PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to ensure Colorado State University (CSU) is prepared to respond to emergencies that may affect the safety of its community or disrupt normal operations. This policy sets up the requirement for coordinated Emergency planning and response and directs individuals to the University's official Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) for procedures and protocols.

APPLICATION OF THIS POLICY

This policy applies to everyone at CSU—students, employees, and anyone working, visiting, or learning at CSU owned or operated properties.

EXEMPTIONS FROM THIS POLICY

There are no exemptions. All members of the University community are expected to understand and follow Emergency response expectations.

DEFINITIONS USED IN THIS POLICY

Delegation of Authority: A statement from the agency executive that formally delegates authority and assigns responsibility that is provided to the Incident Commander (IC). The Delegation of Authority can include priorities, expectations, constraints, and other considerations or guidelines, as necessary.

Emergency: An unexpected event that poses an immediate risk to health, life, property, or environment.

Emergency Operations Plan (EOP): The University’s plan to utilize the National Incident Management System (NIMS) for Incident management operations, including the Incident Command System (ICS) to ensure improved response and coordination. The Incident Command System provides the command-and-control infrastructure that is required to manage the logistical, fiscal, planning, operational, safety, and social/political issues related to all Incidents.

Incident: An occurrence, natural or human-caused, that necessitates a response to protect life or property. This includes planned events as well as emergencies and disasters of all kinds and sizes.

POLICY STATEMENT

The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), approved by the President, provides operational guidance and organizational framework for responding to Incidents. The EOP is designed to be scalable and flexible, serving as a guide for users to adapt to meet the requirements of the Incident.

The EOP and any related procedures, roles, protocols, and guidance are maintained outside this policy and may be updated as needed to support effective Emergency response and recovery.

POLICY PROVISIONS

1. EOP Updates and Access

CSU’s EOP is a living document that is updated as campus needs and conditions change.

The Assistant Vice President for Safety and Risk Services manages the EOP and serves as the main representative to the University’s Policy Group.

To keep the plan current and useful, CSU will complete a formal review at least every two years. After each review, the President will formally approve and issue the plan.

To request a copy of the EOP, complete and submit the Request Form included in the Forms and Tools section below. Requests will be evaluated by Safety and Risk Services.

2. Emergency Communication

The University will maintain a comprehensive communication plan in accordance with the EOP.

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS POLICY

Compliance with this policy is mandatory. Failure to follow Emergency procedures or take part in required preparedness activities may lead to disciplinary measures, up to and including termination or expulsion, depending on the individual’s role at the University.

REFERENCES

CSU Emergency Response Guide

CSU Safety-- Current Advisories and Alerts

CSU Policy: Campus Safety (Clery Act)

CSU Policy: Violence in the University Community

FORMS AND TOOLS

 Safety and Risk Services website

EOP Request Form

APPROVALS

Effective January 1, 2000

Revision approved by Brendan Hanlon, Vice President for University Operations, on September 18, 2026