Overview
Navigate360 allows MSU staff and faculty with special permissions to communicate through a variety of channels including text messaging.
This guide is for MSU Staff and Faculty who have permissions to send text messages. If you do not have these permissions and would like to request access to send texts, please contact navigate360@mnsu.edu and a application administrator will connect with you.
Key Points
- The official communication channel for students at Minnesota State University, Mankato remains email (specifically the student's "@mnsu.edu" email addresses) for anything that does not require a physical delivery.
- Text messages sent through Navigate360 "Send a message" function should be utilized after or in partnership with an official communication via email/written notice. Text is NOT the first point or only point of contact.
- All students are opted in to text messages with their cell phone number on record via ISRS. This number may or may not be current. With this in mind, we may not know if we are talking to the intended student recipients. Protect confidential information and include as vague of information as possible.
- Students do not have an opt-out option for the "Send a message" function. However, they may be able to opt out of receiving texts via the Navigate360 app for certain types of functions, e.g. journeys, to do's - some of these items may not yet be available to employees or students.
Considerations When Preparing a Text Message for Distribution
As you consider utilizing the text messaging tool, review the following questions.
- Has your planned content already been communicated to students via their MavMail/Outlook email address at least once?
- If your content isn't time sensitive, has a reasonable amount of time passed since the initial email/written outreach was sent?
- Is your planned content focused on student academic progress and/or degree completion success items, reminders, nudges to action, etc.?
- If other areas/departments/staff members are referenced in your message content, have you asked for content review and sending approval from that area?
If you answer no to any of the above questions, you should rethink sending your text message.
Messaging Content
Text messages must be fronted with "From MSU" and must identify you (your full name) or your department because students will not know who you are from the incoming phone number. (Ex: "From MSU-Student Success Dept." Also see samples below. Insert "From MSU - your dept.")
Important Note: Text messages sent through Navigate360 must be related to student academic progress and/or degree completion success. Below are examples of message content that align with this focus, appropriately fronted with the require identifying information.
- From MSU - Math Department (Michael Haskins): Re-enrollment nudges to remind students that their registration windows are open/they should re-enroll.
- From MSU - Biology Department (Connor Del Carmen): Reminders to check Mavmail/Outlook for critical information on an important action item, account hold, or campus deadline.
- From MSU - Student Success (Amy Staloch): We encourage you to connect with a staff member, advisor, etc. to discuss an important action item or account hold.
- From MSU - Student Success (Connor Del Carmen): e.g. Specific* scheduled appointment reminders.
- When scheduling an appointment, *Students can opt themselves into a text message appointment reminder so we recommend not sending text reminders for appointments.
Identifying Recipients
Identify your intended communication group in Navigate360 by either building a saved search or a saved list (created through Navigate360's Advanced Search functionality. For more information, see the info below) or importing a student list (email the Navigate360 app admin team at navigate360@mnsu.edu if you have questions about this.) See related articles for more information on Advanced Search/Saved Search/Saved Lists/Importing a Student List.
If you have questions or concerns on your messaging plan, please email navigate360@mnsu.edu.
Text Messaging Notes
- Text message can only be sent from the Navigate360 Staff site, using the "Send a Message" function.
- Once a user has Text Messaging permissions, you will now see a text option once you open the "Send a Message" function.
- Text messages allow for 300 characters.
- For messages sent to 100 students or less:
- A 10-digit number is randomly assigned by our vendor.
- Students can reply to this number. Replies will be displayed in Navigate360 and emailed to the sender's MavMail/Outlook inbox.
- For messages sent to over 101 or more students simultaneously:
- Our university bulk phone number (507-407-6678) will be assigned.
- Replies to this number will be undeliverable and an undeliverable notice will be sent back to the student.
How to Send a Text Message via a Saved Search or Student List
1. Access Navigate360.
2. On the left-side of the navigation menu, click on the List & Saved Items icon.
3. Find the Saved Search or Student List you plan to utilize to send your message. Click on the "Name" of the item to open your list.
4. Once the list opens, check the box next to the "Name" column header to select all students on the first page.
To select All students from your list, an option will appear once you check the box listed above and you'll want to click on the "Select all##### items" option.
5. Once all students you want to communicate with are selected, open the "Actions" drop down and choose "Send a Message".
6. Choose the "Text" option and put in your message content.
REMINDER: You MUST include "From MSU:" and identify you (your full name) or your department in your message content. 300 characters, including your identification information and FROM MSU, are available.
7. Click "Send Message" to send your message. You typically receive a confirmation of the text being sent via email; however, you can access all communications between you and your students through the Conversations page of the platform.
Still Need Help?
For Navigate360 staff system questions or issues, email navigate360@mnsu.edu or contact the Office of Student Success.