students during an emergency.

2. Do I have to provide my personal contact information into the HMC Emergency Notification System?
No, but it limits HMCs ability to reach you with important information in an emergency. Because it is impossible to know what systems will be operational during an emergency or where you’ll be, it is recommended that you offer multiple means of contacting you.

3. How many phone numbers and email addresses can I add to the HMC Emergency Notification System?
In addition to your HMC e-mail address and dorm phone, you can add three (3) additional phone numbers and one (1) e-mail address. Only one cell phone number can be used for text messages. One phone number must be designated as your primary phone.

4. The Emergency Data Sheet for New Students only allows me to add a cell phone number. How can I add additional e-mail and phone numbers?
Use the form ______ to add additional phone numbers (up to 2) and a personal e-mail address (1 only). Remember HMC automatically adds your HMC dorm extension and school e-mail address.  If you did not add your cell phone number to the HMC Emergency Data Sheet for New Students you can add it on the _____form.

5. Can I add my parents/guardians to the HMC Emergency Notification System?
Yes, you are allowed two additional phone numbers plus one additional email address. You can use one of these for them. Your Parent/Guardian cannot submit a request to be added to the HMC Emergency Notification System. Only students can add additional numbers under their personal information.

6. How do I update my personal information for the HMC Emergency Notification System?
To update your information on the HMC Emergency Notifications System you can use the ______form.  Please be aware that this does not update your emergency contact information with Harvey Mudd College, it only updates information in the HMC Emergency Notification System. See the Registrars office for additional information on updating your personal contact information for the college.

7. How long is this information maintained in the HMC Emergency Notification System database?
At the end of the school year, student information is cleared from the HMC Emergency Notification System. Every fall during the registration process they are added again. Each fall semester students will be asked to submit information for the HMC Emergency Notification System.

CELL PHONE QUESTIONS
1. I want to receive voice message alerts only on my cell phone. How do I change or verify that I will receive only voice messages?
2. How do I confirm I am signed up to receive text messages?
3. I no longer want to receive text messages, how do I opt-out of the system?
4. How much does a text message cost?

1. I want to receive voice message alerts only on my cell phone. How do I change or verify that I will receive only voice message alerts?
To receive or verify voice message only to your cell phone, call or send an email to Melonee Cruse at ext 70403 or hmc_connect@hmc.edu. An email will be sent confirming your preferences.

2. How do I confirm I am signed up to receive text message alerts?
Connect-ED no longer sends a confirmation message when you sign up to receive for text messages. Notify Melonee Cruse at ext 70403 or hmc_connect@hmc.edu to verify your status. Additionally you will receive a text message during the Emergency Test conducted each semester.

3. I no longer want to receive text message alerts, how do I opt-out of the system?
Connect Melonee Cruse at ext. 70403 or send an email to hmc_connect@hmc.edu with your request. An email will be sent confirming your request.

4. How much does a text message cost?
Currently most cell phone providers charge $0.10 for each outgoing and incoming text message. If you have a cell phone plan that includes text messaging, there may be no additional charge. Please refer to your cell phone provider for more information. HMC will reimburse the cost for text messages. Please send an email to Melonee Cruse at hmc_connect@hmc.edu for more information.