Topper Text | Web Browser Settings | Changing Your Phone Number or Carrier| Using Topper Text in Blackboard Classes |Creating a Group | Subscribing to a Group

What is Topper Text?

St. Edward’s University has invested in an information alert system that will allow university administrators to send important information to faculty and staff members and students in an emergency situation. Topper Text delivers text messages on a cell phone or by e-mail. In order to receive text messages from the university in an emergency situation, you must sign up for the service.

Topper Text will not replace other forms of communication, but will be a supplement to the university’s other emergency notification processes such as the St. Edward’s University Hotline (416-5800) and the St. Edward’s web site. Note that all text messages from St. Edward's University will originate from 44929 which is the short code for our vendor.

In addition to emergency communication, Topper Text allows professors to send course announcements to students, and allows for individuals to set up text messaging groups. In all cases, you must sign up for Topper Text to receive messages through this system.

How much will it cost to receive emergency messages?

Topper Text is free to St. Edward’s University students, faculty and staff members. However, if you choose to receive text messages by cell phone, there may be a small fee. Since cellular plans vary, we recommend that you check with your provider to see if they will charge you to receive Topper Text messages. Most plans charge a nominal fee.

This service is strictly on an opt-in basis. If you sign up for Topper Text you will automatically be added to the St. Edward's Broadcast group which will be used for notifications of emergency situations. You can choose whether you want to recieve text messages on your cell phone or email or both. Students with Blackboard courses will only receive messages from faculty if the student chooses to opt-in to receive those messages.

How do I sign up for Topper Text?

1. Login to Blackboard. All faculty, staff and students will login to Blackboard using the same username and password used for e-mail, web registration or faculty/staff advising. To login to Blackboard go to http://blackboard.stedwards.edu.
2. Click on the link for Topper Text, located at the end of the Tools menu.
   
3. The first time you log in you will be prompted to add your cell phone number and carrier. Your first and last name and e-mail address are automatically entered. You can leave the Gender field blank. If you only want to receive emergency notifications via e-mail, select No, Do not subscribe me to mobile alerts.
   
   If you see a screen requiring another Login and Password you will need to change your settings in Internet Explorer to allow cookies.
   
   
   
   
4. You will see a message at the top of the page that lists the steps you need to complete to complete sign-up.
   
5. Click on the link to Send Verification Instructions to your phone. This will send a text message to your phone that says:
   " 44929 - Opt-in Reply with Y to complete registration for mobile alerts from St. Edwards University. Reply Stop to end messages."
6. Press Reply on your phone and enter Y and then press Send on your phone.
7. In a few minutes you will receive a confirmation text message from Topper Text on your cell phone: " 44929 You have now subscribed to mobile alerts from St. Edward's University."
   
8. If you only want to sign up for the St. Edward's Broadcast messages you are done!
9. Click on the Logout button at the top of the Blackboard window.
10. 
    You are now signed up to receive emergency St. Edward's messages on your cell phone and via email.

Changing Messaging Preferences

1. If you want to change your message delivery preferences click on the Enter Topper Text button on the window titled "Examining Blackboard". Note: this window only appears the first time you log into Topper Text. If you have previously logged into Topper Text go to Step 2.
   
   
2. Click on the Channels tab and then click on the Groups link
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3. Click on the More Options link to the right of the St. Edward's Broadcast group.
   
   
   
   
4. By default all message options are checked. To remove an option, click on the box to remove the checkmark and click on Save changes.
   
   

You can log into Topper Text through Blackboard at any time and change messaging preferences, change your cell phone number or carrier, opt-in to receive messages from your Blackboard class or subscribe to groups.