TELEPHONE SECURITY & SAFETY
SIUE Telecom users need to be aware of security issues related to the usage of their SIUE Personal Billing Number(PBN), as well as safety issues related to making emergency calls, handling obscene or harassing calls, and general telephone safety items.
Maintaining Account Security
It is imperative to maintain the highest level of security with your Personal Billing Number (PBN). Your Personal Billing Number should be treated like a credit card. In the same way you wouldn't leave your credit card lying around, you should not leave your Personal Billing Number out for others to see. You are responsible for any and all charges associated with your Personal Billing Number. Carelessness may result in significant unwanted charges for which you will be held accountable. Safeguard your Personal Billing Number by following these common sense guidelines:
- Do not write your PBN where someone may see it or leave it where someone may find it.
- Do not leave your PBN written on anything near your telephone.
- Do not, under any circumstances, share your PBN with other staff or with your students.
- Keep your PBN card in a secure place like a wallet or a purse.
- Do not program your PBN into any auto dial function on your telephone.
If you do not recognize all the charges associated with your Personal Billing Number, please contact Telecommunications immediately by calling 650-3373 and leaving a message, or e-mail us at telecom@siue.edu. Remember all messages are time-stamped and it is imperative to report any problems as soon as possible to alleviate potential additional charges. If you neglect to notify the Telecommunications office with problems associated with your Personal Billing Number, you will be held responsible for all charges incurred.
Calls for Safety and Assistance
From any office, Residence Hall, or Cougar Village Apartment.
Dial 9-1-1. University police will respond to calls placed from any university phone located at the Edwardsville, East St. Louis or Alton campus. From an SIUE university phone, you can contact assistance by picking up the receiver and dialing 911. The University Police automatically receive location identification and will dispatch an officer to assist you.
From Campus: Emergency Phones
Emergency telephones are located around the campus, along the bike trail and in every major parking lot. They are typically found outdoors and have a blue siren light on top. There are also emergency phones located throughout the University buildings. The inside emergency phones are easy to identify by the fire engine red color. If you need assistance or would like to report a problem, lift the receiver Report your need or concern to University Police. Like 9-1-1 from normal university phone, the University Police receive location identification and quickly dispatch an officer to assist you.
Handling Harassing Calls
Nuisance Calls
Nuisance calls come from strangers and acquaintances. Generally, these calls are made at random. Always use the telephone on your terms, not those of the caller. Do not talk to anyone unless you want to.
If the caller asks, "Who is this?" do not give them your name. Instead ask, "What number did you call?" or "With whom do you want to speak?" Do not give your name or address. If the caller remains silent or becomes abusive, HANG UP!
Obscene, Threatening or Harassing calls
If you receive such calls, hang up on the first word. Hang up if the caller remains silent the second time you say hello. Remember: you control the telephone, not the person calling. The person calling would like nothing better than for you to ask repeatedly what he or she wants. HANG UP!
Help from University Police and Telecommunications Call Trace*
In most cases, a harassing phone call made from within the University can be traced by the Telecommunications by filing a request through the University Police. If you receive a harassing call:
- Hang up the telephone: be certain the call is disconnected.
- Lift the receiver and dial University Police at 3324 to initiate a trace for that call. The University Police will instruct you on how to proceed.
- In all circumstances, you should log the date and time of the call and what was said.
If you have a harassing message left on your Voice Mail Box:
- Do not erase the message.
- Press #5 to record the time of the original call.
- Call the University Police at 3324 and provide the above information.
Safe Use of Your Phone
To avoid the risk of electrical shock:
- Do not use your telephone during an electrical storm.
