University to test desktop and phone emergency notifications on Wednesday, Aug. 13

SUNY New Paltz will perform a functional test of distributing campus desktop and phone emergency notifications on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at approximately 1 p.m. in the Service Building and Wooster Hall. 

Occupants in these two facilities may hear a series of audible tones and voice messaging indicating that this is a test of the University’s emergency notification system. 

Please find information below on how this test notification will appear on compatible phones and computer desktops. 

For Cisco Phone Alerts 

Campus-provided Cisco phones will play an audible message and display a text pop-up on each phone’s screen. The text display pop-up will have to be manually cleared through following the test. Phones that receive the alert will have an “exit” button displayed in the right-hand corner. Pressing the button below the alert (or onscreen for touch screen devices) will clear the text alert. 

For Computer Desktop Alerts 

Desktop alerts for this test will be limited to a pop-up display on computers that are connected to the campus network. Only computers that are connected via Ethernet with someone logged in will receive the test alert. Computers connected over VPN and/or WiFi will not receive a desktop alert. Similar to other desktop notifications, the pop-up can be dismissed by closing out of it. 

For more information on the University’s emergency communications or response plan, visit the Office of Emergency Management website at www.newpaltz.edu/emergency.