Text Message Notifications (SMS)

Overview

California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) provides text message notifications to support campus communication and situational awareness. This page provides additional information about SMS notifications used in connection with PolyAlert and other university notification programs.

How You Enroll

Cal Poly community members may receive text message notifications by voluntarily providing a mobile phone number through university systems. Students, faculty, and staff with a My Cal Poly Portal account may register a mobile phone number for PolyAlert through the Personal Info tab at my.calpoly.edu.

Visitors and other affiliated individuals may enroll to receive text message notifications by opting in through approved keywords for specific programs, events, or locations where such enrollment is offered.

By providing a mobile phone number through university systems or opting in through an approved keyword, users provide prior express consent to receive recurring text messages from California Polytechnic State University related to campus notifications, including emergency alerts and other time-sensitive campus informational messages.

Text messages are periodically sent on an as-needed basis. Message frequency may vary.

Message and data rates may apply. Cal Poly does not charge for this service. However, your mobile phone service provider may charge for text messages. Please refer to your mobile phone service plan for more information.

Types of Messages

Messages may include:

• Emergency alerts
• Safety information
• Evacuation instructions
• Time-sensitive campus updates
• Non-emergency operational or situational awareness notifications

Opt-Out Instructions

To stop receiving text messages, reply STOP to the sending number. Cancelling messages will prevent operators from communicating with you via text message for the applicable messaging program.

Help and Support

For assistance, reply HELP to the sending number.

Privacy, Use, and Messaging Governance

Additional information is available through the following university resources:

• Privacy: CAP 1210 - Information Security
• Electronic Messaging Use: Electronic Mail Use Policy
• Mass Electronic Messaging: CAP 740

Related Resource

For more information about Cal Poly’s emergency notification capabilities and keyword-based enrollment options, visit the Stay Informed / Get Notified page.