Post-Disruption Decision Process

Based on assessments of campus damage and the availability of resources, some initiatives to continue or resume instruction and other critical Academic Affairs functions will follow established planning materials. For other initiatives, the most appropriate response may need to be developed as circumstances evolve. Following an adverse event, the decision-making process will occur across repeated operational timeframes to account for changing conditions. 

Following a disruptive event, Academic Affairs begins a process to continue or resume instruction and other critical functions. Disruptions may include:

  • natural or public health events, such as floods, fires, and earthquakes;
  • security events, such as bombings, bomb threats, active shooters, and terrorist attacks;
  • technology and utility failures, such as network failures, cybersecurity breaches, power outages, and water or plumbing outages. 

Academic Affairs will assess campus damage and operational needs. This assessment considers the following: 

  • network and internet access;
  • whether the campus, offices, and classrooms are open;
  • transportation to campus;
  • access to facilities;
  • whether equipment is working; and
  • personnel status and availability. 

Next, the Provost's office makes executive decisions according to established lines of succession and delegated authority. These decisions draw on:

  • division continuity plans and resources for instruction;
  • communication with students, faculty, staff, and clients;
  • staffing and recruitment;
  • advising; and
  • backup systems and access to vital instructional records. 

Management decisions then follow at the college and unit levels, with deans, associate deans, chairs, and ASMs acting according to established lines of succession. These decisions draw on: 

  • college and unit continuity plans and resources for protecting hazardous or sensitive laboratory materials;
  • laboratory animal care and safety;
  • the Academic Technology data center;
  • online instruction; instructional laboratory services;
  • access to library resources;
  • credential student evaluations;
  • international student services;
  • communication with students, faculty, staff, and clients; and
  • backup systems and access to vital instructional records. 

Throughout the process, decisions reflect assessed damage and available resources. Some responses follow established plans, while others are developed as circumstances evolve. Repeat the assessment and decision-making process as conditions change.

An alternate visual map of the decision-making process is viewable here: Post Disruption Decision Process (PDF)