Frequently Asked Questions

ZagAlert is Gonzaga University's emergency notification system.  This system is used to disseminate information about emergency situations involving an immediate or significant threat to the life-safety of the campus community.  ZagAlert messages are also used to issue University closure notifications.

All Gonzaga emails and Gonzaga telephone numbers are automatically enrolled in the system. All students, staff and faculty should visit the ZagWeb portal and add mobile phone numbers and personal, non-GU emails. Visit Zagweb, click on "Enter Secure Area", provide your credentials, then click on ZagAlert to make these updates. If you are not current student, faculty or staff but would like to receive emergency notifications, you can opt-in to the system by texting the word "ZagAlert" to 77295. More information can be found at

You can opt-out of the system by texting the word "Leave" to 77295.

ZagAlert sends emergency notifications to the contacts entered into the system's database via ZagWeb. Messages can include any combination of push notification, text message, e-mail, phone call, or voice message. In most cases, the message is delivered across multiple platforms. ZagAlert will also automatically post information on the Gonzaga University Facebook and Gonzaga University Twitter accounts.  In addition, the emergency management team will update the Gonzaga University Emergency Information web page.

A ZagAlert message may be sent to notify recipients of emergencies, incidents or disasters that impact the campus environment or community.  The messages will contain information to assist the recipient in making the best choice possible to protect their life safety. These messages may also contain specific recommended actions or resources for more information. 

The University will send ZagAlert messages as soon as verified information is available, or at the direction of first response partners such as law enforcement or fire. For this reason, the initial message or messages may be short with a focus on taking life-saving actions, and may not contain much detail.  Additional information and updates are typically delivered via the Gonzaga University Facebook page, Gonzaga University Twitter account, and posted on the Gonzaga University Emergency Information web page.  Email may also be used to communicate additional information when appropriate.  When the emergency is resolved, that information is usually communicated via a final "all-safe" ZagAlert message and is posted on social media and emergency information web page. 

ZagAlert messages are delivered to all recipients registered in the system.  ZagAlerts are typically sent to all platforms available, including email, telephone call and text message.  Individuals should make sure to update their information regularly.

The decision to send a ZagAlert message is made by Campus Security and Public Safety and/or University leadership.  Messages are sent by either Campus Security and Public Safety or the Emergency Management Team.

Here is a sample ZagAlert message:

Email and Voicemail
Subject: ARMED INTRUDER ON CAMPUS, ZAGALERT, GONZAGA UNIVERSTIY

This is a ZAGALERT EMERGENCY MESSAGE from Gonzaga University.

An active shooter has been reported on campus in front of the west entrance to College Hall. Lockdown: if you are on campus, go into the nearest available room and lock the door; stay away from windows. If you are not on campus, stay away until further notice. THIS IS NOT A TEST. Obey commands from authorities. Updates and information are available at www.facebook.com/GonzagaUniversity.

Text and Twitter
ZAGALERT. Active shooter west entrance College Hall. Lockdown. Stay away from campus. Updates at www.facebook.com/GonzagaUniversity. #ZagAlert

Gonzaga recommends that you provide personal cellphone, personal (non-GU) e-mail, work telephone and home telephone and home telephone contact information. You should also confirm your GU e-mail. There are fields in the system to register alternate telephones, which can be used for parent, spouse, or emergency contact registration. Gonzaga also encourages parents and family members to text “ZagAlert” to 77295 to receive emergency messages.

Text messaging is considered one of the most reliable and quickest ways to receive notifications during an emergency. Ensure your mobile phone is registered to receive ZagAlert text messages.

ZagAlert is used for emergency situations that present an immediate threat to life, health, safety or campus closure.  These are relatively rare occurrences.  ZagAlert is also tested periodically throughout the year.

Test messages will always be denoted as such in the subject line, start of a text or beginning of a voice message or email. Usually tests will be pre-announced via Morning Mail so that you will expect a notification within a given time period (i.e. during the week of x-x). Actual alerts will not be marked as tests.

First, follow any instructions given in the ZagAlert. Generally, you will be asked to take a protective action: evacuate, shelter-in-place, avoid the area or Lockdown/Run, Hide, Fight.  Find out more about these actions on the ZagReady page.  If no specific actions are recommended, please use the information in the ZagAlert message to determine what protective action you should take. Remember, it is important to proactively think about how you would take a protective action at work, in class, or while on campus before an emergency occurs.

Second, monitor ongoing communications via social media or additional ZagAlert messages and follow all additional instructions, including those issued by first responders such as fire or law enforcement. Please do not contact Gonzaga University, including Campus Security and Public Safety, during this time unless you have information to report about the incident, or are experiencing a separate emergency.  DO NOT assume the incident is over until you are officially notified via ZagAlert that the situation is resolved (even if other news sources or social media report it to be over.)

Third, refrain from speculating about what is happening.  Please do not engage with social media posts or talk to media representatives about the incident or emergency, and avoid speculation with friends, family, or people around you. Instead, focus on staying safe and waiting for more information. Official information about the incident will be listed on the Gonzaga University Facebook page, Gonzaga University Twitter account, and the Gonzaga University Emergency Information page.

In a life-threatening emergency always call 911 first and then call Campus Security and Public Safety at 509-313-2222 if it is safe to do so.

All GU email addresses are automatically enrolled and cannot be removed from the system. Gonzaga also strongly encourages all members of campus to register personal contact information such as personal/work mobile phone, home phone and personal email.

Registration for the ZagAlert system is free. Some Wireless carriers may assess charges related to text, data, or voice conversations. Check with you mobile provider for more information on your current plan.

ZagAlert and Urgent Warning messages will be send to your mobile phone. In addition, your Gonzaga student can enter your contact numbers in the alternate number fields in the ZagAlert system.

Your email is automatically enrolled in the system. We recommend you login and verify your email as well as enter personal contact information. Notifications will keep you informed of events that you need to be aware of, even if you are not on campus. For example, you will need to know when communication will be disrupted with professors on campus when an emergency occurs.

Your email is automatically enrolled in the system. We recommend you login and verify your email as well as enter personal contact information. Notifications will keep you informed of events that you need to be aware of, even if you are not on campus. For example, you will need to know when communication will be disrupted with professors on campus when an emergency occurs.

Your email is automatically enrolled in the system. We recommend you login and verify your email as well as enter personal contact information. Notifications will keep you informed of events that you need to be aware of, even if you are not on campus. For example, you will need to know when communication will be disrupted with professors on campus when an emergency occurs.

If you are a guest or visitor to campus and would like to receive emergency notifications, you can opt-in to the system by texting the word "ZagAlert" to 77295. More information can be found at www.gonzaga.edu/zagalert