The new option is known as an “RSS feed”, which stands for “Really Simple Syndication”. The widely-used RSS technology automatically sends subscribers electronic updates whenever an RSS-compatible webpage is changed with updated information. A popular current use of RSS technology are those avid sports fans who subscribe to RSS feeds from their favorite team’s webpage, so that they will receive new electronic updates every time the team wins a game or announces a big player trade.
At Humboldt State, if you choose to subscribe to this program, we will be ready to send you an electronic update, via an RSS feed, every time we change the HSU webpage that we have exclusively dedicated to emergency conditions, www.humboldt.edu/emergency.
How To Subscribe To Rss Feeds
If you would like to subscribe to the RSS feed for HSU’s Emergency Conditions webpage, please go to the following link: www.humboldt.edu/emergency/subscribe. You will find more information, FAQ’s, and instructions there.
Reasons To Subscribe And Some HSU Examples
Subscribing to our optional emergency conditions RSS feed is an excellent choice if you are someone who really wants to know, wherever you are, the latest official HSU public information about, say, a fire in one of our academic buildings, or the effects of a small earthquake on class schedules, or, as we have had in recent weeks, an evacuation of a corner of our campus due to the discovery of a possible explosive device.
The most current official word about any significant emergency at HSU is always published on www.humboldt.edu/emergency as soon as possible, and immediately sent to RSS feed subscribers .
Cost And Compatibility Issues
Chances are, regardless of whether you have a desktop, a laptop, or a fairly new handheld device , if you are connected to the Internet, you can probably receive RSS feeds. HSU does not charge anyone to subscribe to this service, but you should check with your internet service carrier to see if you will incur any fees or service charges for receiving RSS feeds from HSU if you choose to participate.
No Restrictions On Who Can Subscribe To RSS Feeds
One great thing about the RSS feed option is that it’s not limited to just current students, staff, and faculty. Anyone who has access to the Internet can subscribe, including family members, residents in the HSU neighborhood, nearby school and church leaders, the media, and local agency officials.
Text Messaging Is Reserved For Urgent Situations Affecting The Entire HSU Community
We continue to encourage all current students, staff, and faculty to register for emergency text messaging for urgent situations affecting the entire community. In order to minimize the financial cost, hassle, and to maximize the impact of an emergency message, we reserve the use of text messaging for situations in which everyone should immediately (1) stop what they are doing (2) seek more information and (3) make the best decision they can for their own safety at that time. Examples in which we might use text messaging at HSU include a Virginia Tech – type attack on campus, a hazardous materials tanker leaking a cloud of dangerous gas toward the campus, and a distant earthquake sending a tsunami wave towards the North Coast. These are also the types of situations that would prompt us to ring the clock tower bells continuously, and to deploy emergency signage around the campus.
Registration Of Cell Phones For Text Messaging Strongly Recommended
Members of the HSU community who have been reluctant to sign up for text messaging should know that we won’t send out a text message unless it is really urgent and affects the entire community, or if it is our twice-yearly drill. We are trying to be responsive to those of you who have expressed concerns about the hassle and cost of receiving unwanted messages on your cell phones about small and isolated emergencies that don’t affect you. Get more info about registering your cell phone for urgent emergency text messaging at http://www.humboldt.edu/~its/services/webreg/textmessage.html .
RSS Feeds Is An Optional “extra”
You can think of the RSS feeds option as an “extra” on top of our other emergency alert and information services. You can subscribe to RSS feeds on both your desktop and your internet-compatible cell phone if you like. Or you can rely on the clock tower bells, text messaging, signage, KHSU 90.5, 826-INFO, and the HSU homepage and emergency conditions webpages for your alerts and information. It’s up to you. If you would like to subscribe to the RSS feeds for HSU’s Emergency Conditions webpage, please go to the following link: www.humboldt.edu/emergency/subscribe.