The concept and reasoning behind UW-Madison's new WiscAlert text messaging alert system are well thought out, but the system has flaws that need to be overcome to be a success.
The need for a mass alert system stems from the tragedies at Northern Illinois University and Virginia Tech. There have also been instances at UW-Madison where this system would have been useful.
Informing UW-Madison students, faculty and staff of serious situations in the campus area is very important, and the university should be responsible for reaching the campus community at a time of crisis.
It is necessary to notify students of a campus emergency in a timely and efficient way, and sending mass text messages may not prove to be the best answer in the long run but for now is sufficient.
The previously used WiscAlert mass e-mail system was deemed a success after it was used in September 2007.
According to John Lucas, a university spokesperson, these alerts will be used sparingly, but those who sign up for the program will have to pay for the alerts if their cell phone plan does not include text messaging.
At this point in the program's infancy, paying for perceived safety seems reasonable.
The main problem this program faces is getting the vast majority of UW-Madison community members to sign up and receive the messages. This program is already in use at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, and less than half of the campus population has registered for the
program.
UW-Madison will most likely face similar registration issues, but if the university makes a concerted effort to inform students and faculty, the potential for majority participation is great.
