emergency alert system
clearTXT: Frequently Asked Questions
Who can get CSC clearTXT?
clearTXT is designed for students, faculty, and staff who will be affected directly by an emergency on the college grounds and/or the surrounding area.
Why should I set up a clearTXT account?
- Text messaging is more reliable in emergency situations when communication systems reach high capacity. Text messages will get through when phone calls won't.
- You will receive alerts anywhere, even when you do not have access to a computer.
Will my cell phone number be kept confidential?
Yes. CSC clearTXT cell phone numbers are not shared or sold to any other systems or services.
How many CSC clearTXT messages will I receive?
CSC clearTXT messages will be sent in the event of an emergency, crisis situation, school closing or other events requiring emergency notifications. You will receive messages within seconds of their transmission. If your cell phone is turned off when an alert is sent, you will receive it after you turn your cell phone on, but only if you do so within seven days from the original message.
What do I need to get CSC clearTXT and how much does it cost?
All you need is a cell phone with text messaging capabilities. There is no charge to users for signing up. Individual cell phone plans will apply normal charges for the text message.
Note: All landlines, most Tracfones and some pay-as-you-go phones will not register on the CSC clearTXT system. This is a limitation of the phone providers.
What if I change my cell phone service provider?
When you change cell/mobile phone providers but keep your existing mobile number it is considered "ported." Depending on the mobile phone provider, it may take up to 30 days for the CSC clearTXT system to be updated. During the "ported" time period, you may not receive alerts because the alerts are sent to the old mobile provider, which may not forward them. You will find details on how to solve this problem and immediately register when you log on to get registration information.
How do I sign up for CSC clearTXT?
- To register, you do need to have your cell phone handy. Just access your Colby-Sawyer clearTXT account by going to: http://colby-sawyer.cleartxt.com/
- Log-in using your CSC e-mail address and clearTXT password supplied to you in the welcome e-mail message you should have already received (note this is a clearTXT specific password and not necessarily your CSC password). If you have not received this welcome e-mail message, please contact the Helpdesk at x3800 for support.
- When you have successfully logged in, follow the directions included at the following link to set up your account: http://www.colby-sawyer.edu/assets/pdf/clearTXT.pdf
What if I am not able to register?
For registration assistance, e-mail your mobile phone number and the name of your provider to the Helpdesk at helpdesk@colby-sawyer.edu. Indicate you want to register in the CSC clearTXT system.
What if I do not receive the clearTXT password?
If you do not have a clearTXT password, please contact the Helpdesk for support (see previous question).
How can I opt-out of CSC clearTXT?
You can opt-out (discontinue) at any time just as quickly and easily as you signed up. Contact the Helpdesk for assistance.
What will the CSC clearTXT tell me?
A short text message will state the type of threat and indicate suggested action. For instance, for a campus closing the message may read, “CSC WILL BE CLOSED ON (DATE) REFER TO WWW.COLBY-SAWYER.EDU FOR MORE DETAILS.” Because messages will always be brief, complete up to date details will be available on the Colby-Sawyer College home page.
An important reminder: the CSC Web site is the primary and most complete resource for current emergency information. The CSC clearTXT text messaging service is just one of the methods the College will use to communicate emergency information. If appropriate, global e-mails, the telephone switchboard, flyers, local media and other communication tools will also be used.
