NotiFind Frequently Asked Questions

What is NotiFind?
NotiFind is an emergency notification software tool purchased by the state to be used by the eleven North Dakota University System colleges and universities. NotiFind is one of several methods UND will use to provide timely information and instructions in emergency situations.

Why was NotiFind implemented?
Timely notification of incidents such as natural disasters and acts of violence will inform students, faculty and staff to take the appropriate steps to protect their safety. The NotiFind system may also be used to announce weather-related closings.

Who is included in NotiFind?
The State Board of Higher Education requires all students, faculty, and staff to participate in the emergency notification system NotiFind. Participation means all members shall submit emergency notification information and update that information as provided in the institution's or system's emergency notification system policy and procedures.

http://www.ndus.edu/makers/procedures/sbhe/default.asp?PID=211&SID=11&printable=1

Will NotiFind be used only for emergencies?
NotiFind will be used only if a situation poses an urgent or immediate threat to health or safety or if a situation significantly disrupts campus activities, such as a weather-related closing. This system will only be used when timely emergency information needs to be communicated immediately. NotiFind will NOT be used to disseminate routine campus communication.

Who at UND determines when NotiFind will be used?
The decision to activate the NotiFind system will be made by UND Administration/UND Emergency Management Team.

How will it work?
The NotiFind software pushes out messages to land lines, cellular telephone, and text messaging to inform participants.

How many phone numbers will be included in NotiFind?
The NotiFind system is utilizing three phone numbers from HRMS (Employee enrollment) and Campus Connection (student enrollment) that includes campus phone, home phone and personal cell phone.

Will I receive the same message by telephone and text message?
The messages communicated via NotiFind will contain the most important information and instructions. Because of length restrictions, a text message will be shorter.

Will NotiFind messages be issued 24/7?
Yes. In the event of an emergency, it's difficult to determine the various locations of students, faculty and staff so if the emergency message is warranted, it will be issued regardless of the time of day or night.

How often will the system be tested?
To ensure continuity of operation, the NotiFind system will be tested at least once each semester. Participants will receive messages clearly indicating the message is a test of the NotiFind system.

Recognizing a message from NotiFind?
NotiFind messages will be easily identifiable by the sender. All phone messages will be sent from 701.328.0911. All text messages will be sent from 41526.

STUDENTS

How do students sign-up?
Students will be asked to provide emergency contact information when they log into Campus Connection during registration. Every 90 days, the system will remind students to review and update the emergency notification information.

What will students experience if they are not currently enrolled in NotiFind?
Students who do not currently have emergency notification already entered into NotiFind will need to enter that information in order to move further along within Campus Connection. A phone number will be required before their account can be accessed.

How do students sign-up to receive text messages?
All students who provide personal cell phone numbers will receive text messages. The NotiFind system automatically adds cell phone numbers to the text messaging database.

Is a student's cell phone number private?
Yes. Cell phone numbers and other information entered exclusively on the campus emergency notification information page are confidential information and will be used only for emergency notification purposes.

What if an instructor requires students to turn off cell phones during class?
If an instructor asks students to turn off cell phones during class, the instructor must have their personal cell or campus phone or other means for receiving emergency messages at all times when students are required to turn off their phones.

Will students who attend classes at more than one North Dakota University System college or university receive emergency messages from each campus they attend?
Yes. Students who attend classes at more than one campus can choose to receive NotiFind messages from each campus, up to a maximum of four campuses.

Can students choose not to participate in NotiFind?
No. Effective January 17, 2013, the SBHE amended policy 1902 requiring all students to enroll in the NotiFind system.

How often is student information updated in NotiFind?
At the beginning of each semester, the NotiFind system is updated very frequently. Every day the student database is refreshed to collect any new students who have signed up within the past 24 hours.

EMPLOYEES

How will faculty and staff provide emergency notification information?
Upon employment at UND, the NotiFind database is updated on payroll dates with employee information listed within HRMS.

What information will employees be required to submit?
Employees will be required to provide a campus phone number which is considered public information under the state's open records law. Employees who have direct phone lines should provide their direct phone numbers. Employees also will be asked to provide personal phone numbers. This personal information, along with the home address, can be designated as private data - thus making it exempt from the state's open records law - by notifying the campus human resources office in writing.

How do I change my emergency notification information?
Employees can log-in to HRMS Self-Service to change/update phone number information. In addition, employees can contact their human resources or payroll personnel and request assistance in changing their information.

What if I do not work in an office or sit at a desk during my shift?
Employees who do not sit at a desk but are out in the field during the day/evening, should list their work cell number (if issued one) as their campus phone.

EMPLOYEES OF NON-CAMPUS BUSINESSES AND OTHER ENTITIES LOCATED ON CAMPUS

Can employees of non-campus businesses and other entities located on campus sign-up for NotiFind?
Yes. Employees of other entities located on campus, such as Alumni are eligible to receive NotiFind messages.

For additional questions, visit our website at:  http://und.edu/emergency-management/notifind.cfm