LSCC Cougar Alert Emergency Notification System

As part of LSCC’s ongoing effort to safeguard students, faculty and staff, the College has implemented a new emergency communications system. Known as Cougar Alert, the system allows students, faculty and staff to receive time-sensitive emergency messages in the form of e-mail, voice and text messages. Everyone who has a Lawson State Community College e-mail address will receive emergency alerts to their campus e-mail address. In order to also receive text and voice message alerts, members of the campus community will be asked to provide phone contact information. While participation in the text and voice messaging notification is optional, enrollment is strongly encouraged. The information you supply is considered confidential and will not be shared or used for other purposes. You will only be contacted through the system in the event of an emergency. Once you have signed up for Cougar Alert you will be eligible for notifications after 24 hours.

For more information on Cougar Alert, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions.

For technical assistance with the online form, please email cougaralerthelp@lawsonstate.edu .

What is Cougar Alert?

Cougar Alert is a mass notification system comprised of e-mail, voice and text messaging that is designed to send emergency messages to thousands of individuals in minutes. It supplements existing means of emergency communication, including outdoor warning sirens and severe weather alert radios. Everyone who has a Lawson State Community College e-mail address will receive emergency alerts to their campus e-mail address. In order to also receive text and voice message alerts, members of the campus community will be asked to provide phone contact information. While participation in the text and voice messaging notification is optional, enrollment is strongly encouraged. The information you supply is considered confidential and will not be shared or used for other purposes. You will only be contacted through the system in the event of an emergency. LSCC students, faculty and staff have the opportunity to provide a primary mobile phone number for receipt of text messages, and up to three other phone numbers (mobile or other) for receipt of voice messages. Emergency messages will be sent via a system provided by the High Ground Solutions/School Alert. Cougar Alert will be used in tandem with other campus communication tools.

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Why should I sign up for the Cougar Alert voice and text message components?

Because students, faculty and staff are constantly on the move, this system provides the flexibility for you to receive emergency messages on multiple devices. Cougar Alert will be used to distribute important information regarding emergencies that dictate immediate action. It will be used along with other tools including outdoor warning sirens, severe weather alert radios, e-mail, the University web site, campus media and other methods.

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Who can sign up for Cougar Alert voice and text messages?

All LSCC students, faculty and staff who have a valid ID are able to sign up to receive text and voice message alerts. You will need to log into Cougar Alert at: 

https://www.myschoolcast.com/go/lawson/ and enter your user name and password.

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Will I receive Cougar Alert messages if I don’t sign up at:

https://www.myschoolcast.com/go/lawson/ ?

If you do not sign up with Cougar Alert, you will still receive emergency messages via your official campus e-mail address. However, you will not receive text or voice messages. LSCC strongly recommends that you provide at least one phone number (cell phone is recommended) for Cougar Alert to ensure that you receive important messages in a timely manner. Any contact information you provide will only be used for emergency notifications.

Who implements Cougar Alert?

Cougar Alert is managed jointly through the Offices of the Dean of Educational Support Services and the Chief of Safety and Security.

What kind of alerts will be sent?

The system will only be used to distribute information regarding emergencies that dictate immediate action. Examples of alerts include severe weather, building evacuations, dangers requiring lock-down or shelter-in-place, or other emergencies requiring immediate action. The message will direct you where to go for further information or what action to take. Following a warning, the alert system may be used to provide additional messages or an “all-clear” announcement. The Cougar Alert notification system will also be tested on a routine basis to ensure that we are able reach all Cougar Alert participants in the event of an emergency. Less urgent messages will be sent using the campus advisory e-mail system, PERSONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS.

How does Cougar Alert work?

Cougar Alert is a hosted and managed system. You will not need special hardware or software to receive messages. It is a multi-modal service that can disseminate emergency messages through:

E-mail: An alert message will be sent to your official campus e-mail address. You can also specify a secondary e-mail address for receiving these alerts.

SMS text messages: Faculty, staff and students may choose to register a cell phone number for receiving SMS text messages through Cougar Alert.

Voice messages: Faculty, staff and students may choose to register up to three additional phone numbers with Cougar Alert. Voice messages will be sent to these phone numbers.

NOTE: You will receive emergency alerts to all phone numbers and e-mail addresses registered with Cougar Alert.

Can I opt out of the system after I sign up and can I update my contact information after I have registered?

You can opt not to receive text or voice mail alerts, however, you cannot opt out from receiving an alert on your official campus email address. You can log into Cougar Alert at any time to update or delete your contact information. Whenever your phone number or alternate e-mail address change, it is very important that you update this information with Cougar Alert to ensure you continue to receive alerts through the system.

Are there any costs involved if I sign up for the system?

If you do not have a text messaging contract as part of your cellular service, there may be a small charge for any text messages that you receive. You should check with your cell phone carrier to determine what these costs may be. There is no fee assessed student, faculty and staff for gaining access to the system.

How soon will I have the capability to receive text or voice mail emergency messages after I sign up?

You will be able to receive emergency messages within 24 hours of sign up. The system is updated on a daily basis.

Will my contact information remain secure, and will it be used for any other purposes?

The information collected for Cougar Alert is securely maintained and will not be shared. It is only used for notification of emergencies requiring immediate action.

How can I recognize messages from Cougar Alert?

E-mail: sent from Cougar Alert will come from cougaralert@lawsonstate.edu.

SMS text messages: Text messages will begin with "Cougar Alert" and number 205-929-6491

Voice messages: The phone number you will see in your caller ID will be 205-929-6491. You should program this number into your phone so you will immediately recognize it as an urgent call.