Raider Success Hub Text Message Policy

Academic Innovation & Student Success | Texas Tech University

Raider Success Hub (RSH), via Modern Campus Message, is the exclusive platform for sending academically-related SMS and MMS messaging to the student community. SMS messaging is intended to supplement Texas Tech’s current student communications strategy, and this policy is devoted to the texting medium.

The text messaging policy applies to any RSH-affiliated individual granted permission to text students regarding university academic-related matters out of RSH and Modern Campus Message only. Departments, researchers and other academic personnel using SMS to communicate with students through university-approved platforms outside of RSH are exempt from this policy.

NOTE: This policy is intended for everyday, non-emergency use. Emergency notifications are managed through the Texas Tech Office of Marketing & Communications via TechAlert.

Definitions and Language

RSH – Raider Success Hub

SMS – A text message of up to 160 characters without an attached file or image.

MMS – A text message that includes a file – image, video, emoji, or a website link.

NOTE: Throughout this document, SMS will be used when referring to both SMS and MMS messaging.

Student Opt In Process

Students are automatically opted in to receive RSH SMS messages upon enrollment to the university. These messages are classified as transactional and pertain to essential academic matters such as advising, registration, financial deadlines, and academic standing. No additional action is required by the student to begin receiving these communications.

Student Opt Out Process

Because RSH messages are considered academic and transactional under federal guidelines (including the TCPA and FERPA), students cannot opt out of these messages. These communications are essential to ensuring academic progress and compliance with university requirements.

What to Expect: RSH Text Messaging to Current Students

RSH, via Modern Campus Message, supports two-way messaging between authorized users and current students. Authorized users  include success team members, help desk personnel and academic marketing representatives to relay information on: 

• Academics & Registration – appointments, deadlines, holds, feedback 
• Financial – reminders and deadlines 
• Graduation – application and commencement info 
• Other time-sensitive academic-related matters 

Students can reply to ask academic-related questions or complete surveys. Some messages may be automated. 

• Communication Frequency 

Message frequency will vary depending on deadlines and student activity. During peak times (e.g., registration, advising), frequency may increase. Outside of these times, students should not receive more than three messages per month. 

Acceptable Use

1. Messages must comply with FERPA and university privacy standards.
2. Students will never be asked for personally identifiable information through text messaging from TTU.
   1. If you receive a message asking for personal information: 

1. 1. 1. If you receive a message asking for personal information:
         1. Do not reply to the message
         2. Alert IT Help Central at (806) 742-4357 or email ithelpcentral@ttu.edu.

Privacy

Due to FERPA regulations, some personal and sensitive information cannot be sent via SMS message. If sensitive information needs to be discussed with a member of the success team, the student will be asked to discuss in person or other appropriate formats, as indicated in the student’s FERPA preferences.

We take your privacy seriously.

• Review our Privacy Policy

Additional Information:

• FERPA
• OP 70.40: Information Privacy and Confidentiality Statements