2016-05: Set Authorized Text Message Opt-In Default to Yes in Account

Colleges are asking that the Authorized Text Message Opt-In checkbox for both Phone Number fields in the OpenCCC Account be set to "Yes" by default if a phone number is entered in the field. Meaning, if a phone number is entered in Phone 1 field, then set Auth Text Message default to Yes (Opt-in).  Same for the Phone 2 field. If a number is entered (if the field is not empty) then default the corresponding Auth Text Msg to "check" or "yes" or "True" (Patty to review data dictionary for correct field format).

College is reporting that - at their college - less than 1% of students are Opting In (yes) to the Authorized Text Message checkbox field for phone numbers entered. This may be a result of laziness; perhaps they are not reading the question and since the field is not required they are skipping over it. This request is to set default in these fields to Yes IF they enter a phone number. The student would then have to Opt-Out. The goal is to enourage more students to Opt-In for text messaging. Colleges are using this field as confirmation from students to send college messaging via text message (College System Alerts).

<< I would like you to ask the Open CCCapply steering committee to consider making the texting opt-in/out a required field for all applicants. We have found that fewer than 1% of students are answering the question and this low response rate is impacting our ability to populate our emergency alert system with a high percentage of students. Especially considering the recent tragedies on CC campuses, this topic has been getting a lot of attention.- Julie Arreguy, Sierra College"

5.11.16:  Discussion during May 11 Steering meeting revolved around issues and risks in the implementation of this change. Steering says that not knowing whether the phone is a cell/mobile number is also a problem. They also want a  cell phone number field added to the Account, or some way to identify whether the phone number provided is a cell/mobile number.  Tim discouraged steering from adding a new field and encouraged the use supplemental questions to collect this data. He reminded us all that all new data fields mean changes to college download files. 

Patty has a suggestion.  If a phone number is entered in Phone 1 or Phone 2, have a validation pop-up box ask the student if the number is a cell/mobile phone number?  If yes, set default for "Authorized Text Message" to YES or True or checked. If no, keep text message box unchecked (no or false).  This would do double duty. Confirm that if the Authorzed Text message data fields are NOT empty that the phone number is a cell/mobile number.

We know that one of the biggest reasons colleges and universities shy away from using text messaging is because they are afraid of violating federal rules and regulations. After all, those who violate the TCPA and/or FERPA can end up paying out over $10,000 per infraction, and even lose federal funding.

However, if you choose to work with an SMS company that is aware of, and stays up-to-date with the FCC’s regulations, you will have little to worry about. For example, if you didn’t know, it is required that you receive an “e-signature” from a student to communicate with him or her, as well as market to the student in the future. In fact, Eric Kades, our company’s founder, personally reached out to Department of Education for clarification on this and discovered that this is indeed the case. No ifs, ands, or buts!

When it all comes down to it, you shouldn’t be afraid to consider text messaging as a form of communication with students, alumni, and the faculty at your college or university. Some institutions have already gone this route, and are even seeing many rewards from doing so. In all, if you truly wish to maintain your competitive edge, it’s time to reach out to us to talk about our text messaging service.