Fayetteville State University News January 7, 2013 Fayetteville State University Launches Blackboard Connect to Enhance Emergency Preparedness and Communication Fayetteville State University (FSU) has selected Blackboard Connect(tm), a leading mass notification platform, to facilitate important communication and emergency preparedness. The first campus-wide test call will be held on January 9, 2013. Blackboard Connect replaces an emergency notification system previously used by the university. FSU implemented Blackboard Connect so campus leaders can stay connected to students, faculty and staff, and efficiently provide them with direction in the event of an emergency. The system can be used to disseminate targeted information on registration deadlines, schedule reminders and campus events, helping to ensure the campus community receives relevant, customized information. In an urgent situation, the university can quickly send accurate notifications and updates to students, faculty and staff, helping prevent the spread of misinformation, streamline efforts and keep students safe. "The safety of our campus is our top priority, which is why we need to be able to communicate with students, faculty and staff quickly in an urgent situation," said FSU Chancellor James A. Anderson. "Blackboard Connect enables us to communicate efficiently with the campus community in just a matter of minutes, helping save valuable time, use resources efficiently and protect our students." Using Blackboard Connect, administrators can record and send an unlimited number of personalized voice messages to home phones, businesses, local agencies and mobile phones in just minutes. The service also sends email, text messages (SMS) to mobile phones and posts on Facebook, RSS feeds and Twitter channels. Messages can also be sent to TTY/TDD devices for people who are hearing impaired. "Blackboard Connect helps campus leaders communicate more effectively with students, faculty and staff by allowing them to send targeted messages and helping ensure the right message gets to the right people." said Ed Miller, president of Blackboard Connect. FSU will be testing the Blackboard Connect platform on January 9. Phone numbers on file with FSU will automatically be included in the system. Students, faculty and staff can manage their message settings, including their preferred language, mode of contact and specific message topic they wish to receive, through the Connect Access Portal at https://uncfsu.bbcportal.com/. If you are a community member who erroneously receives a call, please contact FSU at (910) 672-1474 to have your number removed or added to the service, as appropriate. For more information about the test, call (910) 672-1474 or email jwomble@uncfsu.edu<mailto:jwomble@uncfsu.edu>. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-520-0593 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.