I. Scope
This policy applies to all George Mason University units designated in the Policy Statement, which are critical to university operations during or following a Continuity Event.
II. Policy Statement
Units deemed critical to academic, research, and public safety operations of the university must create a 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:
- Auxiliary Enterprises
- Environmental Health and Safety Office
- Facilities Administration and Management
- Fiscal Services
- Human Resources and Payroll
- Information Technology Services
- Office of the President
- Office of the Provost
- Office of Housing and Residence Life
- Office of Research Integrity and Assurance
- Office of Sponsored Programs
- University Communications and Marketing
- University Life
- University Police
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.
The Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHS) will maintain the Mason Ready Continuity Planning Tool, review unit COOP plans, and assist units with COOP planning.
V. Forms
All COOP documents and information must be completed electronically via the Mason Ready Continuity Planning Tool.
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:
N/A.
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/_______
Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance
_____/S/_______
Provost and Executive Vice President
Date Approved: 8/2/2016