Utah State University Emergency Management conducted a test of the Emergency Alert System, contacting more than 28,300 people in the USU community Thursday at 9 a.m.

Students who have updated emergency contact information on their USU Access account were notified by phone calls and text messages. All Aggiemail accounts also received an e-mail notification.

“In the event of an actual crisis, we want to ensure these systems are fully functional so we can use these means effectively when it actually matters,” said Capt. Steve Milne of USU Police. “Ideally, these will just be used for avalanche warnings and such, rather than something similar to the Virginia Tech attacks.”

More than 90 percent of females and 80 percent of males between the ages 18-24 are using their phones while in class, according to a recent study by USU. The study, conducted by USU doctorate student Torrey Morrill, also found that out of 704 students who participated all but six of them had cell phones.

Morrill’s study also shows that even though texting in class may make it harder to concentrate, it’s not a deterrent for students. However, most faculty members encourage students to shut off their phones or put them away during class. “I don’t know of any instructors who allow phones to be turned on in class,” said journalism professor Jane Koerner. “It’s disruptive and inconsiderate of other students in class.”

As stated in the Code of Policies and Procedures, students are asked “to follow class guidelines as set forth in syllabi and as enunciated by their instructors.”

Limiting distraction by asking students to turn off or put away their phones could hinder the effectiveness of the Emergency Alert System. The intent is to inform students via text message, phone message and e-mail of “threats to personal safety, fires, snow closures, evacuations, severe weather and building closures,” according to www.usu.edu/alert.

Vice Provost Laurens Smith said he wants a way for students to receive alerts in class without causing texting disruptions.

Smith said, “We’re looking into ways other universities deal with this issue. We don’t want anything to prevent the implementation of the alert system. We absolutely want to take advantage of every part of our alert system. In order to do so, we’ll be talking about how to best accomplish this in our committee meetings.”

Eric Kimball, assistant professor in the department of history, deviates from most professors and allows students to leave their cell phones on the desk, so they will know if they receive emergency notifications. “A lot of classrooms around campus are basically soundproof. A gunshot could almost be non-existent to students a few doors down. I remind my students to register for these alerts and keep their phones on,” Kimball said. “I want them to feel safe and secure, and I think these alerts are a very good idea.”

Kimball doesn’t have a problem with students being aware of who is contacting them, just as long as they’re not engaging in everyday text conversations during class. “We have a problem once the students start to text back and tune out of the classroom discussion. But when everyone receives texts at the same time, 180 students all looking down at their phone at once, it’d be pretty obvious it’s not just your uncle John texting you. It’d be pretty clear it’s a serious matter, and I don’t want their phones stuffed away in bags when that happens.”

Judy Crockett, Emergency Manager for USU for the last three years, leads the procedures and prerecords several voice messages that can be sent out during different emergencies. “If there is one thing I could emphasize, it would be that students who sign up to receive these notifications will only be contacted in cases of emergency,” Crockett said. “We will not use their emergency contact information for any other purpose.”

Thursday’s test was the second ever conducted and the first test that included contacting regional campuses, such as USU’s campuses in Tooele and Brigham City.

Once students finish their time at USU, Access automatically filters them from its contact list. “Banner has mechanical check ups through their system that should flag students who are inactive, and not send them any more alerts,” said Kevin Reeve, vice president for Information Technology for the marketing department.

–peter.brown@aggiemail.usu.edu