BearAlert

BearAlert is a mass notification system that the University of Pikeville has in place that quickly notifies subscribed users of any campus emergency or notification that can impact campus as a whole. BearAlerts include emergency situations, such as lockdowns or weather-related incidents that may result in the university closing down.

Who can use BearAlert?

BearAlert is available to anyone within the UPIKE community meaning students, faculty, staff, contractors or parents/guardians. It is highly encouraged that all members of the UPIKE community download the mobile app.

How will I be notified when a BearAlert has been activated?

BearAlert has several communication methods, but the primary and most effective way is through your smartphone device. By installing the app, users will receive push notifications in the event an alert has been activated.

Public Safety also has beacons installed on campus that will produce a loud, audible notification, with an LED display and instructions.

Furthermore, all university-owned computers will have software built in that will allow the screen to be taken over if a BearAlert has been issued, which will help alert classrooms and offices across campus.

How do I sign up for BearAlert?

First Method Instructions – Alertus

The Alertus+ Mobile App is available for download for all iPhone and Android mobile devices.  Setup is quick and easy and can be utilized by anyone from within or outside of the University of Pikeville Community!

First, download and install the Alertus+ Mobile App from the iTunes or Google Play app stores. There is no cost to download.

To download for iOS

To download for Android

Next, launch the application and when prompted, enter the following information:

Organization code: UPIKE (not case sensitive)

Upon completing the data entry, you will be prompted for a valid email address. Shortly after that, you will receive a confirmation email, click the link in the email to verify your account.

Once you have verified your email address, you will have full function of the Alertus application and will receive future BearAlerts!

Note: By default, push notifications on iOS devices appear as “Banners,” which only appear for five seconds. We highly recommend changing the alert style to “Alerts” and enabling sounds.

Second Method Instructions – SMS via Blackboard Connect

Blackboard Connect is an SMS/voice calling platform that allows end users to register multiple numbers for BearAlert. Setup is easy and only has a few additional steps.

• First, go to https://upikebearalert.bbcportal.com/ and click on sign me up.
• Enter the requested information to set up your account.
• Next, you will need to verify your email address, which will contact the subject “Blackboard Connect: Account Activation.”
• Once you have verified your email, you will be asked to finish setting up your account.
• Lastly, log in to complete your settings, contact information and communication preferences.