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Oregon universities getting emergency text-messaging system
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Friday, April 11, 2008 | No comments posted.
CORVALLIS (AP) — An emergency text-message system could in place this fall at Oregon State University and other state schools.
The system would use personal cell phones to notify students of an emergency, such as an earthquake, severe storm or campus gunman. Faculty and staff could sign up for the service.
Oregon State received state approval to buy the program and it will be shared by at least four other schools, the Gazette-Times newspaper reported.
“It’s about the safety of our students,” said Shay Dakan, OSU director of network services. Partners in the system — who finalized commitments to its purchase this week — include the Oregon Institute of Technology and Eastern Oregon, Western Oregon and Southern Oregon universities.
The University of Oregon and Portland State University are looking at their own separate systems, but Portland Community College is considering the partnership.
“We really would like to find a system that is fast and reliable,” said Dana Haynes, PCC spokesman. “Until we know more about the cost, we’re not committed.”
Oregon State’s share of the $160,000 purchase price is about $43,000, the Gazette-Times reported.
OSU and the other regional universities also have extended an offer to the Oregon Independent Colleges Association, which includes 19 schools such as the University of Portland, Reed College and Willamette University.
“More partners mean lower prices for everybody,” said Jon Dolan, OSU assistant director of network services. “If it’s convenient for them and convenient to us, that’s great...But we’re going to move forward and get a system in place.”
The system would use personal cell phones to notify students of an emergency, such as an earthquake, severe storm or campus gunman. Faculty and staff could sign up for the service.
Oregon State received state approval to buy the program and it will be shared by at least four other schools, the Gazette-Times newspaper reported.
“It’s about the safety of our students,” said Shay Dakan, OSU director of network services. Partners in the system — who finalized commitments to its purchase this week — include the Oregon Institute of Technology and Eastern Oregon, Western Oregon and Southern Oregon universities.
The University of Oregon and Portland State University are looking at their own separate systems, but Portland Community College is considering the partnership.
“We really would like to find a system that is fast and reliable,” said Dana Haynes, PCC spokesman. “Until we know more about the cost, we’re not committed.”
Oregon State’s share of the $160,000 purchase price is about $43,000, the Gazette-Times reported.
OSU and the other regional universities also have extended an offer to the Oregon Independent Colleges Association, which includes 19 schools such as the University of Portland, Reed College and Willamette University.
“More partners mean lower prices for everybody,” said Jon Dolan, OSU assistant director of network services. “If it’s convenient for them and convenient to us, that’s great...But we’re going to move forward and get a system in place.”
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