Emergency Alerts Mass Notification System

AU notifies the campus community of emergency and crisis situations using AU Alerts. These messages provide information on what is happening, what to do, and links to available additional information. Our communication tools include text alerts, e-mail alerts, AU computer screen messages, indoor yellow AlertUs emergency beacon boxes and outdoor speakers located throughout campus.  

University faculty, staff and students are automatically enrolled into AU Alerts via e-mail. Students should access their AU Alert account via your AU username and password to add their cell phone number. Parents, guardians, and family members of students should ask their student to add their phone number and e-mail address as their second or third contact numbers.

Individuals or groups visiting university facilities, including university contractors, may register for AU Alerts via the AU Guest Alert System. Registered guests and contractors will be automatically removed from AU Alerts at the end of each semester, with instructions to re-register the following semester. 

Managing and Registering for AU Alerts

Community Members

It is important that you update your Rave account with correct emails and cells phone numbers. Community members can manage their Rave Alerts account through the .

AU Guests 

If you are a vendor or contractor, a visitor or guest, conference or camp attendee, alum, or other category— you can register and then opt out at any time the Guest Rave Alert System through the .

AU Desktop Alerts

AU Desktop Alert is a program that displays emergency alerts on your computer. It can be installed on computers running Mac or Windows operating systems.

AU Desktop Alerts are triggered in the event of a campus emergency. It will not be used to communicate routine messages. (Note: Test runs of AU Desktop Alerts will be performed two to three times a year, but you will be notified in advance).

No. The alert simply becomes the top window on your screen. As soon as you press the green acknowledge button, you will be returned to your desktop exactly as it was before the alert.

Contact the OIT Helpdesk at (202)885-2550 or e-mail helpdesk@american.edu

If you have general questions about emergency preparedness at American University, e-mail prepared@american.edu

Text-to-Alert Receive Alerts by texting AUALERTS to 226787

*Opt out by texting STOP to 226787