The AlertVU desktop alert program was recently expanded to include more than 6,300 clinical workstations at the medical center. The program will display full-screen desktop alerts on these workstations and on desktops across the university and medical center on which it is installed any time the AlertVU system is activated.
Rollout of AlertVU desktop alerts began in May 2013. As of Nov. 15, the software has been installed on more than 17,000 desktops at the university and medical center. Many users received a desktop alert when the AlertVU system was activated Oct. 7. If you are not sure if the desktop alert program has been added to your desktop, have questions, or would like to request the service, contact VUIT at 343-HELP.
The desktop alert program, called Alertus, operates behind the scenes and has no impact on the day-to-day performance of the computer. When AlertVU is activated, an alert will appear on users’ screens. Users will be asked to acknowledge that they have received the notification and to then take action as directed or resume normal activity.
In the event of an emergency, AlertVU is one of the ways members of the Vanderbilt community will receive information. All Vanderbilt students, faculty and staff are automatically enrolled in AlertVU using their Vanderbilt email address and their Vanderbilt phone number, if they have one. Users may enter additional phone numbers by which they wish to receive voice or text alerts.
AlertVU is used only for emergencies posing an imminent threat or danger to the Vanderbilt community, such as a tornado headed on a path to strike Vanderbilt or an active shooter. It is one component of Vanderbilt’s overall emergency communications system. Read more about emergency notification at Vanderbilt.
The Alertus desktop alert software is available for use on your personal computer while you are using the Vanderbilt network. Downloads are available here. Alertus should not be downloaded to your office PC unless instructed by your desktop team — that will be handled centrally in most areas.
If you have questions about the program, please email alertvu@vanderbilt.edu.
Learn more about AlertVU and ensure your contact information is up to date.
