Regents' Policy Manual - Section 3.2: Authority in an Emergency

Adopted Date: 09-12-1996

Applicability

This policy sets forth the President's authority in an emergency.

Policy

The President is authorized to declare a state of emergency at the University upon finding that the orderly processes of the University have broken down or are seriously threatened. In making such a finding, the President shall consider whether the situation is so disruptive as to require immediate, extraordinary measures to safeguard persons or property or to maintain the University's educational function. As soon as reasonably possible, the President shall inform available Regents of the declaration of emergency. When the President determines that the threat has passed, the President shall inform the Regents and declare the state of emergency to be at an end.

During a state of emergency, the President, in the exercise of reasonable judgment under the circumstances, is authorized to take whatever actions are necessary to safeguard persons or property or to maintain the University's educational function, including suspending University activities for all or part of one or more days. Such actions shall remain in effect during the state of emergency, unless sooner cancelled by the President.

Presidential orders made during a state of emergency need not be consistent with established University policy or procedures. During a state of emergency, the violation of a Presidential order or the commission of any act of misconduct by any person will be considered an offense of the gravest nature, subject to sanctions appropriate to the gravity of the offense. During a state of emergency, failure to identify oneself by name and status as a student, faculty member, staff employee, or visitor after being requested to do so by a properly identified official and after being advised of the sanctions for failure to do so, may result in the imposition of disciplinary sanctions.