Spartan Connect Text Messaging Information

Owned by Spartan Connect, created
Last updated: Jun 20, 2024
4 min read

As of 2024-05-09, Spartan Connect supports sending text messages with up to 300 total characters.

2023-06-26: SJSU’s text messaging number has changed! Mass texts, appointment confirmations, and reminders will now come from the 10-digit number: (669) 202-7578

About Text Messaging

Text messaging can be a highly effective means of communicating with today’s college students when integrated into a larger student-success focused communication plan. At San José State University (SJSU), we use text messaging to relay critical information. 

Key Points

  • Texts will not replace MySJSU messages or emails sent to your @sjsu.edu email.

  • Texts are for critical, timely, student-success related information.

  • Texts are also for scheduled appointment reminders.

  • Texts are one-way only (no reply) at this time.

  • You can opt-out or opt-back-in by texting STOP or START to (669) 202-7578

  • Alert-SJSU is completely unrelated to this program and not sent through Spartan Connect.

Program Information

SJSU is expanding the text messaging functionality through Spartan Connect to support campus departments in sending text messages related to student success. For additional details about this program, review the Spartan Connect Text Messaging Detailed Policy and Procedure.

Students may receive:

  • Reminders about critical dates and deadlines that are specific to your student record. Please do not rely on text reminders. Be sure to check your MySJSU account frequently to ensure that you stay on top of any deadlines for requirements.

  • Timely information focused on providing assistance during key periods in the academic year.

  • Automated reminders for appointments scheduled through Spartan Connect.

  • A welcome message at the beginning of each semester. 

Text Message Phone Number

Texts are sent through Spartan Connect (EAB Navigate) to your mobile phone and come from number: (669) 202-7578 or, in some cases, a randomized 10-digit number.

Automated appointment reminders come from the (669) 202-7578 number. 

Commands

SMS Command

Expected Response

HELP, INFO

"This service sends messages on behalf of your school such as personal messages from staff and appointment related information. Reply 'STOP' to cancel. Reply 'START' to opt in. Msg & Data rates may apply."

STOP, QUIT, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE, END

"You have opted out from receiving texts to this number. Please reply 'START' to opt back in. Msg & Data rates may apply."

Other text: e.g. 'hi there'

"We're sorry. This number does not support incoming messages. Reply 'HELP' for info. Reply 'STOP' to cancel. Msg & Data rates may apply."

START

"You have opted in to receive texts to this number. Reply 'STOP' to opt back out. Msg & Data rates may apply."

Sample

Updating Contact Information (for Students)

You can update your phone numbers via your MySJSU student portal. Sign in to one.SJSU and click on the MySJSU tile. In your Student Center, you will see an “Edit Phone” link in the Contact Information section. You can click on that link to edit/add your “mobile” phone number. If you do not have a “mobile” number designated in MySJSU, text messages will automatically reroute to the email address you have marked as preferred. 

Make sure your @sjsu.edu email address is marked as preferred in MySJSU and check it regularly.

Opting-Out from Receiving Texts

All students are automatically opted in to receive text messages. If you do not want to receive future one-way messages, reply to the message with STOP or CANCEL to opt out. 

Messages sent from a 10-digit number cannot be opted-out.

Opting-In to Receiving Texts

If you have previously opted-out from text messaging, you can opt back in at any time by replying with START to that same number, (669) 202-7578. 

Identification of Sender

All text messages sent by SJSU departments through Spartan Connect will begin with the identifier, “From SJSU:”

Any additional information, such as department or office or program, may also be provided.

Automated Appointment Reminders

The text messaging system will also be used to send automated appointment reminders 30 minutes prior to scheduled appointments in Spartan Connect. These reminders will be prefixed with “Appt Reminder:” and have additional appointment information. When you schedule an appointment through Spartan Connect, the confirmation page will allow you to choose to receive reminder texts for the appointment.

MySJSU Messaging and Email are Primary Communications

Messages posted to your MySJSU account and/or email to your @sjsu.edu email account are and will remain the official forms of University communication. Text messages will enhance email communications by providing timely, relevant and personalized communication to students. Also, some sensitive information, such as grades, can only be sent by email and not via text message. Students can expect to receive some text messages referring to an email with more information.

Frequency of communication

Participating offices will send messages as needed with an average of one to two messages per month. During key times, such as registration, messages may be sent more often. 

Text Message Costs

SJSU does not charge students when sending messages. The only costs associated with texts would be from your cell carrier and their messaging rates would apply. 

Emergency communications

Alert-SJSU is our emergency notification system that provides information about what to do and where to go during a natural disaster or life-threatening emergency. Review and update your contact information to ensure you receive timely alerts. Alert-SJSU text messages are completely unrelated to this program and are not sent through Spartan Connect.

Privacy

Due to privacy laws, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), there is some information we cannot communicate to you via text message. If a text message conversation is about a sensitive topic, you may be asked to check your email or call for a conversation.