NOTE: Beginning in October 2024, Regroup Mobile will be the sole emergency notification system at UWaterloo. WatSAFE will no longer function. We recommend everyone download the Regroup Mobile app.
We are excited to announce an important change to the University of Waterloo’s Emergency Notification System (ENS). On October 1, 2024, we will retire the WatSAFE app and replace it with the Regroup Mobile app. This change is part of a new, integrated ENS which will be fully implemented by October 1, 2024.
Making campus safer is a duty we all share, and you can contribute by downloading the Regroup Mobile app to your phone now. Please keep the WatSAFE app on your phone until October 1, 2024 if you already have it installed.
Emails automatically enrolled
As members of the UWaterloo community, your UWaterloo WatIAM email address has been automatically enrolled in the new system. You can log in with your WatIAM when you download the app to your phone.
Phone numbers automatically enrolled
All UWaterloo owned cell phone numbers have been automatically enrolled. Employees without a UWaterloo cell phone will need to add their phone numbers and opt in to receiving SMS messages – this can be done in the new Regroup Mobile app.
Instructions to download the Regroup Mobile app
- Download the Regroup Mobile app and sign on using your WatIAM credentials:
> Use your WatIAM email address
> Network is: UWaterloo - Update/add your phone number to the app and opt in to receiving SMS messages
- Promote downloading the app among your peers
The move away from WatSAFE to Regroup Mobile follows a comprehensive review of our emergency notifications in the wake of the hate-motivated attack at Hagey Hall on June 28, 2023.
Regroup Mobile was chosen for its simplified notification process, ensuring fast, accurate and consistent emergency messaging across text/SMS, voice calls, emails, mobile app push notifications, social media platforms and desktop alerts. The system has been subject to a thorough due diligence review to ensure it meets all UWaterloo's cybersecurity and information privacy requirements.
This transition is led by the Safety Office, Information Systems & Technology, and University Relations. In addition to the new app, we are also implementing a new emergency communication program to align with best practices and ensure continuous improvement in any emergency communications issued by the University.
For more information on Regroup Mobile we encourage everyone to visit the Emergency Notifications website for detailed information on how to download and customize the app, as well as to answer any questions you may have about how Regroup Mobile will help make campus safer for everyone.
Key dates for this transition are as follows:
- The Regroup Mobile app widely will be available for download starting today, accompanied by a website featuring instructions, FAQs, and technical specifications.
- The phase-out of WatSAFE will begin on August 29, 2024, and the app will be officially deactivated on September 30, 2024.
- Regroup Mobile will become UWaterloo’s sole ENS on October 1, 2024.
We urge all members of our campus community to get the new app and to make sure that your phone number is up to date.
If you have any questions about the new system, or any difficulties downloading or logging in to the app – please email ens@uwaterloo.ca.