Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register devices for the CWNS?
Read our How-To for instructions on how to enter your contact information into CWNS.

Who can register for the CWNS?
The system is currently designed for current NJIT students, faculty and staff with valid UCID and password.  Rutgers-Newark students enrolled in NJIT classes are also eligible.  Non-NJIT personnel who work on-campus may be eligible pending approval.

Can family members register for the CWNS?
Not directly.  Students, faculty, and staff can each register up to four devices and three email addresses to receive notifications which would allow family members to receive the same notifications.

Is there a charge for the CWNS?
NJIT does not charge for the system.  However, standard text message/cell phone rates may apply.  Please check with your cell phone provider for details on their rates.

Do I have to register for this system?
You are not required to register, but it is strongly recommended that you do so.  Once registered, you can opt-out of the system at any time. The CWNS is designed to complement other communication channels such as broadcast e-mails, bulletins on the NJIT website, postings around campus, and the involvement of local media

When will my device (text cell phone, home phone, alternate email) start receiving notifications?
You will be eligible to start receiving notifications on your devices immediately after registration.  

How long will it take for me to receive a notification that is sent by the NJIT Department of Public Safety?
The CWNS sends notifications simultaneously to different devices.  The rate at which messages are received depends upon your cell phone provider's capabilities. This could be instantaneous or could take an extended period of time. NJIT has no control over the speed with which your cellular provider delivers messages.

What if I am not there to answer the phone?
The CWNS is designed technically to determine if a call is answered by an automated device. If given the opportunity, the system will leave a voice mail message.

How can I know a message is not a hoax?
If the NJIT Department of Public safety initiates a notification, additional information will be posted on the NJIT website at www.njit.edu.

What should I do if my cell phone carrier is not one of those listed?
Please send an e-mail to cwns@njit.edu listing your name, cell phone number, and carrier. A customer service representative will get back to you with special instructions.

Will I be charged for text messages I receive?
Charges for text messages sent by the CWNS will depend on the plan you have with your carrier for sending and receiving text messages. NJIT assumes no responsibility for any charges you may incur for receipt of a CWNS message. The CWNS will only be used for situations such as delayed openings or school closings caused by the weather or potential threats to the safety of the university community.  The system will also be tested on a periodic basis.

I only want to register my text message cell phone with CWNS.  Is that OK?
Yes.  You do not have to register all your eligible devices (1 text message device, 2 phones and 1 alternate email).

Why can’t I register an NJIT email address?
Your njit.edu email address is automatically enrolled in the system.  You can choose to enter an alternate email address.

If I already forward my njit.edu email to an alternate email account, should I still register the other account with CWNS?
Yes.  The intent of CWNS is to be able to notify you of emergency situations as fast as possible.  The CWNS will be able to send an email to your alternate email account even if the NJIT mail server is not operational.

I'm going on vacation; can alerts be suspended while I'm away?
Yes.  You can opt-out of the system then opt-in when you return.  You can also disable/enable individual devices.

Will my information be sold? Will it be used by anyone other than the university?
All information provided for the CWNS will be maintained on a confidential basis, not shared with other university offices, and not shared with third-parties, except when responding to an emergency. The information will never be sold to third parties. Campus-wide notifications will only be initiated by the Department of Public Safety.

What happens to my CWNS account when I leave NJIT?
Students, faculty, staff and alumni who leave NJIT will be automatically opted-out of the system.

What should I do if I leave NJIT and come back?
Upon return, log into CWNS to opt-in and update your device data in the system.