Why does an institution need to collect opt-ins?
In order to use short codes, a school must have permission from their students and prospects stating, as an organization, you have their permission to text them. When this permission is granted the text message can be sent using a short code. As a best practice, text messages are sent using a short code as it has a higher deliverability rate
It does not suffice to only send the opt-out message like we do on long-code numbers: we need explicit permission from the student that we are allowed to text them on your behalf for short-code messaging.
For more on short codes, refer to our support article.
Our Opt-In Best Practices
- Add an SMS updates option on your frequented forms sent by and used by your institution. This is includes, but is not limited to, your admissions application, housing application, request for information form or web inquiry form. Whether this as a checkbox or a yes/no question, make sure this question does not come pre-filled in the positive; the end user should explicitly check into this service.
- Including the SMS updates options as early and often in the admissions or current student process as possible.
- Hosting an event? Create a form for students to submit their opt-in whether the event is person or virtual.
- Store this information in your system of record as "opted_in_to_texting". When this field is passed over in your fullmeasure_student.csv file or view, we will use that information to determine who we can text using short codes.
Example:
This is only a recommendation based on our experience. We encourage you to ask for guidance from your legal team to ensure that you are compliant with or following properly the laws in the space of texting, such as the TCPA and CTIA, before committing to making this change on any of your forms.
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