October 16, 2007 at 6:40 pm · Authored by Ewan · Filed under Emergency SMS, SMS

“Here, here!” as they say in some parts of London after a bit of brandy.

Link: University Requires Emergency Texting - Education News Story - WGCL Atlanta

In the wake of the Virginia Tech campus massacre, Boston University is setting the standard when it comes to making sure its students are safe and informed in case of emergency.

The school is the first in the nation to mandate that students sign up for text message alerts, WCVB-TV in Boston reported.

If students don’t sign up, they can’t register for spring classes.

This weekend, the school sent out test alerts to about 40,000 students.

Finally. Finally. I’m a HUGE fan of these types of services. I think it’s critical for any large institution to be able to connect with its subscribers, employees, students or guests — and I’m delighted to see that Boston University’s management have taken this position. If you’re not on the emergency text list, you don’t get to go to class. Love it.

I’d like to see this sort of service offered to Hotels too. Although you’d need to have a verrrrry smart information system for that…