Alert Adds Text Messaging to Villanova’s Emergency Communication Procedures

Villanova, PA  August 29, 2007 - Villanova University has introduced a new text messaging feature to its emergency communication procedures for the 2007-08 academic year. This new feature, known as Nova Alert, will use the Roam Secure Alert Network.

Nova Alert will supplement Villanova’s suite of emergency communication vehicles. The University uses all available means of communications in an emergency situation, including telephone, Web site, e-mail and now text messaging. Villanova also implements on-site personal contacts by utilizing Public Safety officers and other University staff and officials.

Nova Alert enables campus public safety and University officials to send targeted alerts to its students, staff and faculty members. Parents of Villanova students can also sign up for the system, and receive real-time information during a major emergency or a routine incident. This is an opt-in service and registration is required in order to receive this service. Individuals can sign up for Nova Alert on-line by going to the following location: http://alert.villanova.edu and choosing the link entitled ‘Click here to register’.

If an emergency should arise, Nova Alert quickly contacts individuals and delivers important emergency alerts, notifications and updates on all the devices one chooses to register: cell phone (via SMS/texting), e-mail account (work, home, other), pager, and smartphone/PDA (BlackBerry, Treo & and other handhelds). Nova Alert is a connection to real-time updates and provides instructions on where to go, what to do, or what not to do, as well as instructions on where to go to find more detailed information. With RSAN and advanced GIS mapping capabilities, the entire Villanova campus, or targeted areas both on and off campus can be notified in seconds.

"The Roam Secure Alert Network gives Villanova University the ability to instantly communicate emergency information to our on and off campus constituents,” said Stephen Fugale, Villanova University’s Chief Information Officer. “Even before the Virginia Tech tragedy, Villanova had been researching text messaging systems in an effort to expand our communications platforms for students, parents, faculty, and staff. We chose Roam Secure based on its superior technology, streamlined implementation plan, and the ability to tie the system into other RSAN systems across the greater Philadelphia area.”

If you would like more information about Villanova’s Crisis Response Procedures, go to: http://www.villanova.edu/studentlife/crisisresponse/

About Villanova University

Villanova University is a co-educational Roman Catholic institution that welcomes students of all faiths. Villanova was founded in 1842 by the friars of the Order of St. Augustine and offers a wide variety of degree programs through four main colleges – the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, and the College of Nursing – and a School of Law.

About Roam Secure

Every day tens of thousands of government leaders, first responders, employees, volunteers, students and citizens in cities, counties, the federal government, colleges and universities and key businesses rely on Roam Secure’s Network (RSAN™), and RSIX. To learn more about RSAN and/or request a demo of Roam Secure’s solutions, please visit www.roamsecure.net or speak with us via phone at 703.294.6768 x250 or 877.459.RSAN (7726).