Frequently Asked Questions

What contact data should I provide the University?
Students should supply an emergency phone number we may use to contact YOU.  In addition, please supply emergency contact information as required (i.e. parents, spouses, family, friend).

I want to add or change my phone number and email address to receive Yale ALERTS. What should I do?
Students should supply an emergency phone number via the class registration system SIS (http://www.yale.edu/sis/).  For instructions on entry please click here.

I heard that my classmate received a voice message from the University, but I did not. Why?
It is possible that we do not have your contact information loaded in Yale ALERT, or it may be inaccurate.  Students, please contact the registrar’s office or use the student registration site (http://www.yale.edu/sis/) to verify your information. 

I heard that my classmate received a SMS (text) message on the cell phone from the University/College but I did not. Why?
To receive text messages, you will need to provide the university with your mobile phone number and the phone needs to be ‘text enabled’.

I received the message in my email inbox, but when I clicked the link to play the message nothing happened. Why?
You may not have a default media player like Windows Media Player or Quicktime installed. Download these players from www.microsoft.com or www.apple.com and install on your computer to listen to messages.

I received the message but I missed the information. What should I do?
While on the call, you can replay the message by pressing the star key (*) at the end of the message. You may also check your email to locate the link for that message.

I received the message but it kept looping/repeating. Why?
The system does its best to detect whether it has reached a live person or an answering machine. Sometimes loud ambient noises may cause the system to loop. If this happens, use the mute feature on your phone or move to a quieter location to prevent the message from looping or repeating.

I see a caller ID display of 203-432-5830. Who is this?
When the University sends a call out using Yale ALERT, it will always display Caller ID information. Please save this number (203-432-5830) on your cell phone as a contact (e.g., "Yale ALERT") to represent the University calling you.

What if I have a problem and need technical support. Who do I call?
If you experience any problems with this system, you should call the Secretary’s Office at 203.432.8530 or email secretary.office@yale.edu. 

Please remember during an emergency:
Do not call 9-911 or Yale University Police or Security to get information. These phone lines are only for reporting life safety emergencies