Effective Aug. 2, all Pennsylvania Western University campuses will utilize a new mass notification system, PennWest Shield, to distribute vital information in emergency situations. This unified system, which is powered by 911 Cellular, provides the text, email and other notifications you have been accustomed to receiving as well as a mobile safety application and enhanced safety features to protect students, employees and visitors on our campuses.

Enrolling in PennWest Shield

To ensure timely delivery of critical safety information during emergency situations – whether it’s inclement weather or an electrical problem that closes a building – all employees are encouraged to sign up for text and email alerts.

To sign up for PennWest Shield you can download the PennWest Shield Safety App or log in to the PennWest Shield system here to verify/update your contact information and select which campus alerts you wish to receive, or to register. Employees who previously registered for Cal U Alerts, Eagle Alerts or EU Shield will be automatically registered in the PennWest Shield System, but will need to verity their campus alert preference. Note: When logging into the system as a previously registered employee, you will need to select the Windows Sign in button to utilize your University credentials (see attached screenshots). Both, the PennWest Shield Safety App and the PennWest Shield System, will allow you to select what campus alerts you wish to receive.

The text service is completely voluntary; you may opt out at any time. Your information is not shared with or sold to third parties, but your phone service provider’s messaging rates will apply.

PennWest Shield Safety App

The PennWest Shield safety app is free and available to all through Google Play and the Apple App Store. Because it provides advanced safety features, including an emergency button, tip reporting, virtual escort, and fingertip access to emergency procedures, its use is strongly encouraged.

The EU Shield safety app and the Clarion LiveSafe App will no longer be updated and monitored. These should be deleted from your phone.

Desktop Alerts & Desktop Panic Buttons

Over the next several weeks, IT will be installing software on all PennWest computers to ensure critical alerts are received on your desktop. They will also be installing desktop panic buttons all computers that previously had a desktop panic button or had a conventional panic button at their desk. Desktop panic buttons are also available upon request. Requests are subject to approval by the University Police. To request a Desktop Panic Button, please contact the PennWest University Police Station at your campus. The University Police will evaluate the request for necessity based on several factors, including frequency of interaction with the general public, location, and function of the office requesting the panic button.