UW Emergency Management

Continuity of Operations (COOP) Framework

In December 2017, the University of Washington developed the first Continuity of Operations (COOP) framework for the University.  Washington State Law, RCW §38.52.030 (11), mandates that all State agencies must develop, update and regularly test their COOP plans.  The University of Washington Continuity Framework, updated regularly, fully complies with this State mandate by providing a planning and program guidance system for implementing the UW’s COOP priorities.

The ultimate goal of any COOP plan is to ensure that an organization is capable of conducting its essential missions and functions under all threats and conditions. While the severity and consequences of an emergency cannot be predicted, effective contingency planning can minimize the impact on the University of Washington missions, personnel, and facilities.

The overall purpose of continuity planning is to ensure the continuity of the essential functions under all conditions. The current changing threat environment and recent emergencies, including acts of nature, accidents, technological emergencies, and military or terrorist attack-related incidents, have increased the need for viable continuity capabilities and plans that enable organizations to continue essential functions in an all-hazards environment and across a spectrum of emergencies.

This COOP framework is a work in progress and includes a corrective action plan. It is being shared for informational purposes only. The plan is available here: University of Washington COOP Framework v1.1