CNUAlert
Current Status:
CNU is operating under normal conditions.
Updated: 03/17/2026 8:16:04 AM
Emergency Notification System
Christopher Newport's emergency notification system (ENS) employs two primary electronic communication methods: text messaging and email.
In the event of a real-time emergency (e.g., tornado, shooter) where students, faculty and staff need to take immediate action, emergency management personnel will use the ENS to send a text message. Other ENS components, such as email, website features, calls to landlines and cellphones, social media posts, and on-campus computer overrides may also be used. Texts, emails and calls will be sent to all individuals registered in the CNU Alert system.
In all other cases where there is not an emergency or immediate threat, information will be sent by email to Christopher Newport University students, faculty and staff via the university's email service. This notification is intended only for members of the Christopher Newport University community who attend classes or work on campus so that they may make plans regarding their daily activities.
System Components
Siren/Public Address
An audible siren can be heard up to one mile away, and the public address system can be heard up to 0.5 mile away from the speakers. The unit can be activated by University Police.
Website
CNUAlert.info is the primary communication source of emergency information for the campus community. In the event of an emergency, the website will be updated with news, information and protocols.
Text Messaging
Members of the Christopher Newport community may register for a text messaging service. Subscribers are notified when emergency conditions exist on campus. The system requires mandatory registration at no cost to the CNU community.
Email Messaging
The university email system will be used as a source of official emergency news, information and protocols.
Telephone Broadcast
All digital telephones on campus are equipped with a broadcast feature. Information Technology Services or University Police personnel can activate this feature to broadcast a live emergency message or information update to every telephone on the system.
Telephone Voicemail
All digital telephones on campus are equipped with a voicemail feature. Information Technology Services or University Police personnel can activate this feature to leave a voicemail message simultaneously for all system users.
Channel 9
This feature will be used to broadcast official emergency news, information and protocols on the campus television system.
Information Desk
The Information Desk is in the David Student Union. The telephone system used by the Information Desk can be configured from off-campus locations to provide a voicemail message to callers regarding an emergency.