Francis Marion University’s Emergency Alert System

Francis Marion University’s SwampFox Alerts system provides the University with a fast and efficient means for notifying the FMU community — students, faculty and staff — when campus emergencies occur. The alert system can be used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It sends messages via text, email, social media, on campus message boards, and to University-owned computers (e.g. in the computer labs around campus).

Depending upon the nature of an emergency, the system may send users multiple messages, adding updated information as it becomes available. SwampFox Alerts are used for public safety emergencies and for official weather-related information such as closings. It is only used in the case of emergency.

SwampFox Alerts are part of an emergency warning system that also includes a campus-wide siren system and other standard communication systems. SwampFox Alerts utilizes the state-of-the-art OmniAlerts platform. The system is managed by campus police and the office of communications.

Becoming a part of the system

Students

All FMU students are enrolled in SwampFox Alerts based on their University email address. Students who provide the University with a working mobile phone number as part of their official student records will receive text messages to their phones as well.

No additional action is necessary to become part of the system, but students who are unsure if they supplied an up-to-date mobile phone for their student record, or who have acquired a new phone and number, may check their record or update a record in the Patriot Portal online, in person, at the FMU Registrar’s Office in Suite 118 of the Stokes Administration Building during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

For more information on updating records, contact the Registrar’s Office at 843-661-1174.

Employees

All FMU faculty and staff members are part of the SwampFox Alerts system and will receive emails and other notifications. They will receive emails at their University email, if they hold a defined position at the University. Employees may receive SwampFox Alert text messages if an up-to-date mobile phone number has been provided to the Human Resources office as part of their employee record.

To add or update a mobile number, update profile information in the Patriot Portal or visit the Human Resources in suite 105 of the Stokes Administration Building during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Contact Human Resources at 843-661.1146 for more information