UVA Alerts

When there is an imminent threat from a hazard, UVA Alerts sends an email to all members of the University community with a valid UVA email address, and a text message to those who have registered their mobile phone number with the University during orientation or onboarding. Students, faculty, and staff are are able to register additional email addresses and mobile phone numbers in their UVA Alerts account. Because UVA Alerts requires a UVA computing ID, only students and employees have a UVA Alerts account.

UVA Alerts to international mobile phone numbers are delivered on a best-effort basis. To have an international mobile phone number added, a current UVA student, faculty, or staff member must add the mobile number(s). They can do this by going to the UVA Alerts login page, https://www.getrave.com/login/uva. On the "My Account" page, there is a field for adding mobile phone numbers. An international number must be added using “+” then the country code and full phone number, using integers only. For example: +440173671000.

Message and data rates may apply. Text messages are sent on an as-needed basis. This service is provided per the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Text STOP to 226787 to cancel or HELP for tech support.

Login to Your UVA Alerts Account
Login to Your UVA Alerts Account

Managing your UVA alerts account

Adding Parent Contacts to Student Accounts

Students can easily add parent contacts to their accounts. See the instructions below on adding an additional mobile phone number and email address to the account.

  • Not sure you can receive text messages? Read the Prerequisites.

  • Need help with the sign-up form? Read Adding Additional Mobile Phone Numbers and Email Addresses.

  • Did you validate your devices? Read Confirmation for Adding Mobile Phone Numbers.

  • Want to learn more about UVA Alerts? Read the Frequently Asked Questions.

Prerequisite

You should have the mobile phone with you during sign up. The registration process may require you to confirm your account by entering a 4-digit validation code when you add the number. This 4-digit code will be sent to the mobile phone within seconds of adding a number.

Adding Additional Mobile Phone Numbers and Email Addresses

Here's how:

  1. Go to the UVA Alerts login.

  2. On the "My Account" page you will see a field for adding mobile phone numbers and another field for adding email addresses. Remember that the mobile phone number may need to be confirmed with a 4-digit code. If you do not finish the confirmation process, the phone will not receive emergency texts. Email addresses can easily be added and do not require any confirmation.

  3. An international number must be added using “+” then the country code and full phone number, using integers only. For example: +440173671000. Remember that any added international mobile phone number may need to be confirmed with a 4-digit code. If you do not finish the confirmation process, the phone will not receive emergency texts.

Confirmation for Adding Mobile Phone Numbers

Once you have registered a mobile phone number, you may need to confirm the information. 

Here's how:

  1. Go to the UVA Alerts login.

  2. On the "My Account" page you will see the status of the mobile phone numbers you have added. If the status says "Not Confirmed" or "N/A," follow the instructions to finish the confirmation process.

    • When you are confirming a mobile phone, a 4-digit code may be texted to that phone. You will need to enter that 4-digit confirmation number to complete the process. 

Opt-in Lists

You can subscribe to various notification lists to receive notifications for specific locations.

Here's how:

  1. Go to the UVA Alerts login.

  2. On the Opt-In lists page, click the list you wish to subscribe to. Unless you work in UVA Health, you are automatically enrolled in "Main Grounds Emergency Notifications."

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can get UVA Alerts?

The UVA Alerts service notifies of an imminent threat on the University Grounds and/or the proximate areas. Students, faculty and staff with a computing ID automatically are assigned an account and automatically receive alerts via email. A text message will also be sent to those who have registered their mobile phone number with the University during orientation or onboarding. Students, faculty, and staff can add additional mobile phone numbers and additional email addresses to their account. Anyone else who wishes to receive UVA Alerts via text can opt-in by texting “UVA” to 226787. The shortcode subscription service expires after 365 days. Subscribers can renew their subscription by replying "START."

Why should I sign up for UVA Alerts via text?

Accurate information about impending or actual threats or emergencies can help you make good decisions to stay safe.  It is always good practice to sign up for redundant messaging. Text messages and emails will often get through in emergency situations even when phone calls will not. While the delivery time depends on your carrier, you will most likely receive these messages within seconds of transmission.

What will the UVA Alerts tell me?

A short message will state the type and location of the threat and the action you need to take. Because the messages must be brief, there may be additional information on the University's emergency page (uvaemergency.virginia.edu).

I only want to receive text alerts. Can I opt out of email alerts?

You can opt-out of text alerts, but you can't opt-out of email alerts. This is the University's way to ensure that all members of our community receive quick and accurate information in an emergency.

Will my mobile phone number be kept confidential?

Yes. UVA Alerts mobile phone numbers are never shared or sold.

How many UVA Alerts text messages will I receive?

The exact number of UVA Alerts messages is difficult to predict, but the intention is to alert you only to emergency situations when there is an imminent threat to public safety. Three times a year we test the system. We always notify UVA students, faculty and staff by email prior to a test.

What do I need to get text alerts and how much does it cost?

If you are a member of the UVA community with an active email address, a text message will also be sent if you have registered your mobile phone number with the University during orientation or onboarding. Students, faculty, and staff can add additional mobile phone numbers and additional email addresses to their account. Persons outside UVA who want to subscribe to the shortcode need a mobile phone with text messaging capabilities. There is no charge to subscribers for signing up. Individual mobile phone plans may apply normal charges for the text message. Landlines and some pay-as-you-go phones will not register on the UVA Alerts system. This is a limitation of the phone providers.

What if I change my mobile phone service provider or my mobile phone number?

When you change mobile phone providers it may take a short period for the UVA Alerts system to be updated. To update your account more quickly, you may want to delete your number and re-add it with the new service provider. If your mobile phone number changes, you will need to login to UVA Alerts and update your account information. From the "My Account" page you can edit or delete existing phone numbers and email addresses.

How can UVA community members update their accounts?

Go to Log In to UVA Alerts, and from the My Account page, edit or delete existing phone numbers and email addresses.

What list am I enrolled in to receive notifications?

Academic employees are enrolled in the "Main Grounds Emergency Notifications" list, and UVA Health employees are enrolled in the "UVA Health System Emergency Notifications" list.

Are there any local resources available to receive emergency notifications regarding events not occurring on Grounds?

Yes! Depending on your location, several local agencies have emergency alert systems in place to notify you of an ongoing emergency situation. Below, please find the links to additional resources with information on how to sign up for local emergency notifications regarding situations that occur off Grounds:

 

An important reminder: The UVA Alerts email and text messaging service is just one of the methods the University will use to communicate emergency information. Emergency details and schedule changes will be posted on the University's emergency page at uvaemergency.virginia.edu. Alerts and information will also be tweeted on @UVA_EM, @HoosSafe and @UVAPolice. Local television and radio stations should also be relied upon during severe weather events.

Still need help? Please contact the UVA Help Desk.