Mudd Alert FAQs

General Questions

1. What is the HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System?
2. Will the HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Notification System be used for non-emergency announcements?
3. How often will HMC test the Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System?
4. What do I do if I get an Emergency Message?
5. Where can I get more information about the Blackboard Connect Notification System?
6. Students: What if I am in class and my cell phone is off. How will I be notified?
7. Staff: Do I need to be notified of an emergency that happens after work hours?

HMC Emergency Mass Notification Sign Up

8. How is my information put into the HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System?
9. Is it required I provide my personal contact information into the HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System?
10. How many phone numbers and email addresses can I add to the HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System?
11. Can I add my parents/guardians/spouse/partner/others to the HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System?
12. How do I update or remove my personal information for the HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System?
13. How long is this information maintained in the HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Notification System database?

Cell Phone Questions

14. I want to receive voice (or text) message alerts only on my cell phone. How do I change or verify that I will receive only voice (or text) messages?
15. How do I confirm I am signed up to receive text messages?
16. I no longer want to receive text messages. How do I opt-out of the system?
17. How much does a text message cost?
18. I need additional assistance with cell phone text messaging. Where can I get help?

General Questions

1. What is the HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System?

The Harvey Mudd College mass notification system, provides rapid emergency notification to the Harvey Mudd College community during crucial emergency situations, such as severe environmental conditions, acts of unexpected violence on campus or other circumstances that call for immediate notification or action.The HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System is powered by Blackboard Connect. When activated, the system will disseminate voice messages, e-mails and text messages to the HMC community. The type of message(s) you receive, e.g. voice, email, or text, will be based on the device you activated. See www.hmc.edu/muddalert to activate a cell phone. HMC has coordinated the addition of exterior broadcast speakers that will send tones to alert the HMC community to check for an incoming Mudd Alert message.

2. Will the HMC Emergency Mass Notification System be used for non-emergency announcements?

No. HMC will only use the Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System for emergencies that require immediate attention or actions.

3. How often will HMC test the Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System?

The HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System will be tested each semester by HMC. Occasionally the system is also tested by the CUC Office of Campus Safety. When testing 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 Mudd Alert will contain real-time updates, important information or other instructions. Read the message and follow the instructions provided.

5. Where can I get more information about the Blackboard Connect Notification System?

The Blackboard Connect website has more information about the notification system.

6. (Students) 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 Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System. If there is a phone in the classroom the phone will ring and a message will be played to alert the occupants of the room. Additionally, students that have provided their cell phone numbers to the Mudd Alert system and who have their cell phones on vibrate will receive a message. HMC has coordinated the addition of exterior broadcast speakers that will send tones to alert the HMC community to check for an incoming Mudd Alert message. These systems will work together to alert students of immediate emergency situations.

7. (Staff) Do I need to be notified of an emergency that happens after work hours?

It depends. If there is an emergency on campus before or after working hours you might want to avoid coming to campus or you may be needed by your department to provide support services for the emergency situation. Harvey Mudd College highly recommends faculty and staff sign up for cell phone and/or home phone notification. Cell phone and home phone numbers entered into Mudd Alert are held in confidence and will only be used for Mudd Alert emergency mass notifications.

HMC Emergency Mass Notification Sign Up

8. How is my information put into the HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System?

Official HMC e-mail addresses, office phone numbers, classroom phone numbers are automatically added into the Mudd Alert database. During registration students have the option of adding a cell phone and a home phone number into the system. Cell phone numbers and home phone numbers may also be added through the Mudd Alert Registration Form.

9. Is it required I provide my personal contact information into the HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System?

Personal contact information is not required however, it is recommended as it limits HMCs ability to reach you with important information in the event of an emergency. Because it is impossible to foresee which communication systems will be operational during an emergency or where you’ll be, it is recommended that you provide multiple means of contacting you.

10. How many phone numbers and email addresses can I add to the HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System?

In addition to your HMC e-mail address and campus phone, you can add two (2) additional phone numbers. Only one cell phone number can be used for text messages.

11. Can I add my parents/guardians/spouse/partner/others to the HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System?

Yes, you are allowed (2) additional phone numbers. You can use one of these adds for this. Your parent / guardian / spouse / partner / others cannot submit a request to be added to the HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System. You must do this on their behalf. Only HMC staff, faculty and students can add additional numbers under their own personal information.

12. How do I update or remove my personal information for the HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System?

To update your information in the HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Mass Notification System you can use the HMC Mudd Alert Registration Form. Please be aware that this does not update your emergency contact information within other areas/departments of Harvey Mudd College; it only updates information in the HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Notification System. Contact HMC Human Resources (staff) or the HMC Registrars Office (students) for additional information on updating your personal contact information for the college.

13. How long is this information maintained in the HMC Mudd Alert Emergency Notification System database?

For students, contact information remains in the Mudd Alert system until you graduate or leave the college. Graduating seniors and non-returning student s contact information are removed prior to the start of the next academic session. Student contact information is updated during registration and through submission of the HMC Mudd Alert Registration Form. For faculty and staff, contact information is removed upon separation from the college.

Cell Phone Questions

14. I want to receive voice (or text) message alerts only on my cell phone. How do I change or verify that I will receive only voice (or text) message alerts?

To receive or verify voice message only or text alert only to your cell phone, use the HMC Mudd Alert Registration Form. This form gives you the option of having voice message only, text message only or both for your cell phone.

15. How do I confirm I am signed up to receive text message alerts?

Blackboard Connect no longer sends a confirmation message when you sign up to receive for text messages. Once or twice a year you will receive a Mudd Alert report. This report will list the phone numbers and email addresses you have in the Mudd Alert data base. It will let you know if you are receiving cell phone voice messages, and/or text messages. Your choices will also be confirmed during biannual Mudd Alert system testing.

16. I no longer want to receive text message alerts, how do I opt-out of the system?

Use the HMC Mudd Alert Registration Form to update or remove your cell phone information. An email will be sent confirming your request.

17. How much does a text message cost?

While HMC Mudd Alert is free of charge, you may incur fees from your mobile phone carrier. Please check with your carrier for details on specific fees and charges that may apply to text messaging.

18. I need additional assistance with cell phone text messaging. Where can I get help?

For more information on the HMC Mudd Alert system, contact Theresa Lauer at 909.621.8226.