Mohawk SAM (Security Alert Messenger)

Mohawk SAM is a service for all Mohawk students, staff and third parties (people who work on campus but are not employees of the College) who have a device that is equipped with text messaging (SMS).

Mohawk SAM’s primary role is to warn you when there is a direct threat to your safety on the Fennell, Stoney Creek, or the Centre for Aviation Technology at Hamilton International Airport campuses, such as a lockdown, campus evacuation or closure due to inclement weather. Once activated by Mohawk College Security, Mohawk SAM will send you a brief notification (typically, an SMS) alerting you to the type of situation taking place, and advising you on what actions you should take next.

To receive these notifications you will need to opt in and subscribe to Mohawk SAM. Please note that while Mohawk SAM is free, any phone calls, messages or text messages received or sent by your device are subject to standard usage rates, and delivery of these messages is dependent on delivery from your system provider.

How to Opt In for Students and Employees

You will need to visit MyMohawk to opt in and subscribe to the service. 

For complete instructions on how to subscribe, download the subscription guide (PDF, 2kb).

How to Opt In for 3rd Party Mohawk SAM Subscription

Individuals within this group who wish to receive urgent alert notifications from Security Alert Messenger (SAM) need to subscribe to the service. To subscribe, please contact your manager for a username and password. 

To update your profile, please visit the Mohawk SAM Login

Mohawk SAM FAQs

What is Mohawk SAM?
SAM stands for Security Alert Messenger. SAM’s primary role is to warn students and staff when there is a direct threat to their safety on campus. However, the service will also be used to relay important information such as closures due to inclement weather.

Under what conditions will Mohawk SAM be used?
The service will be deployed under the following conditions:

  • Campus Closures due to inclement weather
  • Lockdown at Fennell, Stoney Creek or Aviation Technology at Hamilton International Airport Campus
  • Hold and Secure at Fennell, Stoney Creek, or Aviation Technology at Hamilton International Airport Campus
  • Campus wide evacuation at Fennell, Stoney Creek, or Aviation Technology at Hamilton International Airport Campuses
  • System tests such as Notification System Tests**

Note: When a test message is sent it will be clearly indicated that it is only a test.

How does Mohawk SAM work?
SAM is activated by Mohawk College Security in the event of a major incident such as a Lockdown. Once activated, the service sends out notifications through a predetermined list of channels, including email (MyMohawk, and personal email if provided), mobile device, text (SMS), Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and the College website. SAM sends important information right to your mobile device, so you don’t have to go looking for it. Mohawk will test SAM from time to time to make sure the service is operating correctly. Test messages will be clearly marked as "TEST" so they will not be confused with the real thing.

Who can use Mohawk SAM?
All students and staff of Mohawk and employees of companies with operations on campus - referred to as third parties.

Do I have to pay for Mohawk SAM?
No. SAM is free to all Mohawk College students and employees, as well as third parties (employees of companies who operate businesses on campus). However, any phone calls received by your mobile device, as well as any SMS/text messages received or sent by your device, are subject to standard usage rates. Data use charges may also be applicable if you access the system via mobile browser or use data to retrieve email messages. Please check with your mobile telecommunications provider to determine if you will incur any expense for using, or receiving notification from SAM.

Can I receive notification on my mobile device (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, other)?
Yes, the system will send notification to all mobile devices, as long as you provide your device number. You must opt-in to receive text (SMS) messages.

Why should I opt-in to receive text (SMS) messages?
SAM’s SMS feature will send important notifications right to your mobile device, no matter where you are.

Will Mohawk SAM send me messages I don’t want like events and news that don’t pertain to me?
No. SAM is for major incidents and campus closures only. However, the system will be tested from time to time. All test messages will clearly state that they are part of a test.

What do I have to do to sign up?
If you are a student or staff member, the only information you need to provide is your mobile device number. You also have the option to provide your personal email if you wish. All other data, such as your Mohawk and eLearn email if applicable, has already been submitted. It is important to make sure the College has the most recent contact information for you and you can check this by signing into MyMohawk and clicking on the "Set Up/Manage My SAM Account" link In the Safety Area.

Note: that if you change your mobile device number in Banner self serve you will need to opt-in again.
If you are not a student or staff member, but work at the College, read below how to opt-in.

I work at the College but I’m not a College employee, can I subscribe to the service?
Yes. If you work for the MSA, CLC, CINDE, MCE or a company such as Chartwells or Hurley, we encourage you to subscribe to SAM. Follow the third party opt-in instructions on how to subscribe.

What if I change my mobile device number?
You will need to opt-in again.

What should I do when I receive a message?
Follow any instructions in the message and wait for further information.

Is this service for all campuses?
SAM notifications apply to the Fennell, Stoney Creek, and/or Aviation Technology at Hamilton International Airport campuses. The IAHS location is hosted by McMaster University and are subject to the procedures and plans in place at those institutions. However, students and staff at IAHS will receive emails and can opt-in to receive text messages regarding Fennell and Stoney Creek incidents.

What other ways will Mohawk alert us about an incident?
Depending upon the specific situation, Mohawk may notify you of an incident using one or more of the following methods:

  • Campus TV screens are set up to display messages in the event of a Lockdown, Hold and Secure or Fire.
  • All campuses are equipped with fire alarms and Public Address systems.
  • Tune into local media for campus closure information during severe weather events.

 

If my email address is already automatically loaded into the system, why should I subscribe additional devices?
During an incident phone, internet (for email), or cellular data/phone systems can become unavailable or overloaded. By subscribing additional devices you increase the likelihood you will receive your notification quickly. Additionally, text messages (SMS) are a fast and efficient way to receive notifications, and often are not restricted when other systems may be experiencing higher volumes than normal.

What happens if I don’t subscribe any mobile device numbers?
When an urgent notification is activated, you will receive the notification via your Mohawk College email accounts (MyMohawk & eLearn) only.

Will I be charged a fee for any messages sent to my mobile device?
Mohawk College provides the alert notification service free of charge. However, any phone calls received by your mobile device, as well as any SMS/text messages received or sent by your device, are subject to standard usage rates. Data use charges may also be applicable, if you access the system via mobile browser or use data to retrieve email messages. If applicable, these charges would be levied by your mobile telecommunications provider. Please check with your mobile telecommunications provider to determine if you will incur any expense for using, or receiving notification from, the emergency notification service.

Is my data secure?
Yes. The personal information you provide will be used to provide you with notification in the event of an emergency. Please note that the information you provide in your SAM account may also be used by the College to communicate with you.

Who should I contact if I have questions?
Contact Mohawk College Security at 905-575-2003.

I'm a student with accessibility concerns. Who should I contact?
Contact Mohawk College Security at 905-575-2003