Continuity of Operations Planning

I. Scope

This policy applies to all George Mason University Units designated in the Policy Statement.

II. Policy Statement

Units deemed critical to academic, research, and public safety operations of the university (“Units”) must create a Continuity of Operations Plan (“COOP”) which documents an alternative means of achieving full or partial business operations for critical functions for a period of 30 calendar days from the initial date of a Continuity Event.

The following units are subject to this policy:

  • Academic Administration/Affairs
  • Business Services
  • Campus Recreation
  • Facilities Management and Administration
  • Fiscal Services
  • Housing and Residence Life
  • Human Resources and Payroll
  • Information Technology Services
  • Intercollegiate Athletics
  • Mason Square Campus
  • Parking & Transportation
  • Police & Public Safety
  • Safety, Emergency, & Enterprise Risk Management
  • Science and Technology Campus
  • Student Health Services
  • University Branding
  • University Events
  • University Life
  • Office of the President
  • Office of the Executive Vice President
  • Office of the Provost

III. Definitions

Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP): means a documented process for continuing business operations when normal staff levels, facilities, supporting utilities, or equipment are unavailable or reduced in number or capacity.

Continuity Event: means an event that reduces workforce or university resources, interrupts utilities to the university, or otherwise impairs normal operations for up to 30 days.

IV. Compliance

Unit heads (Deans, Vice Presidents, or Directors) of the above Units will appoint three individuals to serve as Unit Continuity Coordinators.

Units will maintain COOP plans, update them as necessary, and provide the appropriate resources, supporting plans, and unit procedures to support business functions documented in Unit COOP plans.

Safety, Emergency, & Enterprise Risk Management (SEERM) will maintain the Mason’s continuity of operations planning application, review Unit COOP plans, and assist Units with COOP planning.

V. Forms

All COOP documents and information must be completed electronically via the Mason’s continuity of operations planning application.

VI. Dates:

A. Effective Date:

This policy will become effective upon the date of approval by the Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance and the Provost and Executive Vice President.

B. Date of Most Recent Review:

August 29, 2023

 VII. Timetable for Review

This policy, and any related procedures, shall be reviewed every two years or more frequently as needed.

IX.    Signatures

Approved:

_____/S/_______

Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration

_____/S/_______

Provost and Executive Vice President                  

Date Approved: August 2, 2016
Reviewed: August 29, 2023