Changes to MCGILL ALERT! mobile device notifications
McGill’s Emergency Notification System allows you to opt in your mobile device to receive alerts during time-sensitive situations and disruptions in the use of various buildings on campus.
In the past, some mobile phone carriers only allowed voice messages, not SMS text messaging. Today, all carriers support SMS, so we will switch all Emergency Notification System messaging to SMS for mobile phones starting September 18.
If your personal mobile device is configured to use text-to-speech, SMS notifications from McGill will be read aloud.
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How does this impact you?
No action is required on your end. If you opted to receive voice messages from the Emergency Notification System, you will automatically receive future messages as SMS.
If you haven’t already opted in to the Emergency Notification System, or want to change your mobile phone number, sign into Minerva and go to the Personal Menu > Mobile Devices.
If you were issued a cell phone for work purposes, and haven’t already opted it in, you will need to enter the mobile phone number and opt in on Minerva to begin receiving emergency notifications.
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How to recognize a text message from McGill
Please log into the IT Support site to view the Knowledge Base article for details on and protect yourself from fraud.
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Other ways to receive emergency notifications
In addition to SMS messages on your mobile device, you can receive emergency notifications via :
- (download and install a small app on your own Windows/Mac computer)
- McGill homepage and websites. In emergency situations, a yellow banner will appear at the top.
- McGill’s Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) accounts
- McGill App (for iPhone and Android)
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Troubleshooting
If you are opted in, but haven’t been receiving messages, it may mean your carrier has blocked McGill’s Emergency Notifications number. Please use the Report an issue form on the to let us know.
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