WSU Alert System FAQs
The WSU Alert emergency notification system is activated during emergency situations.
Notifications are brief and clearly identified as WSU Alerts. They will include information on the situation at-hand, what action to take, and where to find additional information.
Severe winter weather cancellations and closures are communicated through the WSU Alert system via text, voice, and email.
Emergencies representing an immediate threat to health or safety (i.e. tornado, active shooter, gas leak, flash flooding) also will be communicated via full-screen pop-up alerts on university-owned desktop and laptop computers.
These messages will also be shown on campus digital signage displays and through the Alertus+ app, for those who have downloaded to their personal mobile device.
When the WSU Alert system is activated, emergency information will also appear in a WSU Alert Banner on WSU homepage and be posted on official WSU Facebook page.
As a student, you are automatically signed up to receive WSU Alerts via university email and on your university-issued laptop.
To sign up for WSU Alerts via text or call on your personal mobile device:
- Log into Student eServices
- In the main navigation menu, select “Account Management” and then “Address Info”
- Select “Turn Text Messaging On or Off” and review info under #3 “Cell Phone Info”
- Field is Blank: If the “Cell Phone Number” field is blank, you may add your number, then click “Save Cell Info,” and follow the prompts.
- Number is Outdated or Incorrect: If the number listed is outdated or incorrect, you may update the number, then click “Save Cell Info,” and follow the prompts.
To receive a pop-up WSU Alert banner on your personal mobile device, download the free Alertus+ app from the App Store and in the Google Play Store.
Then follow these steps:
- Enter Organization Code “winona”
- Enter a valid email address
- Allow notifications
- Check your email for a notification from Alertus Mobile to verify your account
To receive WSU Alert Notifications via X (formerly Twitter), follow @AlertWinona.
As an employee, you are automatically signed up to receive WSU Alerts via university email and on your university-issued laptop.
To sign up for WSU Alerts via text or call on your personal mobile device:
- Log into Employee eServices
- Select “My Profile” then “Contact Information.” The phone number listed under “Mobile Phone” will receive WSU Alerts via voice and text.
- If you add or update your “Mobile Phone” listing, remember to click “Save” before exiting. You will receive a text message confirming your subscription within 24 hours.
To receive a pop-up WSU Alert banner on your personal mobile device, download the free Alertus+ app from the App Store and in the Google Play Store.
Then follow these steps:
- Enter Organization Code “winona”
- Enter a valid email address
- Allow notifications
- Check your email for a notification from Alertus Mobile to verify your account
To receive WSU Alert Notifications via X (formerly Twitter), follow @AlertWinona.
To receive WSU Alerts via text message, text START WINONA to 23177.
To receive a pop-up WSU Alert banner on your personal mobile device, download the free Alertus+ app from the App Store and in the Google Play Store.
Then follow these steps:
- Enter Organization Code “winona”
- Enter a valid email address
- Allow notifications
- Check your email for a notification from Alertus Mobile to verify your account
To receive WSU Alert Notifications via X (formerly Twitter), follow @AlertWinona.
Alerts for Multiple WSU Campuses
You do not need to sign up for different WSU Alerts for different campuses (Winona, RCTC, WSU-Rochester on Broadway).
WSU Alert is a comprehensive emergency notification system intended to serve the entire Winona State community, regardless of geographic location.
However, if you attend classes or work on the Rochester Community and Technical College campus (RCTC), you are encouraged to sign up to receive Emergency Alerts via the RCTC Alert System as well.
You are not able to opt out of receiving WSU Alerts via your university email or your university-owned laptop and desktop computers.
To opt out of receiving WSU Alerts via text message, text STOP WINONA to 23177.
To restart, text START WINONA to 23177.
To opt out of receiving WSU Alerts via voice call, submit a request to WSU Tech Support by emailing techsupport@winona.edu or calling 507.457.5240.
You are not able to opt out of receiving WSU Alerts via your university email or your university-owned laptop and desktop computers.
To opt out of receiving WSU Alerts via text message, text STOP WINONA to 23177.
To restart, text START WINONA to 23177.
To opt out of receiving WSU Alerts via voice call, submit a request to WSU Tech Support by emailing techsupport@winona.edu or calling 507.457.5240.
If you are receiving WSU Alerts and never signed up to receive them or no longer wish to receive them, submit a request to WSU Tech Support at techsupport@winona.eduor 507.457.5240.
In your request, please include your name and the phone number that received the WSU Alert.