As part of BSCC’s ongoing effort to safeguard students, faculty and staff, the College has implemented a new emergency communications system. Known as Bear Alert, the system allows students, faculty and staff to receive time-sensitive emergency messages in the form of e-mail, voice and text messages. You will only be contacted through the system in the event of an emergency.
All BSCC students, faculty and staff who have a valid ID are automatically signed up to receive text and voice message emergency alerts. Students will receive this through their student email accounts. Individuals must access their accounts initially through their student email accounts, but can later configure their settings to receive notifications through several methods including voicemail, email, and text messages. These records are updated each semester.
You may log in to the Bear Alert System and edit your account so that you receive emergency notifications via your choice of methods. If you choose not to receive text or voice messages your will still receive emergency notifications through your campus email address.
Please note that BSCC strongly recommends that you provide at least one phone number (cell phone is recommended) for Bear Alert to ensure that you receive important messages in a timely manner. Any contact information you provide will only be used for emergency notifications.
Bear Alert is a mass notification system comprised of e-mail, voice and text messaging that is designed to send emergency messages to thousands of individuals in minutes. It supplements existing means of emergency communication, including outdoor warning sirens and severe weather alert radios.
Everyone who has a Bevill State e-mail address will receive emergency alerts to their campus e-mail address. In order to also receive text and voice message alerts, members of the campus community will be asked to provide phone contact information. While participation in the text and voice messaging notification is optional, enrollment is strongly encouraged. The information you supply is considered confidential and will not be shared or used for other purposes. You will only be contacted through the system in the event of an emergency.
BSCC students, faculty and staff have the opportunity to provide a primary mobile phone number for receipt of text messages, and up to three other phone numbers (mobile or other) for receipt of voice messages. Emergency messages will be sent via a system provided by the High Ground Solutions/SchoolCast. Bear Alert will be used in tandem with other campus communication tools.
Bear Alert is a hosted and managed system. You will not need special hardware or software to receive messages. It is a multi-modal service that can disseminate emergency messages through:
E-mail: An alert message will be sent to your official campus e-mail address. You can also specify a secondary e-mail address for receiving these alerts.
SMS text messages: Faculty, staff and students may choose to register a cell phone number for receiving SMS text messages through Bear Alert.
Voice messages: Faculty, staff and students may choose to register up to three additional phone numbers with Bear Alert. Voice messages will be sent to these phone numbers.
The system will only be used to distribute information regarding emergencies that dictate immediate action. Examples of alerts include severe weather, building evacuations, dangers requiring lock-down or shelter-in-place, or other emergencies requiring immediate action. The message will direct you where to go for further information or what action to take. Following a warning, the alert system may be used to provide additional messages or an “all-clear” announcement. The Bear Alert notification system will also be tested on a routine basis to ensure that we are able reach all Bear Alert participants in the event of an emergency. Less urgent messages will be sent using your campus email account.
Because students, faculty and staff are constantly on the move, this system provides the flexibility for you to receive emergency messages on multiple devices. Bear Alert will be used to distribute important information regarding emergencies that dictate immediate action. It will be used along with other tools including severe weather alert radios, e-mail, the College web site, local media and other methods.
You can opt not to receive text or voice mail alerts, however, you cannot opt out from receiving an alert on your official campus email address. You can log into Bear Alert at any time to update or delete your contact information. Whenever your phone number or alternate e-mail address changes, it is very important that you update this information with Bear Alert to ensure you continue to receive alerts through the system.
You will be able to receive emergency messages within 24 hours of sign up. The system is updated on a daily basis.
If you do not have a text messaging contract as part of your cellular service, there may be a small charge for any text messages that you receive. You should check with your cell phone carrier to determine what these costs may be. There is no fee assessed student, faculty and staff for gaining access to the system.
E-mail: sent from Bear Alert will come from bear alert@bscc.edu.
SMS text messages: Text messages will begin with "Bear Alert" and number().
Voice messages: The phone number you will see in your caller ID will be (). You should program this number into your phone so you will immediately recognize it as an urgent call.
The information collected for Bear Alert is securely maintained and will not be shared. It is only used for notification of emergencies requiring immediate action.
During an emergency, details and updated information regarding the specific emergency will be provided on the BSCC home page.