CSUB Alert

About CSUB Alert

As part of ongoing efforts to improve communication in case of an emergency, California State University, Bakersfield has implemented a university-wide emergency alert system. The initiative consists of two mass notification systems:

  • A technological system that will allow the university to send time-sensitive notifications via voice, e-mail and text messaging. This system is currently being implemented and the information below details how it functions.
  • An external public address system will allow the university to broadcast specific guidance information campus-wide in the case of an emergency. Implementation of this system will begin during the 2008-09 school year.

How It Works

In the event of an emergency that threatens the lives and/or property of the campus community, the following will be sent as quickly as the situation allows

  • A voice message will be sent to the phone numbers you provide.
  • An e-mail message will be sent to the e-mail address you provide.
  • A text message will be sent to the mobile phone number you provide.

Additional information and updates will be distributed through the CSUB website, university e-mail and phone system, campus emergency hotline, departmental phone trees, and building marshals.

Other than an occasional test of the system, CSUB Alert will be used only to contact you in case of a very serious incident or situation, a university closing, or some other event that requires rapid, wide-scale notification to the community. Examples of such events would be a campus shooting, bomb threat, hazardous materials spills, flood, earthquake, or fire.

CSUB Alert Contact Information

For Students

CSUB can alert you in the event of a campus emergency, such as a fire, gas leak, bomb threat or active shooter situation. The CSUB Alert system can send text messages to your cellular phone, call your telephone numbers, and send you an email with the alert details. You will need to update your personal information, such as phone numbers and email addresses, in order for the CSUB Alert System to notify you of the emergency.

* Please note that the Emergency Contacts information and CSUB Alert information are DIFFERENT. Your Emergency Contact information is used by CSUB to notify the individuals you specify about YOU needing emergency treatment due to illness or injury. Your CSUB Alert information is used by CSUB to alert you of DANGEROUS CAMPUS SITUATIONS, such as fires, gas leaks, etc. CSUB Alert information should be entered in the Contact Information section of your myCSUB account.

For information on how to update your personal information, you can use the Quick Links located on left-hand side.

 mycsub personal information image

For Faculty & Staff

Please visit myCSUB to enter or update your emergency contact information. Thank you.

FAQs

CSUB Alert consists of two mass communication systems to be used during an emergency. The first system allows the university to simultaneously send voice, text and e-mail alerts. The university has contracted with Blackboard Connect and their mass notification system can push out thousands of messages within minutes to help ensure the safety of everyone at CSUB during an emergency.

The second system, an external public address system contracted with Visiplex, will allow the university to broadcast specific guidance information campus-wide in the case of an emergency. Implementation of this system will begin during the 2008-09 school year.

CSUB Alert will only be used for emergency communication purposes or periodic testing of the system, and will never be used for routine communications.

These mass communication systems are part of an overall university emergency response plan. In the event of an actual emergency, the university will provide important information to the campus community through the CSUB website, university e-mail and phone system, campus emergency hotline, departmental phone trees, and building marshals
This PRIVACY POLICY discloses the intended privacy practices of California State University Bakersfield (CSUB) in regards to its use of contact information collected as part of implementing the 'CSUB Alert' program.

It is the policy of CSUB to only use the contact information collected and stored in the CSUB Alert system for purposes of notifying individuals in the case of emergencies, and occasional test of the system. CSUB will not use the CSUB Alert system for promotional, advertising, or other purposes not related to managing and testing the system as stated above. CSUB will not sell, share, or rent contact information to others.

To provide the alert notification service, CSUB has contracted with Blackboard Connect Inc. Blackboard Connect is prohibited from selling, sharing, renting or using the contact information collected for the CSUB Alert System for any purpose other then the intended uses of the alert system, as stated above.

Law Enforcement, CSUB and/or Blackboard Connect, may be required by law enforcement or judicial authorities to provide contact information collected to an appropriate governmental authority. CSUB and/or Blackboard Connect may disclose contact information upon receipt of a court order, subpoena, or to cooperate with a law enforcement investigation.




In the wake of tragic campus shooting incidents at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University, universities are forced to prepare for emergency situations that years ago would never have been anticipated. CSUB recognizes the important role that immediate communication plays in safety during a crisis. CSUB Alert provides the university with the tools for immediate communications should a crisis situation arise.
Very serious incidents and dangerous situations that would jeopardize the health and safety of the campus community would be considered emergencies. An emergency situation can strike at any time and will generally happen without warning. Emergencies are determined by the university police and the university president and vice presidents according to best practices established by state and federal emergency services

CSUB Alert will only be used for emergency communication purposes or periodic testing of the system. You will not be contacted by CSUB Alert unless a serious crisis warrants your immediate attention.
The system is only as effective as the information provided. To make sure you are notified in the event of an emergency, you need to make sure the university has your correct contact information. By providing all of your contact information, including a cell phone number, the university will have more ways to reach you in the event of an emergency. Multiple contacts help to ensure that you receive emergency information as quickly as possible, wherever you may be.
Faculty, staff, and students should update contact information through their MyCSUB account and provide current emergency notification information.

Contact information is updated to the emergency notification system daily. Please do your part in making sure your contact information is current.
Call (661) 654-HELP or email servicecenter@csub.edu
An emergency situation can develop at any time and notification messages will generally be urgent and time sensitive. The university wants to provide you with information as quickly as possible. The more options we have to reach you, such as calling your cell phone or sending a text message, the better our ability to communicate important information

CSUB Alert will send messages to other phone numbers and e-mail addresses you have provided. Additionally, the external public address system will broadcast specific guidance information campus-wide in the case of an emergency.

Emergency information and updates will also be posted on the CSUB website and emergency hotline at 661-654-6666.

NO! There is a very important distinction and both areas should be complete.

You will have an "emergency contact" tab when logged into your MyCSUB account. This is the emergency contact information the university would use should something happen to you (i.e. phone numbers for relatives, spouse, etc.)

Emergency notification, on the other hand, is the contact information the university would use to contact you through CSUB Alert should there be a campus emergency (i.e. your cell phone, e-mail, etc.).
Yes. CSUB Alert will only be used for emergency communication purposes and periodic testing of the system. Your contact information will not be used for casual notices, advertising, marketing, and will not be shared with others. Blackboard Connect, the mass notification provider working with the university, has signed a contract prohibiting them from selling or sharing any data provided by the university.
No. CSUB Alert will only used in case of an emergency or during periodic testing of the system. Your emergency contact information will be safeguarded and not shared with anyone.
  • Text messages will be sent with the name: CSUB Alert
  • Phone calls will use the caller ID: 661-654-6666
  • E-mails will show the sender as: CSUBAlert@csub.edu
The university will test CSUB Alert to ensure the mass notification systems are securely in place as well as to familiarize the campus community with this important emergency communication vehicle
A very limited number of trained representatives, will have authorization to distribute messages.
As always, we strive to keep CSUB a safe place. However, emergencies and disasters can always occur. Every individual should be prepared both on campus and at home. Visit www.ready.gov for information on individual emergency preparedness.