This semester, UNL Alert has been upgraded to automatically include the primary email for all UNL students, faculty and staff, according to UNL Police.

The upgrade, which occurred in early February, includes the option to get alerts by text to mobile phones as well as an alternate email account, said Mark Robertson, UNLPD’s emergency preparedness coordinator.

“This is a big step in making sure emergency messages reach as many of our students, faculty and staff as possible,” Robertson said.

The UNL Alert mass notification system sends text messages and emails to devices and addresses designated by students, faculty and staff. UNL Police determine when UNL Alert will send emergency notices.

Students, faculty and staff can log in to http://emergency.unl.edu/unlalert with their MyUNL ID to check and edit their personal contact information. An option exists to remove your primary email from the system, Robertson said – while participation is voluntary, it is strongly encouraged.

“I would advise everyone to log in, add a cell phone contact and make sure their email address is correct,” he said.

The upgrade was implemented by Information Technology Services and Shared Computing Services at UNL.