UCCS Emergency and Safety Services recently implemented and signed the newest 2025 Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), both as part of the natural revision cycle and to better align best procedures for a higher education institution.
The basic plan, which can be viewed here, will be reviewed annually or following a campus emergency and formally updated at least every three years or sooner if significant changes are required. While this version is comprehensive and covers all basics, Emergency Management has taken steps to adhere more closely to FEMA’s guidelines for higher education emergency plans.
“This update marks a significant first step in enhancing our campus-wide preparedness,” said Kris Parsons, Emergency Management Program Director. “Developed with input from departments across UCCS, it reflects our shared commitment to safety and coordination. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who contributed their time, insight, and support. We’ll continue to build on this foundation to ensure the university is ready to respond to a wide range of emergencies.”
As part of their efforts to ensure the EOP is most appropriately tailored to UCCS needs, the Emergency Planning Advisory Committee also joined a virtual course on developing emergency operations plans for institutions of higher education. Hosted by UCCS and joined by other local partners and organizations, the course was taught by the Department of Education’s Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools organization.
The campus Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is intended to identify the roles, responsibilities, and actions required of campus departments and divisions in preparing for and responding to emergencies and disasters. The plan helps ensure a coordinated response by the campus in managing emergencies and disasters, save lives, prevent injuries, and protect property and the environment. The EOP is not meant to replace individual department or division standard operating procedures, but rather to serve as a framework from which to draw when a situation overwhelms the capabilities of a single department or division.