The University of Iowa Department of Public Safety will test the Hawk Alert emergency notification system on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 10 a.m., as required by federal law.

Hawk Alert subscribers are encouraged to participate by answering phone calls and reading text messages sent during the test. This will help gauge the system’s effectiveness.

The Hawk Alert system dispatches phone, text, and email messages that notify students, faculty, and staff of emergency situations. The system also places banner messages on the UI home page directing users to the university’s emergency information site ( emergency.uiowa.edu) for details and updates.

Subscribers can manage the ways they receive Hawk Alerts and are strongly encouraged to check and update their preferences.

Alerts can be delivered most effectively via text message. To receive Hawk Alert texts, enter mobile numbers, and select the text message option in your preferences.

Here’s how to check and change your preferences:

• Log into ISIS (students) or Employee Self Service (faculty and staff).
• Navigate to Hawk Alert contact information links, or follow the direct links available on the Hawk Alert website.
• Review the Hawk Alert contact information listed for you.
• Make additions or changes using the input boxes and drop-down menus.
• Click the “Update Hawk Alert Contact Information” bar at the bottom of the page to save your changes. (If no changes are necessary, simply log off.)

For assistance, contact the ITS Help Desk at 319-384-HELP (4357) or its-helpdesk@uiowa.edu.

For more information, visit the Hawk Alert website.