Changes to Code Purple
February 12, 2012
With the latest round of winter weather behind us, many students were waiting for that beloved text message from Code Purple bringing information of canceled classes. Although that was not the case for the Tarleton State University campus, it did bring a bigger spotlight to the system.
Last week, Tarleton activated new updates to the campus’ Code Purple emergency alert system. It is designed to send out alerts through official Tarleton email and by text message in the event of bad weather or a crisis on campus. In order to receive the alert via text, you must sign up for this additional option.
In the State of Texas House Bill 2758 now requires mandatory enrollment in emergency notification systems for all faculty, staff and students at every university whether it is a private or public institution. Beginning with the Spring 2012 semester, all new students enrolling for classes will be automatically registered for the Code Purple emergency alert system. In the past, enrollment with this system was optional.
Although you do have the option to decline the service, Code Purple is the official way to be notified if there is an emergency on the Tarleton campus. If employees or students choose to remove themselves from the notifications, there is an option to re-instate the alerts at any time.
Kent Styron, director of risk management and safety at Tarleton said, “…we believe that the enrollment in the emergency notification system is the best way to receive timely information…”
In early February, “accounts were established for applicable students, faculty and staff and were uploaded into Code Purple utilizing their Tarleton-issued email address. We suggest everyone log into their account using their email address (username) and their UIN/UID (password) to add their cell phone information to the Code Purple system and to update other information,” Styron said.
Anyone who has yet to log on to their account needs to do so promptly. This is to ensure that all information is accurate and up to date so messages can be sent to the proper places. Please address all questions or problems with logging in to the Computer Help Desk at 254-968-9885.