I. Scope
This policy applies to the following George Mason University units:
- Academic Administration/Affairs
- Auxiliary Services and Operations
- Campus Recreation
- Facilities Management & Administration
- Fiscal Services
- Housing & Residence Life
- Human Resources
- Information Technology Services
- Intercollegiate Athletics
- Mason Square Campus
- Parking & Transportation
- Police & Public Safety
- Risk, Safety, & Resilience
- Science & Technology Campus
- Student Health Services
- University Branding
- University Events
- University Life
- Office of the President
- Office of the Provost
II. Policy Statement
The units listed in the Scope section of this policy have been determined to be critical to academic, research, and public safety operations of the university (“Units”). All 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.
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.
Unit: means an office, department, or other unit of the university determined to be critical to academic, research, and public safety operations of the university.
IV. Compliance
A. Unit heads (Deans, Vice Presidents, or Directors) of the above Units will appoint three individuals to serve as Unit Continuity Coordinators.
B. 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.
C. Risk, Safety, & Resilience will maintain George 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 George 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 & Chief Operating Officer and the Provost and Executive Vice President.
B. Date of Most Recent Review:
May 28, 2025
VII. Timetable for Review
This policy, and any related procedures, shall be reviewed biannually.
VII. Signatures
Approved:
_____/S/_______
Julie Zobel
Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
_____/S/_______
James Antony
Provost and Executive Vice President
Date approved: August 2, 2016
Reviewed: August 29, 2023
Revision approved: May 28, 2025
Page last updated: June 9, 2025