Issue date: 9/13/07 Section: News

The program does have a few shortcomings that students and faculty should be made aware of. For example, some cell phone carriers such as Tracfone cannot support this text message alert system. Additionally, an emergency text message, like any other text message, would be limited to a certain number of characters. In the case of an emergency, subscribers would receive only the most urgent and basic information along with instructions on how to learn more.

UMaine students have different ideas about the implementation of this new emergency warning system. Second year sociology and environmental policy major Dan Bourgeoiscapozzi said, "I can see why the University is doing it, but it costs a lot of money [to] run the system that could be going toward education." Others, like first year engineering major Maria Fournier, appreciate the program's less serious aspects. "I think it's handy that it texts you on snow days," she said.

UMaine administrators like Dr. Robert Dana maintain that this system, coupled with other smart safety practices, can make campus a more secure place to be. "UMaine is a very safe place where everyone cares for each other, but good sense means we watch out for and report problems," Dana said. "Early identification is the best prevention."

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