Use Text Messaging Purposefully
Text messaging is a highly reserved communication channel at BYU-Idaho. Before considering a text message, departments should work with their Strategic Communications Coordinator to identify the most effective and appropriate communication channel for the need.
Text messaging requires approval from University Communications, including approval of the message type and distribution platform.
Text messaging requires approval from University Communications, including approval of the message type and distribution platform.
When Text Messaging May Be Used
Emergency Messages
Emergency texts communicate life-threatening or immediate safety information, such as severe weather, an active shooter, or a hazardous situation. Emergency messages are managed by Campus Security and University Communications.
Critical Messages
With approval and recipient consent, text messaging may be used for critical information that helps students attend or remain in school, including certain enrollment, academic, financial aid, appointment, student support, and university mission-related messages.
Transactional & Operational Messages
With approval and recipient consent, departments providing university services may use text messaging for important non-promotional information triggered by a transaction, service, or operational need.
Usage Guidelines
Start With Your Communication Need
Work with your Strategic Communications Coordinator before planning a text campaign. Other university communication channels should be considered before texting is approved.
Get Approval Before Texting
University Communications must approve the message type, platform, and sending process before a department uses text messaging. Departments may not purchase or use a texting platform without approval.
Send Only Approved Message Types
Once approved, departments may text only about matters under their direct responsibility. Avoid messages that duplicate communication from another department.
Get Recipient Consent
Except for emergency communications, recipients must affirmatively opt in before receiving university text messages or direct messaging.
Keep Messages Relevant and Focused
Send messages only to the appropriate audience and focus each text on the information or action recipients need.
Protect the University’s Ability to Text
Follow approved processes for collecting phone numbers, maintaining opt-in status, and sending messages. Responsible use helps protect students from over-messaging and preserves the university’s ability to use text messaging.
Text Messaging is Not Approved for General Promotion
Promotional opportunities, events, activities, workshops, and similar messages are not currently approved for university text messaging. Work with your Strategic Communications Coordinator to identify another communication channel.
Review the complete requirements for approved message types, recipient consent, platforms, data collection, and department responsibilities.
Learn how BYU-Idaho communicates urgent safety information to students and employees.
Only with prior approval from University Communications. Start with your Strategic Communications Coordinator, who will help determine whether text messaging or another university communication channel is appropriate.
Yes. Individuals must affirmatively opt in to receive university text messages or direct messaging. Emergency communications are the exception.
No. Promotional opportunities, events, activities, workshops, and similar messages are not approved for text messaging. Contact your Strategic Communications Coordinator to identify another appropriate channel.
Not without approval from University Communications. The message types, distribution platform, and procedures for sending texts must be approved before a department uses a texting service.
No. Emergency text messages are managed by Campus Security and University Communications. BYU-Idaho uses its emergency notification systems to alert the campus community about imminent threats and provide instructions such as evacuating, sheltering in place, or taking other appropriate action.
Emergency communications are the exception to the university’s opt-in requirement.
Emergency messages address life-threatening or immediate safety situations, such as severe weather, an active shooter, chemical hazards, or other imminent dangers. BYU-Idaho may use text along with email, myBYUI notifications, web banners, campus televisions, and other emergency channels to notify the campus community.
Informal person-to-person texting may be appropriate in limited situations, such as an employee communicating with someone they supervise or a faculty member communicating with an individual student they mentor. It should not be used for official campaigns, promotional messages, broad department communications, or sensitive information such as FERPA-protected information.