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Why does the university use text messaging?
Text messaging allows university communicators to quickly and efficiently contact the university community. Text messaging also allows PAWS password self-recovery.
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How does the text messaging service work?
The university uses the mobile contact information that you
provide when you opt-in to receive U of S text messages. Text messages can be sent to your mobile devise in two ways. Designated targeted announcers can send text messages to you based on your role(s) via PAWS. The university sends emergency alerts via text using USafe.
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What kind of information will be sent via text message?
The university sends three types of text messages:
- Emergency (USafe) alerts
- Time-sensitive, high priority PAWS announcements (class cancellations, road closures, etc.)
- PAWS password self-recovery codes
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What is the difference between text messaging and SMS?
SMS stands for Short Messaging Service, and is another way of referring to text messaging. The service allows short messages (<140 characters and spaces) to be sent from one mobile device to another.
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How do I opt-in to receive announcements sent via text messaging?
To opt-in, click the “Mobile” icon at the bottom left of your Announcements channel on the PAWS Home tab. A separate window will open, where you can specify your operator and enter your mobile number. Here, you will also be able choose whether you would like to receive a password recovery reset code in the event that you lose or forget your NSID password.
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What happens if I change my service provider?
If you change your mobile number and/or service provider, you will not receive text messages unless you update your mobile contact information.
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What does it cost?
The university does not charge a fee for this service. Depending on your mobile plan, and your mobile service provider, standard message and data fees may apply to receive text messages. You are encouraged to review your own plan for any cost details.
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Once I sign up what can I expect?
After you sign up online you will automatically be sent a text message to your mobile device confirming your request. After that the number of messages you receive will likely be very small as the service should be used only for emergency alerts and high-priority, time-sensitive announcements specific to your role(s) on campus.
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How can I distinguish a PAWS text message from other texts?
All text announcements sent via PAWS will come from the number 87275 (USASK) and are prefixed with "PAWS Text:" to identify that they have been sent by the university. Standard message and data fees may apply to all text messages received from 87275.
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Can I reply to text messages sent by the U of S?
Please do not reply to U fo S text messages. You may, however, send a control message reply (like STOP) to opt out of the text message service.
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Can I receive text messages in other ways?
Text messages sent from the university are time sensitive. Whether or not you sign up for text messaging, you will also receive this information via email.
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How many messages per month can I expect to receive?
You can expect to recieve an average of five messages per month, depending on a number factors including the number or roles you have on campus (student, employee, having special status as an international student, etc.).
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How will the privacy of my personal information be protected?
Personal information will be used only for the purposes of sending text messages, and no identifying personal information will be provided to external service providers. For more information about privacy, visit
http://www.usask.ca/privacy.php.
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Where can I get more information or assistance?
Please contact the ITS Help Desk for more information or assistance with text messaging.
