Regroup Mobile FAQ

You have questions, we have answers

As the University of Waterloo transitions its emergency notification system from WatSAFE to Regroup Mobile, we have created a helpful list of answers to frequently asked questions. If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please contact ens@uwaterloo.ca, for more support.

First things first

Click on the group below to reveal anwers to popular questions

The transition from WatSAFE to Regroup Mobile

What is Regroup Mobile and how does it differ from WatSAFE?

Regroup Mobile is a one-stop-shop for emergency notifications, with every emergency communications channel integrated into one platform. UWaterloo’s current system has a few different platforms working behind the scenes, so the new option is more streamlined.

Why is the University transitioning from WatSAFE to Regroup Mobile?

The transition follows the June 28, 2023, hate-motivated attack at Hagey Hall and subsequent reviews of our emergency notification and current needs of our community. In particular Regroup Mobile’s ability to send SMS notifications was considered a key priority.  

When can I start using the Regroup Mobile app?

The app is available for download now. Search “Regroup Mobile” in your app store, log in with your WatIAM email address, and use “UWaterloo” as the network. 

What qualifies as an emergency, and what kinds of notifications can I expect?

The University’s Emergency Response Plan outlines what types of situations are considered an emergency and lays out the various options for how an emergency could be handled on our campuses, this includes when notifications would be recommended.  

 

How to use Regroup Mobile

How do I sign up for Regroup Mobile notifications? Am I automatically enrolled?

If you are a current student or employee of the University, your name and uwaterloo.ca email address have been automatically updated to the new system. 

How do I receive texts? Is my cell phone automatically enrolled?

There are three different categories when it comes to cell phone data: 

  • Students: 
    The phone Canada/US number that you have entered into Quest was uploaded into the new system. Updated information in Quest will be automatically added to the Regroup system, so please keep your Quest information up to date. 

  • Employees with a UWaterloo-owned cell phone: 
    Your Canada/US number has been automatically uploaded and you have been auto-enrolled to receive SMS messages. 

  • Employees without a UWaterloo-owned cell phone: 
    Please update your Canada/US number and opt into receiving SMS messages when you download the app. 

How will Regroup Mobile notify me in case of an emergency?

Regroup Mobile sends notifications via text/SMS, voice calls, emails, app push notifications, social media, and desktop alerts, ensuring messages reach the right people quickly. Regroup Mobile will also issue an “all-clear” notification when the threat is no longer present. 

Do I need to enable location tracking in the app?

No. The app will work without enabling tracking,

Do I need to allow fitness information to be shared in the app?

No you do not need to enable fitness tracking. Disabling this feature will not impact important emergency notifications on the Regroup Mobile app. 

What happens if I change my UW email?

If any user make a change to their UWaterloo username or email then any manually entered phone number will be removed from Regroup Mobile. This user will need to re-add their phone number if they want to be notified via SMS. This is important to know for employees, however for students, their phone numbers from Quest will be re-added automatically upon next sync

 

Why am I not receiving push notifications on my mobile device?

You may not be receiving push notifications on your mobile device due to specific settings on your device. For iOS users, ensure that Focus Mode is not enabled, as it can prevent push notifications from appearing. Additionally, check your device's Lock Screen Appearance Settings to confirm that notifications are allowed to show on the lock screen. Adjusting these settings should help resolve the issue.

See here:

A screen shot of an iOS device's notifications menu.

Usage and Functionality of Regroup Mobile

Will my existing WatSAFE account automatically transfer to Regroup Mobile?

No. WatSAFE will be retired on October 1, 2024. You must download Regroup Mobile to receive notifications. 

Is there a cost associated with using Regroup Mobile?

No, it is free to download and uses minimal data. 

What accessibility features does the app offer?

Regroup Mobile integrates with phone accessibility features, including SMS and text capabilities. Ensuring voice call capabilities for specific populations and desktop plug-in accessibility is ongoing, aligned with WCAG 2.0 Level AA AODA requirements.  

How will Regroup Mobile notify me in case of an emergency?

Regroup Mobile sends notifications via text/SMS, voice calls, emails, app push notifications, social media, and desktop alerts, ensuring messages reach the right people quickly. Regroup Mobile will also issue an “all-clear” notification when the threat is no longer present. 

Will there be training or tutorials available for using Regroup Mobile? Who do I contact for support?

How will I know an emergency is over?

The Emergency Communications team will issue an alert when an emergency occurs, and they will issue an all-clear when the situation is resolved.

What will the message look like? Will it be a pop-up on my phone, a text, or other?

