In 2007, the ideal form of communication with university students is email. People of that generation are always connected, even when out and about they're receiving email on their cell phone, Blackberry or other PDA. If you need to share time sensitive email with a large group of students, send a mass email.
Virginia Tech sent several mass emails to students this morning during their horrific school shooting. Here are the emails they sent:
From: Virginia Tech
Date: Apr 16, 2007 9:26 AM
Subject: Shooting on campus.
To: All Students
A shooting incident occurred at West Amber Johnston earlier this morning. Police are on the scene and are investigating.
The university community is urged to be cautious and are asked to contact Virginia Tech Police if you observe anything suspicious or with information on the case. Contact Virginia Tech Police at 231-6411
Stay attuned to the http://www.vt.edu. We will post as soon as we have more information.
From: Virginia Tech
Date: Apr 16, 2007 9:50 AM
Subject: PLease stay put
To: All Students
A gunman is loose on campus. Stay in buildings until further notice. Stay away from all windows
From: Virginia Tech
Date: Apr 16, 2007 10:17 AM
Subject: All Classes Canceled; Stay where you are
To: All Students
Virginia Tech has canceled all classes. Those on campus are asked to remain where there are, lock their doors and stay away from windows. Persons off campus are asked not to come to campus.
From: Virginia Tech
Date: Apr 16, 2007 10:53 AM
Subject: Second Shooting Reported; Police have one gunman in custody
To: All Students
In addition to an earlier shooting today in West Ambler Johnston, there has been a multiple shooting with multiple victims in Norris Hall.
Police and EMS are on the scene.
Police have one shooter in custody and as part of routine police procedure, they continue to search for a second shooter.
All people in university buildings are required to stay inside until further notice.
All entrances to campus are closed.
In my humble opinion, your best source for news regarding the Virginia Tech shootings is this Wikipedia page.
