Ohio State University builds new text alert database to guard against slowdowns

9/20/2011

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State University is rebuilding its database of people who are texted about campus emergencies, so parents who want to keep being notified will have to have students put them back into the system.

The Columbus Dispatch reports Ohio State is starting a new brand new list so alerts will stop going to thousands of graduates across the country. University Director of Emergency Management Bob Armstrong says if there are too many people, there's a greater chance of slowing the system and delaying urgent messages.

The new database will automatically include students, professors and staff members if the university has their cell phone numbers on file. Those people may each register two additional phone numbers, including parents' numbers.

The new system takes effect Sept. 30.