PUBLIC SAFETY EMERGENCY ALERTS
If there were a disaster or emergency affecting the GCU community, you would be able to obtain updates and important instructions through this website.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is AlertGCU?
AlertGCU is Grand Canyon University’s emergency notification strategy used to communicate time-sensitive information during an emergency event affecting campus. The nature of the incident will determine which of the following methods will be employed to alert the campus community:
- Text Notification System that sends messages via SMS text message. In some situations, GCU faculty/staff may receive a notification on their desktop computer.
- Outdoor Warning System composed of sirens positioned throughout main campus that emit alert tones and verbal instruction intended to reach those who are outdoors. The Outdoor Warning System will only be utilized in potentially catastrophic situations, such as an active shooter, bomb threat, or fire.
- The alerts may also be posted to Campus message boards and TV’s.
GCU has partnered with RAVE Mobile Safety to provide an emergency alert system that delivers messages to your cell phone. Faculty and staff may also receive an email in addition to the cell phone message.
When is the AlertGCU system activated?
Authorized individuals will, without delay, utilize the AlertGCU system to issue an immediate notification to the campus community upon first responder confirmation of any emergency or dangerous situation that poses an ongoing or continuing threat to the health or safety of the campus community. The notification will be sent to all students, faculty, and staff in the GCU community (or an appropriate segment of the community if the event is limited to a defined area of the campus) unless issuance of the notification will, in the professional judgment of responsible authorities, compromise efforts to assist a victim or contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency. The content of the message will vary depending on the situation, but will typically include the incident time, location, type, and recommended actions for safety.
GCU also conducts a campus wide test of the AlertGCU system at least once per quarter. During the campus wide test, a message is sent via RAVE text message, and via the faculty/staff desktop monitor. The outdoor warning system may also be activated to test its functionality and evaluate audio clarity.
How can I maintain my contact information to receive alerts?
The AlertGCU mass notification system is programmed to send alerts to all registered students, faculty, and staff. Contact information is removed from the AlertGCU system when University affiliation changes .
Students:
Students can update their contact information through the Student Portal at https://myportal.gcu.edu/ or by contact their Student Services Advisor.
Faculty/Staff:
Faculty and staff may update their AlertGCU contact information in Workday at https://www.myworkday.com/gcu/d/home.htmld
Who do I contact if I still have questions?
Send an email to the Department of Public Safety at [email protected] or call them directly at 602-639-8100.