Emergency Notification System Procedures and Protocols

USF Emergency Notification Systems

USF uses several systems to alert and inform students of emergencies and evacuation procedures.

If there were a disaster or emergency, you would be able to obtain updated bulletins and important instructions through this website.

Public Safety’s Emergency Information Webpage

DONS ALERT

Dons Alert is a system that allows the University of San Francisco's Department of Public Safety to send emergency notifications to the USF community. Notifications may be sent via email, phone call, and SMS text message to mobile devices. Through this system, communication will be sent out with instructions on where to go, what to do, whom to contact, and other information. The Department of Public Safety will determine whether notification to the community should occur. Notifications will be sent to all registered devices.

Family and community members can Opt In to register their cell phone. Text "DONSALERT2024" to 226787 to register for the 2024-2025 academic year. Message and data rates may apply. 

Public Safety Timely Warnings

Public Safety Timely Warning messages are distributed only by email and posted on the DPS website and on DPS social media accounts. These are only sent for crimes that are reportable in the university's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This will depend on the seriousness of the crime and the likelihood it may continue.

  • These crimes include murder; manslaughter; sex offenses; robbery; aggravated assault; burglary; arson; motor vehicle theft; domestic violence; dating violence; and stalking.

Public Safety Crime Bulletin

Public Safety Crime Bulletin messages are distributed only by email and posted on the DPS website and on DPS social media accounts.

USFWorks (all faculty AND staff)

  1. Log into USFWorks and click "Personal Information" under Applications.
  2. Click "Home Contact Information" under Change.
  3. Under "Phone" enter/update your mobile phone number. Click "Submit."

myusf (ALL students)

  1. Log into myUSF and click "Banner Self-Service (Student)" under Top Apps.
  2. Click "Personal Information" tab.
  3. Select the "Addresses and Phones" link.
  4. Under "Phones" click on "Primary." Enter or update your 10-digit primary phone number. Dons Alert messages will be sent to the primary phone number, so a cell phone number is suggested. 

When Community-Wide Public Safety Messages Will Be Issued

Community-wide public safety messages may be sent through a variety of channels, including email, USF's emergency notification system (text, voice, and email), social media, or a combination of all. Please note that DPS has established social media accounts on Twitter and Facebook. 

Community-wide public safety messages will be sent if one of the following criteria are met:

  • There is an active, imminent, or continuing threat of physical danger to the campus community.
  • There is an active crime scene or major incident on or immediately adjacent to campus and we need community members to avoid the area.
  • There is a perpetrator at large on or immediately adjacent to the campus.
  • Alerts may also be issued on a case-by-case basis for other incidents that impact our campus community.

When Community-Wide Public Safety Messages May Not Be Issued

  • The initial investigation into an incident indicates there is no active, imminent, or continuing threat of physical danger to the campus community.
  • Another law enforcement agency has jurisdiction or is the lead investigator on an active case, and we have been directed not to issue a notice.
  • Communicating broadly will impede or jeopardize an active investigation.