Alertus Desktop Notifications

Overview
Overview

Florida A&M University (FAMU) is committed to maintaining a safe and informed campus environment. As part of our layered emergency communications strategy, FAMU uses the AlertUs Desktop Notification System. This high-visibility desktop alerting tool delivers immediate, attention-grabbing emergency notifications directly to university-issued computers.

AlertUs operates in coordination with FAMU ALERT (Everbridge) to ensure critical emergency information reaches the campus community quickly and effectively.

FAMU Alertus

 

Alertus is a network-based desktop notification platform that transforms University-managed computers into emergency communication endpoints. When an emergency alert is issued through FAMU ALERT (Everbridge), AlertUs simultaneously displays a full-screen, high-priority message on eligible campus computers.

FAMU uses a layered emergency communications strategy designed to maximize message delivery across multiple technologies and conditions. These desktop alerts are in addition to SMS, email, and mobile app notifications and are not intended to replace them. Instead, AlertUs provides an added layer of visibility for individuals who may not have immediate access to their mobile device during a time-sensitive event.

Alertus desktop alerts may appear on:

  • University workstations and laptops
  • Classroom computers
  • Faculty and staff machines manages by IT services

Alertus provides another method to receive certain emergency notifications, keeping you informed even when a mobile phone is unavailable, powered off, or experiencing a service disruption.

Alertus is designed to support emergency communications during imminent, ongoing, or campus-wide threats to the safety of the FAMU community.

Alerts may be issued for situations such as:

  • Tornado Warnings
  • Severe weather emergencies
  • Active or credible campus safety threats
  • Fire or hazardous material incidents
  • Infrastructure or environmental emergencies
  • Other urgent events that pose a direct risk to life safety or University operations
  • Other urgent events that pose a direct risk to life safety or University operations and require immediate action

Alertus will not be used for:

  • Routine crime advisories
  • General safety notifications
  • Campus events or announcements
  • Class reminders, news, or advertisements

When an emergency alert is issued by authorized University officials:

  • A full-screen alert appears on university-issued computers with AlertUs installed
  • The alert provides clear, concise instructions (e.g., evacuate, shelter-in-place, avoid an area)
  • The message remains visible until acknowledged to ensure it is seen

Alertus operates as a component of FAMU ALERT (Everbridge) to provide redundancy and maximum reach during emergencies.

Alertus messages may only be sent by authorized University personnel in accordance with FAMU emergency communication protocols. The system is tightly controlled to prevent misuse and alert fatigue.

ITS Support: Alert-US Desktop Notifications

 

Alertus is strictly an emergency notification tool.

  • It does not monitor personal usage or computer activity
  • It does not access personal files or data
  • Limited system data (such as alert delivery confirmation) may be logged for operational awareness and reporting

Will Alertus interrupt my work?
Alertus alerts appear only during certain emergencies, critical incidents or system tests and remain visible on screens for a set period of time or until acknowledged to ensure it is seen.

Will I receive non-emergency messages or spam?
No. Alertus is used exclusively for emergency notifications.

Does Alertus replace text messages or emails?
No. Alertus complements FAMU ALERT (Everbridge) and provides an additional method of delivery.

If you have any issues with the Alertus the desktop notifications software and/or require technical assistance please reach out to the FAMU Helpdesk https://helpdesk.famu.edu/index.php