Emergency Management, Policy on

Emergency Management, Policy on

Topic: Class and Examination Scheduling, Academic Activities Disruption, Emergencies
Approval Authority: Board of Governors
Approval Date: February 28, 2023
Effective Date: April 1, 2023

Emergency Procedure, Plans, or Public Safety Information are available in accessible format upon request.


1. Purpose

This Policy aims to promote the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors, protect property, and help ensure the continuance of critical University operations during emergency scenarios.  The policy outlines the fundamental elements of the University’s emergency management and continuity program, and establishes roles and responsibilities for emergency management and continuity planning activities at the University.

2. Scope and Application

2.1 This policy applies to University Divisions and members of the University Community, York University campuses and locations, as well as all University campuses and locations, as well as University-leased spaces, temporary field operations and University-organized or University-sanctioned off-site activities under the control of university staff.

2.2 This policy will supersede the President’s policy on Weather Emergencies and the Board policy on Emergency Preparedness. It does not supersede the emergency preparedness or response directives of facilities or organizations hosting York University community members.

3. Definitions

Business Continuity Plan: detailed guides on how to operate an organization’s critical functions during emergency events and safeguard its core mission and long-term health and lessen the impact of an emergency event.

Emergency: a situation or an impending situation that constitutes a danger of major proportions that could result in serious harm to persons or substantial damage to property and that is caused by the forces of nature, a disease or other health risk, an accident or an act whether intentional or otherwise. Events can include natural disasters, a business crisis, pandemic, workplace violence, or any situation that results in a disruption of university operations.

Emergency Preparedness Advisory Committee: a pan-University body comprised of senior representatives of University divisions that is responsible for assisting the Community Safety Department with the emergency management program.

Facility: a building or structure that is used or intended to be used to provide University services.

Hazard: a phenomenon, substance, human activity, or condition that may cause loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property damage, loss of livelihoods and services, social and economic disruption, or environmental damage. These may include natural, technological, or human-caused incidents, or some combination.

University Divisions: For the purposes of this policy, “University Divisions” refers to the following: Division of the President; Division of the Provost and Vice-President Academic; Division of the Vice-President Research and Innovation; Division of Finance and Administration; Division of Equity, People and Culture; Division of Advancement; and Division of Students.

4. Policy

York University shall develop and maintain an emergency management program (the Program) that includes but is not limited to:

  • an emergency response plan
  • hazard identification and risk assessment
  • hazard-specific response procedures
  • a standard incident response system
  • emergency management training and exercises
  • emergency preparedness public education
  • an emergency recovery plan
  • divisional business continuity plans
  • an emergency notification system
  • an emergency management advisory committee consisting of community members

5. Roles and Responsibilities

5.1 Where individual positions are identified as having specific responsibilities under this procedure, the incumbents of those positions will ensure that a delegate or back-up is identified.

5.2 Vice-President Finance and Administration

The vice-president finance and administration (VPFA) is responsible for oversight of the emergency management program. The VPFA may establish procedures, and guidelines pursuant hereto from time-to-time.

5.3 Executive Director Community Safety

The executive director community safety is responsible for implementation of the program. The executive director may establish guidelines pursuant hereto from time-to-time.

5.4 University Divisions

University Divisions are responsible for developing, implementing, evaluating, and revising a business continuity plan for their respective division.

6. Review

The VPFA is responsible for the review of this policy, in consultation with the Emergency Preparedness Advisory Committee, every five years at a minimum

Legislative History: Approved by the Board of Governors: 28 February 2023
Date of Next Review: April 1, 2028
Policies Superseded by this Policy: Effective April 1, 2023 the following policies were rescinded:
  • Emergency Preparedness Policy
  • Weather Emergencies Policy
Related Policies, Procedures and Guidelines: