Emergency Response

Whitworth University recognizes the safety and well-being of the campus community as our highest priority. We have put in place the staff, planning and resources necessary to respond effectively to a broad range of possible emergencies. A foundational principle of our crisis communications plan is to be proactive and open in communicating with students, parents, employees and others.

In the event of a campus emergency, information updates will be available through our home page at www.whitworth.edu, through the Whitworth switchboard at 509.777.1000, and through email messages sent to students, parents, faculty and staff. In addition, you can also access an Emergency Response FAQ. Whitworth uses WhitALERT, a text messaging service, to send notices about ongoing, life-threatening emergencies to mobile devices of students, parents*, faculty and staff who sign up for the service. Local television and radio stations may also have information available on their broadcasts and websites.

* Note: Parents who wish to receive emergency text messages from Whitworth need to register their cell phone number via their student. Students can designate up to three cell phone numbers, including parents' cell phone numbers, to receive emergency text messages. Students can manage their emergency contact information through their Self-Service accounts.

Whitworth's Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is based on the National Incident Management System (NIMS) used and recommended by local, state and federal emergency-response agencies. The ERP positions the institution to respond to any type and scope of emergency (i.e. natural disasters, pandemic flu or a building fire) and to integrate smoothly with emergency responders from off campus. The ERP has been reviewed and updated within the past year. Staff members with assigned responsibilities in the plan have participated in campus training and exercises to refine our level of preparation.