Gordon College

GORDON COLLEGE EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM (GCENS)

As part of Gordon College's continuing effort to ensure a safe college environment, the college has implemented a new rapid emergency communication system known as the Gordon College Emergency Notification System or GCENS. This system allows Gordon College to convey time-sensitive information within minutes, through a single communication to our students, faculty and staff.

With the GCENS service, Gordon College can schedule, send and track personalized voice, e-mail and text messages. These messages can be sent via four different modes of communication:

  • Voice messages to home, work and/or cell phones
  • Text messages to cell phones, PDAs and other text-based devices
  • Written messages to e-mail accounts

Notifying appropriate parties immediately is crucial in emergency situations such as severe environmental conditions, acts of campus violence or circumstances that call for immediate notification or action. Accurate, timely communication helps to minimize the spread of misinformation. These emergency messages can also provide detailed instructions on what steps you need to take.

Gordon students, faculty and staff are automatically added to the GCENS service. Every person is encouraged to review his or her GCENS contact information for accuracy and to add additional contact information such as cell phone numbers to the notification list. Receiving a voice or text message when you are away from your office or residence hall keeps you informed of possible emergencies on campus. You may also add an additional e-mail address. The more ways we have to contact individuals, the better the college’s odds are of spreading timely and accurate information and keeping everyone informed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contents

Q: How do I sign up for GCENS?

A: All students' residence hall phone numbers, home phone numbers, and their Gordon College official e-mail addresses are automatically added to the GCENS service. Students are encouraged to include their cell phone numbers, text messaging numbers, and an additional email address for Gordon College to use for emergency notification. Faculty and staff are also automatically enrolled in the service via their Gordon office phone number and e-mail address.

Update Your Contact Information Here

Use your Gordon College network username and password above to add / update your emergency notification information in the system.

Q: Will it cost me if I choose to receive a text message?
A: Please refer to your cell phone provider for information on additional charges for text messages.
Q: Will the GCENS service be used for non-emergency announcements?
A: No. Gordon College will only use the GCENS service for emergencies that require immediate attention or action.
Q: How often will Gordon test the GCENS service?
A: Each semester, Gordon College will test its emergency notification system. An announcement indicating the date and time of the test message will be sent to all faculty, staff, and students.
Q: What do I do if I get an emergency message?
A: An emergency message sent via GCENS will give you specific information on what to do or where to go. The message may direct you to the Gordon College emergency web page. Follow any instructions given in the message.
Q: What are some examples of emergency messages that I could receive?
A: Below are some sample text messages that you could receive regarding possible emergencies...
GCENS: All day and evening classes have been canceled for Thurs Jan 14 due to bad weather stand by for info on Fri Jan 15 classes
GCENS: Campus Emergency declared. Get inside and stay away from doors and windows. Stand by for more info
Q: Where can I get more information about the GCENS service?
A: The GCENS service is provided by Blackboard Connect Inc., formerly known as the NTI Group, Inc. (NTI). Visit Blackboard Connect's web site at http://www.blackboardconnect.com/ for additional information about their world-class notification engine called Connect-ED®.
Q: What if I am in class and my cell phone is turned off. How will I be notified?
A: Gordon College also utilizes a siren and intercom system for on campus emergencies. These systems will also alert everyone on campus of immediate emergencies.
Q: How do I update my home phone number?
A: Contact the Registrar's Office to update your home telephone number. Lambdin Hall - Room 126, Phone: 678. 359. 5022, Fax: 770. 358. 5382
Q: What are some other ways that the college will announce closings, suspensions or delays of classes?
A: Visit our Inclement weather page for a listing of radio and television stations that will have information regarding classes being suspended or the campus closing in case of inclement weather or an emergency.
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