Administrative Policies

AD76 Emergency Notifications on Digital Signage

Policy Status: 

Active

Subject Matter Expert: 

Brian Bittner, 814-867-3430, bpb4@psu.edu

Policy Steward: 

Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff

Contents:

  • Purpose
  • Definitions
  • Policy
  • General
  • Further Information
  • Cross References
  • PURPOSE

    The purpose of this policy is to establish protocols for the inclusion of emergency alerts on digital signage University-wide. It applies to all colleges, campuses, and budgetary units of the University. This policy is intended to ensure that emergency notifications be delivered automatically to digital signage posted in University buildings. This policy does not apply to existing digital signage for which there is no reasonable way to deliver such messages; however if such equipment is upgraded, it must include the means to incorporate emergency notifications.

    DEFINITIONS

    “Digital signage” as used in this policy refers to all electronic message boards that are used to disseminate information in public spaces both inside buildings and in outdoor spaces on all Penn State campuses.

    POLICY

    All digital signage installed on Penn State campuses must include the ability to display emergency messages for the campus on which the digital signage is installed. Colleges, campuses and budgetary units already using digital signage that was installed before this policy was enacted should add the emergency message feeds if the digital signage can accept the feed. Existing digital signage that cannot accept the emergency notification feed without substantial cost may be exempted from this policy; however, if any modifications or upgrades are made to the existing digital signage, the ability to accept emergency notification feeds must be included in the upgrades. When existing digital signage is replaced, it must be replaced with equipment that can accept the feeds.

    Exemptions to this policy also include digital sign boards that serve as menu displays for both Penn State eateries and commercial eateries, contracted to be on Penn State property.

    GENERAL

    Penn State holds an enterprise license agreement for digital signage software.  Digital signage software is used to manage information, including news and messaging, which is then made available for public viewing on electronic displays in buildings and classrooms throughout the University. The software also makes it possible for offices to display critical emergency messages in collaboration with the University's central news services such as PSU ALERT.  The software includes methods for administrators to automatically send out emergency notifications to signs. To ensure digital signs automatically will broadcast Penn State emergencies, each sign needs to be configured with the emergency channel settings.

    Digital signage software orders are processed through Software at Penn State. The software license may be purchased directly via https://www.software.psu.edu/.  The software requires an annual maintenance subscription.  Users then receive the Software Interactive Content Manager, Content Player licenses and access to Four Winds Interactive Store.

    FURTHER INFORMATION

    For questions, additional detail, or to request changes to this policy, please contact University Police & Public Safety.

    CROSS REFERENCES

    Other Policies in this manual should also be referenced, especially the following:

    AD70 - Emergency Management,

    SY03 - Emergencies Involving Students

    Most recent changes:

    • January 10, 2017 - Update to the POLICY section to clarify what digital signage is exempted from policy requirements.

    Revision History (and effective dates):

    • November 7, 2016 - The GENERAL section has been revised to reflect current operations.
    • July 28, 2015 - Editorial changes. Addition of policy steward information, in the event that there are questions or requests for changes to the policy. References to the "PSUTXT" changed to "PSU ALERT." Pricing link updated.
    • December 12, 2012 - New policy.

     

    Date Approved: 

    January 10, 2017

    Date Published: 

    January 10, 2017

    Effective Date: 

    January 10, 2017