Frequently Asked Questions – Mobile Safety System
This collection of frequently asked questions (FAQs) provides brief answers to many common questions you may have about the SF State’s Mobile Safety System. Please take a moment to review them. If you should have any additional questions, do not hesitate to contact University Police at upd@sfsu.edu.
» Is the SF State Mobile Safety System the same as the Emergency Notification system?
No, the SF State Mobile Safety System is separate from the Emergency Notification system. While both systems collect your primary mobile phone number, the Emergency Notification systems sends notifications to your mobile phone in case of a campus emergency. The SF State Mobile Safety System gives emergency responders more information about you in case of a personal emergency.
» How much will this service cost me?
Registration for this service is free to all active students, faculty and staff. You will be sent two confirmation text messages when you activate your mobile phone with this service. Standard text message from your carrier rates may apply.
» Who did SF State purchase the Mobile Safety service from?
The SF State Mobile Safety system is a service of Rave Mobile Safety. Rave is a private company based out of Massachusetts that has been a leading provider of software safety solutions for a number of years.
» Is my information secure?
Yes. Rave uses the latest in security technologies and processes to ensure all information is kept secure and private. They undergo regular security audits to ensure the security of data.
» My account says "profile incomplete." What else do I need to do? What information is required?
In order for your account to be activated you have to complete three tasks. First, register your mobile phone. Secondly, create your 4 digit PIN. Lastly, make sure you accept the terms and agreements. This will complete your registration. All other information is optional.
» SMS/Text messages are used to register your phone. What if I have SMS/Text messaging blocked?
During the registration process, you’ll be asked to register your mobile phone. At which time a SMS/Text message will be sent to your phone with a confirmation code. Since you will not receive this message, please email upd@sfsu.edu with your mobile phone number and we will provide your confirmation code in a response email.
» Does the SF State Mobile Safety System require users to have a certain kind of phone?
No, the basic profile features of the SF State Mobile Safety System work on any mobile phone running on any US-based mobile carrier network. Location information may not be available for all carriers.
» If I switch my mobile phone number and provider will I need to register my information again?
If you change your mobile phone number, you should log into your SF State Mobile Safety System account and update your profile with your new mobile number. You will not be asked to create a new profile, however this is the perfect time to review your existing profile, and confirm that the remainder of the information is up to date.
» If I am inactive from SF State for personal reasons or leave school for a semester or any length of time will my personal profile information still be available and will I be able to use the SF State Mobile Safety System?
If you are no longer an active student, faculty or staff member, your personal profile and account information will be removed from the system after a grace period. Upon your return you will need to re-register your personal profile and mobile phone information in the SF State Mobile Safety System. If you are on official leave of absence from the university, your information will be retained in the system.
» Is the SF State Mobile Safety System always tracking me?
No, your privacy is of utmost importance. You can only be located if you call 911
» Can Public Safety track me whenever they want?
No, Public Safety will only access your information when you request assistance
» Will the SF State Mobile Safety System let other people like my family or friends track me?
No, never. Only University Police will ever have access to your information and only when you allow it.
» How can I tell if my mobile phone can provide its location through the SF State Mobile Safety System?
The SF State Mobile Safety System can locate most devices on the AT&T, Nextel, Sprint and Verizon networks. Once you have registered for the SF State Mobile Safety System, you will be presented with information about location services for your mobile carrier. Please refer to this information for more details.
» What if my carrier or mobile phone cannot provide the SF State Mobile Safety System with location information? Can I still use the Mobile Safety System?
The SF State Mobile Safety System works with any mobile phone, on practically any carrier. If the Mobile Safety system cannot determine your phone's location, police dispatchers will still be able to locate you through the federally mandated e911 service (http://www.fcc.gov/hspc/factsheets/enhanced911.pdf) when you dial 911.
» Are there certain factors that can affect the carrier reported location accuracy?
Yes factors include, but are not limited to: whether or not you are calling from inside a building or a "dead spot"; the strength of your mobile signal, such as proximity of cell towers or satellites; whether or not your phone is GPS enabled and, the type and quality of your phone, carrier and signal.
» How does my profile information get collected and sent to University Police?
You will opt-in to this service and provide your information as part of the registration process. You are in control of the information presented by this service. To simplify enrollment with the SF State ID sign-on, your SF State ID, name and e-mail address have been preloaded.
» Once I register for the SF State Mobile Safety System will my mobile phone be exposed to spam messages and advertisements which I do not want?
No , your mobile phone will receive only one text message that provides you with a confirmation indicating that your mobile phone has been registered. No other advertisements or spam will be sent to your mobile phone.
» Still have Questions about the SF State Mobile Safety System?
Email us: upd@sfsu.edu
