The use of RingCentral conversational SMS text exchanges implies consent between the sender and the recipient. However, industry standards still require opt-out solutions. Cornell University only offers RingCentral conversational SMS services to support correspondence related to work processes across the university. This service is not approved for personal use. Before a Cornell employee can gain access to the RingCentral conversational SMS service, each individual must read and agree to adhere to the following guidelines.

Individual Attestation

Any Cornell employee requesting access to the university's RingCentral conversational SMS service must read and agree to follow the guidelines on this page, as well as the Terms of Service and Privacy statement. 

Using a conversational SMS or text service to exchange work-related information such as room reservations, appointment reminders, and facility updates must adhere to industry standards and university policies and terms of service.

Cornell's RingCentral Conversational SMS Attestation—agreeing to comply with the guidelines on this page—can only be made by individuals. Like the attestation included in the university's cybersecurity training, one individual cannot complete it for another individual, even if that individual falls under their reporting authority. Each employee who plans to communicate through RingCentral SMS must complete their own attestation.

Opting In and Opting Out

Any recipient of a Cornell RingCentral SMS communication must be given the opportunity to opt-out, even if they requested exchanging information using this channel. A new feature developed by RingCentral now includes that opt-out message in every new SMS sent from a RingCentral account.

The new feature also tracks and correctly flags the recipient's number if they choose to opt-out, blocking the RingCentral account from contacting that person again via SMS until the individual opt-in again.

Opt-out preferences are linked to each Cornell RingCentral SMS account number. If one person in the team receives an opt-out message, others in the team should not attempt to contact that individual from their own RingCentral SMS account.

Conversational SMS Content

Conversational SMS is designed for one-to-one (1:1) and one-to-small-group information exchanges. It cannot be used for mass communications, marketing messages, surveys, or financial transactions.

Appropriate Use Examples of RingCentral Conversational SMS

• Thank you for contacting the Department of Biomedical Sciences. We will reply shortly.
• I just had some cancellations this week. Check your email for an earlier advising slot.
• See Canvas. The TAs added more office hours during study days.
• Your Cornell Health appointment has been confirmed.
• Your Cornell Tech room request has been received.
• Your International Students and Scholars inquiry has been received.
• Facilities received reports Day Hall is experiencing intermittent power outages. We are investigating now.
• Running behind, see you at Statler Hall lounge in 10.

Inappropriate Uses Examples of RingCentral Conversational SMS

Avoid personal, human participant research, marketing, events, financial transaction messages, etc.

• Dave's Plumbing, I'm still at work but someone will meet you at the house
• Mom, here are photos of our darling new kitten
• a DoorDash or grocery order
• any bank, Zelle, Venmo or other electronic payment information for personal or work purposes
• conducting human participant research
• Join the new fundraising campaign with this link
  • note: this example is inappropriate because conversational messaging cannot be used for marketing
• See you at the concert, here's the link to register

SMS Security Awareness

RingCentral conversational SMS content should not include any private, sensitive, or personally identifiable information.

RingCentral SMS accounts can receive spam and phishing text just like personal smartphones. Both Cornell and external phone numbers can be spoofed. Be vigilant about not opening or responding to any unfamiliar texts whether the sender's number is known or unknown.

All Cornell RingCentral SMS accounts are blocked against international numbers sending or receiving texts.