Communications

Date: June 29, 2007

To: Current U.Va. Students (except new incoming students)

From: Patricia M. Lampkin, Vice President Chief Student Affairs Officer <vpsa@Virginia.edu>

Subject: Text message alerts from U.Va. - please sign up now

Dear U.Va. student:

I am writing to encourage you to take a moment to sign up for a new emergency text messaging system the University is implementing. You can sign up for this service by going to <https://www.virginia.edu/uvaalerts>.

The new system will provide an immediate means for the University to communicate with students, faculty, and staff in the event of a critical incident, such as severe weather, chemical leaks or spills, and acts of criminal violence that broadly threaten the safety of the University community.

In an emergency, students who have opted into the service will receive a brief (no more than 125-character) text message with information about the incident. Text messaging is one of several methods, including e-mail and Web posting, that the University will use to communicate with you in the event of a critical incident. The text messaging service is designed for those members of the community who live on the Grounds and in the immediate area, and who conduct regular business with the University.

The Web site, as noted above, provides step-by-step instructions for subscribing to the service and basic information about the program. Before subscribing, please verify with your cell phone or wireless provider the text messaging capabilities and fees available as part of your plan. You may incur a charge from your provider for receiving text messages. If you need assistance signing up, please contact consult@virginia.edu.

We anticipate using the text messaging service only in rare instances. Please take a moment now to sign up for this service to ensure you receive emergency alerts in the event they are necessary.

Sincerely,

Patricia M. Lampkin

Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer