FAU Alert is the University's alert and notification system that informs the University community of potential or actual emergency events or threats. The University recognizes that no single method of communication will reach everyone, everywhere, every time. Therefore, FAU Alert comprises several tools, including blast e-mails, text messages, call-outs, outdoor warning sirens, and more. See the "More about FAU Alert" section below.
Depending on your mobile phone/data plan, your carrier may charge you a fee to receive FAU Alert messages when modules such as text messaging are utilized.
Please direct any questions regarding the FAU Alert System to em@fau.edu
All FAU Alert emergency alerting and notification messages will say, “FAU ALERT” or “ATTENTION FAU”.
“ATTENTION FAU” is used in messaging only when an incident has the potential to suspend normal operations, affect life safety/or result in the destruction of University resources.
Does an FAU Alert message mean that classes are canceled or that the University is closed?
Not necessarily. Issuance of an FAU Alert does not automatically indicate a change to the operational status of the University. You are advised to take the necessary temporary protective actions to ensure your safety and the safety of others under your care.
If you can conduct normal business under these conditions, you may proceed. If you cannot, you are expected to do so once the alert has expired, been rescinded, or conditions allow.
Any changes to the University's operational status, such as cancellations or closures, will be communicated explicitly in an independent message and posted.
What should I do when I receive an FAU Alert message?
In an effort to get a warning out as quickly as possible, initial FAU Alert messages may be short or incomplete. Regardless of the alert, you should always:
Recognize that an emergency is occurring
Seek safety or shelter
Seek more information by checking the FAU Alert modules.
When should I update my FAU Alert contact information?
New and current students are asked to register or review their information during class registration. Faculty and staff are asked at the beginning of each semester and during new employee orientation.
It is a university requirement that anyone with an FAU-issued communication device, or who receives a stipend for their communication device needs, register that device to receive FAU Alerts by phone and/or text message. Remember to update your FAU Alert contact information whenever it changes.
What's the difference: emergency alerting and notification, crisis communications, and public affairs?
Emergency alerting and notification: Notification of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or staff occurring on campus, sent to the affected audience with suggested protective actions.
Crisis Communications: Communications to various audiences regarding changes to university operations that are specific to their interests and needs, such as event/class cancellations, suspension of business operations, access to campus, etc.
Public Affairs: Dissemination of information to the University community.
How does FAU alert the University community?
There are several methods to disseminate emergency information as FAU recognizes that no single method of communication will reach everyone, everywhere, every time: mass email, text messaging, phone calls, social media (Facebook & X), outdoor warning sirens (Boca, Jupiter and HBOI campuses), desktop alerting, media advisories, University webpages, University hotline, digital signage, and more.
Can parents and family members sign up to receive calls, texts or email?
The intent of emergency alerting via calls, text messages, and email is to reach the target audience that needs to take temporary protective actions regarding life safety and resource protection. Parents and family members can follow the official FAU social media sites for X and Facebook, check the FAU home page and advisory page, follow the official University communications and briefings via the media for information regarding the emergency.
