Connect-Ed Alert System
In 2008 the University of Saint Francis implemented a comprehensive broadcasting system called "Connect-Ed" to alert students, faculty, and staff of school closings due to severe weather, power outages or other conditions warranting cancellation of classes and/or events. This system is able to store up to six (6) contact numbers/e-mails for every registered individual, and can send messages to all contact numbers and emails simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are employees and students notified of school closings?
Through Connect Ed, message alerts are sent by a university appointed administrator to an individual’s email, home phone and/or cell phone. Information is also posted on USF’s homepage and the Cougar Connection site, and shared through public service announcements.
How should I respond to message alerts?
No response is necessary when receiving alerts. Correspondence only ties up lines of communication that may be necessary in addressing other situations. Please do not contact the administrator to ask if the closing is real or a hoax, or to let him/her know the message was received.
Will all campus events be cancelled (athletics, conferences, forums, etc.) if a school closing alert is issued?
In the event USF closes due to severe weather conditions or other emergency, all activities scheduled for the day will be cancelled or postponed. No extracurricular activities will take place.
What other ways are there of finding out if the school has closed?
School closing announcements will be listed at cancellations.com and the university’s web site, as well as some local TV and radio stations. Tune in to WANE – TV 15, WPTA – TV 21, or WISE – TV 33; or the following radio stations for announcements: WFWI– 92.3 FM, WBYR – 98.9 FM.
What if my power goes out and I don’t receive the Connect ED alert?
When in doubt, turn on your car or other battery-powered radio to listen for announcements. You can also contact Security at 399-7888 for confirmation.
How do I register for Connect ED alerts?
All new employees complete a form to register their information through the Humans Resources office. Employees who have not yet registered to receive alerts may do so by completing the form accessible via the Human Resources’ intranet site under Miscellaneous Forms, Employee Information Form. Once a printed copy of the form is complete, it should be submitted to Human Resources for processing. UTS transfers updated information to the Connect Ed system.
All new and returning students will receive a form from the Registrar’s Office during the advising process. The form is also available via Cougar Connection.
Who do I inform about changes to my personal contact information?
The same Employee Information Form (on the Human Resources intranet site) should be completed again, and submitted to Human Resources for processing.
Students should inform the Registrar’s Office of any changes.
Who do I contact to address concerns related to closing procedures or the Connect ED system?
Any questions or concerns can be directed to Human Resources for employees and to the Registrar’s Office for students. Please put your concern in writing so that it can be directed to the appropriate individual, and include your contact information so that you can receive a response.
how to Register
Students:
All new and returning students will receive a form from the Registrar’s Office during the advising process. The form is also available via Cougar Connection.
Employees:
The Employee Information Form is available on the Human Resources intranet site. Please submit to HR for processing.
how to Unsubscribe
Please send an email to the webmaster with your name and whether you are a student or faculty/staff member. The information will be passed to University Technology Services for removal from the system.