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Emergency Notifications

Saint Louis University has long recognized the importance of communicating in times of crisis.  The ability to communicate quickly and effectively provides the best possible opportunity to safeguard the well-being of the campus community. 

SLU utilizes the RAVE Alert and RAVE Guardian emergency notification systems to deploy this critical information quickly. These systems are available to all faculty, staff, and students. Visitors and contractors can opt in to receive emergency alerts only.

Types of Notifications

SLU will communicate in a variety of ways depending on the type of emergency following the University's Emergency Notification Policy (PDF).  The three types of communication are SLU Alerts (text), timely warnings (email), and public safety advisories (email).  In every case, an evaluation of the circumstances will be conducted to determine if a SLU Alert, timely warning, or a public safety advisory is required and/or appropriate. Notifications will be issued and shall be continually updated until it has been determined that the threat is contained or ended. 

SLU Alert Emergency Notification

The Saint Louis University Department of Public Safety will immediately notify the campus community upon the confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation on campus involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of the campus community. If a serious crime, natural disaster, or man-made emergency poses an immediate threat to the health and safety of the SLU community or a segment of the SLU community, the Clery Act requires that the institution immediately notify the campus community or segment of the community. This communication will typically be a text alert, blast email and/or automated phone call. Depending on the circumstances, other communication options may be used such as social media, digital signage, and the campus website.

SLU alerts inform the campus community of immediate action steps that will preserve safety. These steps include:

  • Use Caution: If you are in the area, use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
  • Avoid Area: Stay away from the area.
  • Shelter in Place: Stay where you are until an all-clear is given.
  • Evacuate: Follow your building evacuation procedure to evacuate the building.
  • Run, Hide, Fight: If you can safely leave the area, leave. If you are unable to leave the area safely, find a safe and secure location to hide. If you are left with no other option, use materials at your disposal to fight the active threat.

Timely Warning

Timely warnings will be issued when a situation arises that constitutes a Clery Act crime that occurs within the Clery geography of the University. Situations reported to campus security authorities or local law enforcement will prompt the issuance of timely warnings if the University considers them to constitute a serious, ongoing or continuing threat to the campus community. This communication will be via a blast email to the SLU community.

Public Safety Advisory

If a situation does not rise to the level of causing a serious or continuing threat to the University community (ex. a pattern of larcenies or vandalism cases) or occurs outside the University’s Clery geographic boundaries, a public safety advisory may be issued to the community. This communication will be via a blast email to the SLU community. The PSA, although not a requirement of the Clery Act, will be used as an additional notification process by the University to promote safety and provide information for incidents that are not required by the Clery Act. In addition, a PSA may also be distributed for other safety concerns (ex. mulch fires, weather-related information, school closings, etc.).

How to Sign Up for SLU Alerts

The SLU Alert emergency notification system allows the University to reach students, faculty, staff and visitors within minutes through a number of media options: text messages, cell phones, landlines, emails and digital signage. The SLU community can register for alerts or update contact information through mySLU.

Students
Sign in at myslu.slu.edu and click on Banner Self-Service. Under the "Personal Information" tab, click on the "Campus Emergency Notification System" link and complete the required information. You can enter up to three cell phone numbers, landlines and email addresses each.
Employees
Sign in at myslu.slu.edu and click on Workday. Enter your cell number(s) for the SLU Emergency Notification System. Visit the Workday job aid library for more information. 
Campus Contractors and Visitors
 Those not affiliated with the University can receive SLU Alert messages by texting "SLUALERT" to 77295. This is ideal for contractors, parents of summer campers, and other visitors who would like to receive emergency alerts. It is important to understand that when you opt-in to the system, you will remain in the system 24/7 unless you opt out by texting "Stop SLUALERT".

How to Sign Up for RAVE Guardian

Saint Louis University community members can download a free safety app called Rave Guardian to travel more safely on and off campus. Rave Guardian leverages mobile technology to turn smartphones into personal safety devices. The app enhances safety in several ways. In addition to an alert inbox and a 911 call button that shares the user’s GPS location, the app includes a safety timer. If a safety timer expires, the user’s guardians will be notified. Guardians can be added as contacts, and the app allows group messaging and photo sharing.

The app also promotes communication between DPS and users through anonymous tip texting. The app allows users to anonymously text suspicious activity to the Department of Public Safety, including photos.

The Rave Guardian app allows users to:

  • Call 911 with one touch right from the app.
  • Call DPS directly from the app. When a student sets up a profile in advance, DPS will see the details they’ve provided if they are unable to speak to the dispatcher when the student calls.
  • Create a safety network with friends and family who can serve as “guardians,” with whom they can communicate directly or via group messaging.
  • Activate a safety timer when heading out, estimating the time it will take to get to a destination. If the timer runs out before they arrive, a chosen guardian is notified so they can call to check on the student.
  • Easily submit crime tips or report suspicious activity — anonymously if they prefer — to DPS via text message. Their tips can include photo attachments.

The Rave Guardian app can be downloaded in the Apple or Google Play stores by searching for “Rave Guardian.”

View RAVE Guardian Video Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I subscribe to SLU Alert?
No one can predict when a campus emergency will occur, or where you will be when it happens. If you have a cell phone, SLU Alerts text messages will provide urgent, time-sensitive information directly to you, whatever your location. 
I did not receive a SLU Alert text when it was issued, what should I do?
Please verify you are enrolled in the SLU Alert system. Contact your cell phone provider and confirm they will accept the emergency messages. Email dps@slu.edu and provide your information (name, SLU email, cell phone number) and we will look into it.
I am a parent, can I get SLU Alert notifications?
You can have your student add your phone number and/or email to their account. They can have up to three cell phone numbers and three email addresses listed in their account. Parents also have the option of using the "opt-in" system by texting "SLUALERT" to 77295. 
The timely warning said the crime occurred several hours ago, why am I just now being notified?
There are many factors that may contribute to delays between when the crime occurred and when you are notified. Crimes are not always reported to the DPS right when they occur and sometimes are reported hours or even days after the crime occurred. Crimes that are reported to partner law enforcement agencies are often reported to DPS at a later date. The University aims to notify the campus community as soon as pertinent information regarding the reported crime is available, such as what happened, where it happened and when. 
I heard about a serious crime occurring on campus, but I didn't receive a timely warning notification about it. Why?

DPS does not issue timely warnings if the department apprehends the subject(s) and the threat of imminent danger for members of the SLU community has been mitigated by the apprehension.

Additionally, if a report was not filed with DPS, campus security authority, or local law enforcement in a manner that would allow the department to post a “timely” warning for the community. A general guideline will include a report that is filed more than 10 days after the date of the reported incident. This type of situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Will I get spam or advertisements?
No, you will only receive Saint Louis University emergency communications. The University will not use the system for any other campus-related business such as athletic scores, registration reminders, etc. 
How do I unsubscribe?
You cannot opt out of emergency messages delivered to your SLU-issued email address; however, you can unsubscribe your phone by logging into the Banner (student) or Workday (employee) and updating your information. You may also stop messages directly through your phone by texting the word STOP to 77295.
Who will have access to my information?
The information entered for SLU Alert will only be used for notification purposes. Your information will be accessible to a small number of University employees. Our notification service vendor, RAVE Mobile Safety, will also have access to your information and operates under tight security.
Does the service cost anything to use?
 Subscribing to emergency text messages is free. However, your cell phone carrier may charge you to receive text messages. Please check with your phone company for details.
How do I edit the phone number used for SLU Alerts?
Students can edit/update their numbers by logging into Banner and updating their information.  Employees can update their information by logging into Workday and updating their number.