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Washington State University
Washington State University Office of the Provost

Text message policy now in place

The Office of the Provost has established a text messaging policy regarding communication with WSU students. WSU entities can text message students, with Provost approval, about matters relating to health and safety, academic success, and items that are critical to WSU’s mission.

The policy is designed to respect and maintain students’ right to privacy, while maximizing efficiency and effectiveness in communicating with students about important matters. Students may opt out of all text messaging at registration, starting with Spring 2017 registration, and all text messages from WSU entities will include simple opt-out instructions.

Student phone numbers are not shared with any WSU entity without approval from the Office of the Provost, and WSU business-related text messages are considered public records. The sender is responsible for retention of text messages sent to multiple recipients.

WSU units seeking to communicate with students via text message must submit the Text Messaging Approval Form. The Text Message Policy website has further information, best practices for using text messages, and examples of information needed for the approval form.