IT Department introduces new alert system for students

TrojanTXT, a text messaging alert system launched this semester in September, keeps students up-to-date on registration dates, financial aid deadlines, drop and add dates, and billing.

TheIinformation Technology Department and Student Services sponsors the program. Instructions can be found at http://trojan.troy.edu/help/sms, and the registration page can be found at http://hermes.troy.edu/#txt.

Greg Price, the chief technology officer in the IT Department, said that the program eliminates the need for students to review calendars, websites and applications, as TrojanTXT ensures that students receive “brief, direct notices” with pertinent information.

TrojanTXT is the not the lone text messaging service available to students. The other text messaging service is the Troy University SOS system, which, according to its website, “can swiftly notify university constituents of a number of unexpected events, including: emergency broadcasts, alerts, weather advisories, school closings, class cancellation and significant maintenance events.”

Students can subscribe to the SOS service at sos.troy.edu/subscribe.html.

The two text messaging systems do not have overlapping information according to Price.

“SOS and TrojanTXT are two separate systems,” Price said. “SOS is for emergency purposes only.”

Any mobile device that is able to send text messages is compatible with the systems, but per-message fees may apply to the messages sent to mobile devices. The IT Department recommends that users consult their service provider and wireless plan before subscribing.

According to the IT Department, there are 2,402 participants registered for TrojanTXT and 12,500 outbound messages delivered since its launch this semester.

“The stats reveal that we have enrolled approximately 10 percent of the total enrollment in eight weeks,” Price said. “During that time, eleven messages were delivered to distinct populations, thereby allowing timely and specific content to students.”

For more information or assistance with the TrojanTXT alert system, users can text TROYHELP to 69979. Current TrojanTXT users can unsubscribe from the system by texting OPTOUT to 69979.