TXT-U
What is TXT-U?
TXT-U is the University of Minnesota's emergency notification text messaging system. TXT-U is one of several of ways the University system provides
emergency information to faculty, staff and students. TXT-U has been part of the University’s emergency communications system since 2007.
How is TXT-U changing?
Beginning in mid to late May 2012, current students, staff, and faculty with an active Internet ID and University of Minnesota email address will be added to the new TXT-U system. However, only those with cell phone numbers included in their University personal information will receive emergency text messages. Once you have been added to the new system, you will receive an email confirming your enrollment and providing a link to the TXT-U login page, where you can review your information for accuracy, add additional numbers to your TXT-U account, or opt-out.
What can I do to make sure my cell phone number is registered with TXT-U when this change is made?
Faculty, staff and students who want to receive TXT-U emergency messages should check their personal contact information listed with the University and
add or update their cellular phone information prior to May 18. You can check your personal information and add or update your cellular phone
information here:
What if I don't want TXT-U?
Everyone who is automatically registered will have the option to unsubscribe, or opt out of the system. You will receive information about how to
opt out as soon as the new system is in place.
Why change to an Opt-Out system?
In the past, TXT-U has been an "opt-in" system. Members of the University community who wanted to receive emergency text messages had to formally sign
up to be part of the system. Using the opt-in system. Fewer than half of all students, faculty, and staff registered for TXT-U.
By moving to an "opt-out" system, everyone in the University community who has a mobile phone number listed in their personal information will
automatically be enrolled in TXT-U and receive emergency text messages.
We expect this change to substantially increase the number of students, faculty, and staff using the system, and as a result improve emergency
communications on campus. As a TXT-U user, you will receive information about an emergency more quickly.
The University will notify you once we move to the opt-out system and you will be given the link to your TXT-U account page, where you will be able to
verify your account information, update your cell phone number, and add up to two other people's cell phone numbers to your account such as a parent,
child, or spouse/partner/significant other. You will also be able to unsubscribe or opt-out of TXT-U.
What if I'm already registered for TXT-U? Does this change anything?
Everyone who already registered for TXT-U previously was added to the new system already. However, to make sure your information transferred correctly
and is up to date, once we have moved to the new system, visit your TXT-U page and verify your account information. Information with
the link to your account information will be provided once the new system is in place.
About TXT-U
When will the university send me emergency messages using TXT-U?
TXT-U emergency messages will only be sent when a dangerous condition exists on campus. Examples could include an active shooter on campus, an
approaching severe storm, or a building evacuation. TXT-U has also been used in the past when the campus has closed due to heavy snowfall.
I don't want to get unnecessary text messages. Will TXT-U be used to send other kinds of information?
No. TXT-U will only be used to notify you about emergency situations and campus closings. You may also receive a test message once or twice a year
during normal business hours to ensure the system is working. You will not receive solicitations or SPAM of any kind.
Does TXT-U cost anything to use?
There is no charge to receive TXT-U. However, your cell phone carrier might charge you to receive text messages, so please check your plan. If you have
a plan for unlimited text messages, you will not be charged. If you have a text messaging package, you will not be charged unless you exceed your
monthly allotment of text messages.
Will all cell phone carriers deliver TXT-U messages?
Yes. The University is using a service provider that works with all major cell phone providers. Text messages will be sent to your carrier for delivery
to your phone. The exception is Google Voice, TextFRee or other such numbers. List your actual cell phone number instead.
Is TXT-U reliable?
TXT-U is an extremely reliable emergency text messaging notification system. However, due to carrier restrictions, signal limitations, and other
factors, the University cannot guarantee that all phones registered for TXT-U will promptly receive every message sent.
Will my personal information remain private?
Yes. We have a contract in place with the company that manages our TXT-U program that prohibits it from ever sharing your information.
I don't use text messages. Other than TXT-U, how else does the University broadcast emergency information?
With a five-campus system as large as the University of Minnesota's, no single method of communication can effectively reach everyone during an
emergency. TXT-U is one of many tools the University uses to distribute emergency information. Other tools include:
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Tone Alert radios (not in use in Rochester)
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On-the-ground public safety personnel
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Campus-wide e-mail
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The University home page and campus websites.
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Campus-wide outdoor public address system (coming soon to Duluth)
The goal is to communicate emergency information in many different ways to ensure that the most people receive notification as quickly as is possible.
Is TXT-U available on all University campuses?
TXT-U is in use on all five campuses of the University of Minnesota. The messages are campus-specific.
What do I do when I receive a TXT-U emergency notification message?
TXT-U messages will give you instructions. If you are in class, tell the instructor about the message to announce it to others.
What happens after I graduate or am no longer employed by the University of Minnesota?
Information is updated daily, so as soon as you are no longer officially in the University of Minnesota systems, your information will be deleted and
you will no longer receive TXT-U messages. A note to parents: If your child graduates from the U, your numbers will be deleted when he or she graduates
from that account. If you are listed on other child's account who is still enrolled, you will continue to be registered.
Where can I get more information or assistance?
If you have questions or are having problems with your TXT-U registration, contact dem@umn.edu or
612-625-8047. Be sure to include your cell phone number in your message.
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