Attempting to keep its students notified in cases of emergencies or threats to their safety, Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Mo. has launched its “Bearcat Alert,” a text messaging system designed to get the word out quickly.

While Bearcat Alert is open to those with a Northwest account, students still must sign up for the program. The cost for this system depends on each individual’s cellular phone plan. Textcaster, a Kansas City, Mo. text messaging service, was selected to operate the program because local school districts currently use it.

Clarence Green, director of Northwest’s Campus Safety department, said the new service would get information to students quickly and efficiently. “I think greatly of it (Bearcat Alert),” Green said. “It’s going to get emergency information out to a wider pool. For those who live off campus they will have the chance to be alerted immediately too.” Read more here.

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