There are many different channels that the ENS will be able to use including:

  • SMS
  • Desktop alerts (pop ups)
  • App notifications
  • Phone calls
  • Common area display screens — Please note that only screen running off browser-based software will receive alerts. UWaterloo is currently working to harmonize management of all common area displays. Emergency notification capabilities will be revisited at that point.

When an alert is sent, the message will remain consistent, but will appear differently on whatever device you are using.
 

When and where you will recieve emergency notifications

What else is changing regarding emergency notification on campus?

The new system is part of a broader review and update of our emergency communication processes to align with best practices. 

Does Regroup Mobile work in colleges, affiliated institutes, and satellite campuses?

 Yes, it provides fast and clear emergency information across all UWaterloo locations 

How will Regroup Mobile handle notifications for location-specific emergencies?

Notifications will include precise location details and updates as situations evolve. 

I work at a satellite campus; can I opt out of notifications for the main campus?

No. Any notification will provide specific details, as available, about location of the emergency – so you will know if you are at one of the University’s satellite campuses, if there is an emergency locally, or on main campus. 

Can I receive alerts on my desktop device?

Yes. The AdHocAlert desktop notification tool will be made available to campus. Information and installation details for AdHocAlert are available for review.

Can I receive notifications on multiple devices?

Yes, alerts will be sent to your phone, desktop computers, and laptops using UWaterloo networks. 

What happens if the Regroup Mobile system fails during an emergency?

A comprehensive plan is in place to ensure reliability, and continuous testing of the new system will be ongoing to ensure that it works when we need it to. 

How will the university ensure that all community members are aware of the new system?

Ongoing communications through emails, social media, demonstrations, and presentations will ensure awareness. These communications will continue at the beginning of every school term.  

How frequently will Regroup Mobile be tested to ensure it is working correctly?

At least once per term, at the beginning of each term, the full emergency notification system will be tested. There may be additional testing done throughout terms to ensure that our whole community is familiar with the new system and where they will receive emergency information. 

If I opt out of notifications, will I still receive emergency messages?

If you opt out, you will not receive push notifications and SMS notifications on your device.

Is the app iOS and Android friendly?

Yes, Regroup Mobile works on all iOS and Android phones. 

I don't have a Canadian phone number, can I still use Regroup Mobile?

We recommend using a Canadian phone number if one is available to you. If you only have an international number, you will still receive push notifications, along with other delivery methods. However you will NOT receive text message notifications.

Your privacy and Regroup Mobile

Does Regroup Mobile track my location, or share any other personal data such as fitness tracking?

Regroup Mobile features location-specific capabilities. Currently there are no plans to enable this feature. If asked for location data, or other personal data, feel free to decline.  

What should I do if I change my phone number or email address?

Update your contact information in the Regroup Mobile app under Profile > Settings. We also recommend keeping your personal contact information in Quest and Workday up-to-date if that information changes. 

Where does Regroup Mobile get my contact information?

Contact information is imported from UWaterloo systems - Quest and Workday. Most staff and faculty phone numbers need to be added manually. Students should make sure their phone number is up to date in Quest. 

I do not want to share any information with Regroup Mobile. What are my options?

You can choose not to download the app, but your notifications will be limited to email, social media, and web alerts. 

Is my personal information and location secure and anonymous with Regroup Mobile?

  Yes, the system passed an Information Risk Assessment and meets SOC 2 Type 1 standards for mitigating cyber risks. All location data used my Regroup Mobile is encrypted and anonymous.  

How do I prevent the Regroup Mobile app from offloading or hibernating on my device?

Follow the below steps to prevent the Regroup Mobile app from offloading (iOS device) or hibernating (Android device).

iPhone (iOS)

To prevent your iPhone from automatically deleting apps you haven’t used in a while, you can turn off the “Offload Unused Apps” setting:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Select App Store
  3. Scroll to the bottom of the menu and find Offload Unused Apps
  4. Turn off the switch to the right of Offload Unused Apps

Android

To prevent unused apps from hibernating, you can disable the “Unused apps – Remove permissions” setting:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Select Apps
  3. Find the app you want to disable
  4. Disable Unused app settings – Pause app activity if unused

Which device operating system is Regroup Mobile compatible with?

Regroup Mobile is compatible with the following mobile device operating systems:

  • iOS: 13.4 or above
  • Android: 7 or above; for best results, version 14 and above is recommended

Can campus visitors sign up to receive emergency alerts?

Yes. Regroup offers a temporary notification service that allows visitors to receive any emergency notification sent by Regroup Mobile.

We encourage those welcoming visitors to campus for a specific time period to integrate the emergency notification visitor sign up link into event planning, visitor communications, and daily work involving guests.  

Learn more on our Visitor safety page.

Regroup Mobile logo
Download Watsafe on the Google Play app store
Download Regroup Mobile on Apple app store