Q: How do I sign up for the HCC Mobile Alert System?

A: If you are a student, faculty or staff member please click the "Signup" link and enter your information.

Q: How do I Opt-Out (remove myself) from receiving alerts?

A: Please log into your account to opt-out of the alert system. You may opt-out of one particular group or the entire service.

Q: What exactly is the HCC Mobile Alert System?

A: The alert system is a universal notification system that allows designated administrators to send time-sensitive messages to the mobile phones, email, and/or pagers of their subscribers (students, faculty, staff and others). In the event of an emergency, subscribers can get notified immediately of the situation, wherever they are geographically.

Q: Do I need to install software and/or hardware in order to have this service?

A: NO. The HCC Mobile Alert System is a 100% web-based software system, so you do not need any additional software or hardware. All you need is a web browser with an Internet connection and you are up and running! You can look at the system as a Public Safety "Utility"- always on and ready for action.

Q: Will any person receive unsolicited messages ("SPAM") on their mobile phone?

A: NO. We enforce a ZERO SPAM policy which clearly prohibits unsolicited messages, and we do not sell the contact information of our subscribers to third party marketers.

Q.  Does Howard Community College charge for this service?

A.  No, we do not charge students or staff for this service.  Your phone service provider may charge you a small fee to receive text messages depending on your plan.

Q.  When and how often will I receive messages?

A.  The college will only send messages to ALL subscribers in emergency situations that warrant the notification of all students, faculty, and staff.  Additionally, you may consider signing up for optional messages including 'Closings and Delays', 'Traffic/Parking Alerts', and 'College Deadlines'.   You may opt out of any or all of these messages at any  time.

Q.  What are the optional 'groups' for?

A.  There are three optional types of messages you can subscribe to in addition to emergency messages:

  • Closings and Delays:  Messages related to unexpected college closings or delayed openings.  (Typically these would be weather related)
  • College Deadlines:  Messages related to registration and other important college deadlines.
  • Traffic/Parking Alerts:  Messages highlighting major campus traffic and/or parking changes.