Communication plays a critical role before, during, and after any emergency or disaster.
To further strengthen campus emergency preparedness, Metro State has implemented a mass notification system. 3n (National Notification Network) is the vendor selected to provide critical notification to students, faculty and staff during emergencies. The system has been implemented for Metro State as well as the entities at the Auraria Higher Education Center.
Under the 3n system, students, faculty and staff can choose how they would like to be notified of a campus emergency. Choices include one or more of the following:
- SMS text message (standard text messaging fees apply)
- cell phone
- Metro State e-mail
- personal e-mail
- home phone
(For College employees, Auraria's existing telephone notification system will also be used in case of emergency)
It is important to realize you will not receive emergency notifications via the 3n critical notification system unless you register for this service.
Metro State Emergency Notification System
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Q) What is 3n InstaCom?
A) 3n is the company that the Auraria Higher Education Center and the three college institutions selected as the service provider for emergency text messaging on both the Anschutz and the Auraria Campuses. They provide computer-based communications tools and support to entities including colleges and universities to quickly and efficiently share critical information during emergency situations. InstaCom is the product that 3n provides as the solution to the emergency text messaging need.
Q) How do I sign up?
A) Each semester students, faculty and staff will receive an e-mail to their Metro State account from the 3n system. This e-mail contains your unique authorization code and simple instructions on how to register for emergency notifications. Check your Metro State e-mail for your registration information.
Q) What kind of situations will this notification process be used for?
A) Imminent emergencies such as, but not limited to, fire, tornado, hazardous materials spill, or an act of violence.
Q) Can my parents or other family members also sign up so they'll know what's going on?
A) At this time, registration for the emergency notification service is only being offered to currently enrolled students, faculty and staff of Metropolitan State College of Denver.
Q) What if I don't have a cell phone?
A) The Metro State Emergency Notification System is primarily a text messaging system, but there are other ways the system can notify you such as e-mail, or home phone. Be sure to select the best method to contact you.
Q) Is there a cost if I sign up?
A) Metro State will not assess charges for this service; however, depending on your agreement with your mobile phone provider, you may incur charges if you opt to receive SMS text messages in case of a campus emergency. Please check with your provider to understand your charges.
Q) What information do I have to provide when I sign up?
A) In addition to your name and Metro State e-mail address, the system will ask you to select how you would like to be contacted, your cell phone service provider, a phone number and other e-mail address.
Q) Will this be used for weather-related closures?
A) Possibly, if there is an imminent danger such as a flash flood or fire associated with storm activity. In other situations, current methods such as TV, radio, broadcast messages, the Metro State web site (www.mscd.edu), AHEC web site (www.ahec.edu) and the emergency hotline (303-556-2401) will be used instead.
Q) How long will it take to get a message when something is happening?
A) It depends on the situation, but this system is designed to get the information out very quickly to the participants.
Q) What do I do if I change my cell phone carrier?
A) If one of your phone numbers or e-mail addresses changes, you will need to log onto www.3nonline.com and update this information.
Q) I'm concerned about privacy. Will my personal contact information be kept private by the College and 3n?
A) Yes. The information contained within the confidential database will not be used by any of the participating organizations outside of the project's scope. The 3n security policy is available online at http://3nonline.com/privacy-policy.
Q) Who do I contact if I'm signed up but didn't get a text message?
A) Go to the 3n web site and double check that your information is correct. Then contact the system administrator at mscd_emergency@mscd.edu (be sure to use and 'underscore' between mscd and emergency) if you need further assistance.
Q) If I update my personal contact information in MetroConnect, does it automatically update my registration information for emergency text messages?
A) No. The Metro State Emergency Notification System registration is separate from the College personal information update process available in MetroConnect. You must log onto www.3nonline.com to update your emergency contact information.
Q) Who do I contact for more information?
A) Contact the system administrator at mscd_emergency@mscd.edu (be sure to use and 'underscore' between mscd and emergency) if you need further assistance.