This year’s AlertVU spring full-scale test will take place March 26. This test was originally scheduled for January but was postponed due to the ice storm.

Strengthening Preparedness with Routine Tests

Regular testing of the AlertVU system is essential to maintaining a reliable and effective emergency notification program. These routine tests help confirm that the system is functioning as intended and allow community members to verify that their contact information is current and capable of receiving alerts. By conducting periodic evaluations, we strengthen our collective preparedness and ensure timely communication during critical situations.

What Is AlertVU?

AlertVU is used to notify the Vanderbilt University Medical Center community in the event of an emergency that poses an imminent threat or danger.

AlertVU notifications are always delivered to a user’s VUMC email address. Users may also choose to receive alerts via:

  • Mobile phone (voice or text)
  • Landline
  • Personal email address
  • VandySafe app (push notifications)
  • Desktop alerts on computers

Please take a few minutes to review and update your contact information to ensure alerts reach you quickly.

How to Update Your Contact Information

VUMC employee AlertVU contact information is maintained in Workday. Each employee should review their contact information in Workday to ensure notifications continue to be delivered to their desired personal points of contact.

Instructions for reviewing and updating your information are available here.

Desktop Alerts via Alertus

Vanderbilt also utilizes Alertus, a desktop alerting application that delivers AlertVU messages directly to computers.

  • VUMC-owned computers: Desktop Support staff have already installed Alertus. No action is required to receive desktop alerts.
  • Personal computers: Employees may optionally install Alertus on their personal machines to receive desktop alerts while working off campus or on non-VUMC devices.

Learn More

Additional information is available on the AlertVU website.

Information about installing and using Alertus on your computer can be found under the Alertus Desktop Notifications tab on the AlertVU website.

URLs:

Workday: http://www.myworkday.com/vumc/login.htmld

Workday instructions: https://cdn.vanderbilt.edu/vu-sub/wp-content/uploads/sites/288/2025/03/05095901/VUMC_Workday_AlertVU_Instructions.pdf

AlertVU Community Portal: https://vu.edu/alert-portal

AlertVU Website: https://alertvu.vanderbilt.edu/