Technology Support Center

AlertBG FAQs

  How do I sign up for the AlertBG's Text Messaging System?
Students, faculty and staff can sign up for the AlertBG's Text Messaging System through MyBGSU secure web portal.  Log in to MyBGSU, click on AlertBG tab, and go to the signup form.  Once you are finished, the system will send you a text message to ensure you correctly entered your information. Your AlertBG account is also created.

Click here to see a sample of the sign-up process to add the first cell phone and the confirmation that the account has been successfully set up.  To add another cell phone or an e-mail address, use the AlertBG User Login for returning users.

  Should I use my BGSU password?
AlertBG is being hosted by a third party, e2Campus. Therefore, the account information you generate is stored on systems that are not owned by BGSU. It is recommended that you use a different password than your BGSU password. If you change your password through the e2campus system, it will not change your BGSU password and vice versa.

  How do know that my AlertBG account was successfully created?
You will know your AlertBG account is successfully created.when you see a message from e2Campus that  "You have successfully signed up!"  

  Why do I have a separate login for my AlertBG Text Messaging System account?
By creating a separate account on the e2Campus system, BGSU does not have to share a list of usernames or passwords with anyone else.  Your BGSU userid, however, is also your account name for your AlertBG account .

  If I am not yet 18, how may I enroll in AlertBG?
e2Campus, which provides the AlertBG service, requires users to be of legal age in order to agree to its terms of service when enrolling. We suggest you have your parents or guardian complete the signup form and simply enter your cell phone information.

  How do I access my AlertBG account?
After your AlertBG account is created by filling out the signup form on the AlterBG tab in MyBGSU, you can access your AlterBG account from the AlertBG tab in MyBGSU.  Please make sure that you use the "AlertBG User Login" form. You cannot access your AlertBG account from the e2Campus web site.

  Will I receive SPAM as part of this service?
e2Campus has this statement on SPAM: "NO. e2Campus enforces a ZERO SPAM policy which clearly prohibits unsolicited messages, and e2Campus does not sell the contact information of our subscribers to third-party marketers."

  Can I add a second cell phone number and e-mail to my account?
Yes. You may add a second cell phone number and e-mail address, such as that of a parent, so that they will receive the notifications as well.  Additions are made by logging into your AlertBG account using  the AlertBG User Login for returning users form and selecting  the Services tab.

We recommend you add your e-mail address.  If you forget your password and need to use the "Forget your password?" link, a message will be sent to both your cell phone and e-mail account.

  What does OPT-out date mean?
After the OPT-out date entered in this field, you will no longer receive messages. This feature can be used to put an expiration on receiving communications after you graduate or are no longer affiliated with the University.

  What type of messages will I receive with this service?
At this point, this service is being used by BGSU for Emergency Notifications only.  Examples: ALERTBG-CRIME IN PROGRESS-Student Union-detailed information here, ALERTBG-WTHR-Severe weather closes campuses, cancels classes-detailed information here.

  Will my cell phone number be given out to other third parties?
e2Campus cannot distribute your e-mail address or cell phone number. This is part of the license agreement between BGSU and e2Campus.

  Is there a fee for receiving the text messages on my cell phone?
There could be. The ability to receive text messages depends on your cell phone and the plan with your wireless provider. Please ensure this functionality and any cost implications prior to signing up for the service.

  Who has the authority to send messages?
BGSU Public Safety will have the authority to send mass notifications.

  What is e2Campus?
The AlertBG Text Messaging System is powered by the e2Campus notification system. e2Campus is a web-based system which allows designated university officials to send time-sensitive communications to subscribers via text message or e-mail. It also allows subscribers to manage their own accounts, deactivate service, update phone numbers and e-mail addresses.

 What addresses can I expect to see when contacted by e2Campus?
e2Campus will send e-mail alerts, password resets, and validations from the sender addresses of:  e2Campus@omnilert.net, e2Campus@email.omnilert.net, validate@omnilert.net, validate@email.omnilert.net and no-reply@e2campus.com.

  Can I change my account preferences?
Yes. By logging in to your AlertBG account on the AlertBG tab in MyBGSU, you can change the way that you receive messages (text message, e-mail or both), the phone numbers and e-mail addresses that messages are delivered to and which campuses you want to receive alerts for.

  How can I check when my AlertBG account will expire?
Log in to your AlertBG account on the AlertBG tab in MyBGSU.  Look for your expiration date in the Account Information area right under your username on the Dashboard tab.  The content of the Dashboard tab is the content that will be displayed when you first login.

  How can I change my AlertBG account expiration date?
30 days before your service expires, you will receive a notice with instructions on how to extend the service.

  How do I opt-out from receiving AlertBG Text Messaging System messages?
To opt-out, log in to your AlertBG account on the AlertBG tab in MyBGSU and select the services you wish to change. You can elect to receive text messages, e-mail or both. You can also select to stop receiving notifications by changing your status to "Inactive."

  Can I receive AlertBG's Text Messaging System notifications somewhere else besides a cell phone or e-mail?
e2Campus also offers an RSS feed for AlertBG's Text Messaging System notifications which you can add to your news/RSS reader.

  What should I do if I forget my account name or password?
If you forget your password, you can use the “Forgot your password?" link on MyBGSU AlertBG tab to have a new password sent to your cell phone. If you no longer have the cell phone number recorded in e2campus or if you forget your account name, please contact the Technology Support Center for assistance.

We recommend you add both a cell phone number and e-mail address as your contact info on AlertBG.  If you forget your password and need to use the "Forget your password?" link, a message will be sent to both your cell phone and e-mail account.

  What does the error message "Username already in use. Please select another and try again." mean?
It means that you probably already have an AlertBG account since the userid assigned to your account is the same as your BGSU e-mail username. If you want to update your account, use the AlertBG User Login form for returning users.

  Does the service work on multiple cell phone networks?
Yes. You can see a list of wireless carriers that are supported here.

  Do I need to install software on my phone?
No. The service uses industry standard SMS text messaging to send messages to your phone. Your mobile phone plan will need to accept text messages to work properly.

  What if I do not have text messaging with my cell phone?
As always, the BGSU Police send emergency e-mails to all students, faculty and staff whenever a serious campus situation arises. All other available means of communication will also be used to help ensure that the campus community is notified and informed.

  Whom do I call for support assistance?
Technology Support Center is available via
Phone: 419-372-0999
E-mail: tsc@bgsu.edu

More Frequently Asked Questions are available on the e2Campus web site at
http://www.e2campus.com/faqs.htm.