WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Many colleges and universities are adopting text-messaging services for notification of weather-related cancellations and emergency alerts. While several higher education institutions were discussing text-messaging solutions months before the Virginia Tech shootings in April, the tragedy brought the idea to the forefront of the security agenda for many campuses.

“Demand has increased more than tenfold since April 16,” the day of the shooting, said Bryan Crum, director of communications for Leesburg-based Omnilert LLC, which develops mass communications technology. Crum said his company, which now has about 130 college clients, has received hundreds of calls and inquiries.

Virginia Commonwealth University will test an Omnilert text-messaging system this fall that students, their parents, faculty and community members can sign up for. Two other Omnilert services — one that will simultaneously show alerts on LCD screens in primary academic buildings and residence halls, and another that will flash alerts up on any computer logged into VCU’s network — will also be implemented, VCU spokesman Pamela Lepley said.

Most schools are adding onto already existing emergency procedures, said Mark Owczarski, director of news and information at Virginia Tech. Last month, Tech rolled out a new service from 3n (National Notification Network) of Glendale, Calif., that sends alerts via text messages, instant messages, phone calls and e-mails.

Student and faculty response has been positive so far, according to some campus officials. At the University of Virginia, which will adopt e2Campus’s text-messaging and LCD technology this fall, 20 percent of students, faculty and staff have already signed up for alerts, Associate Dean of Students Bill Ashby said.

wblake@dcexaminer.com