12 LEHIGH UNIVERSITY Campus Safety & Crisis Management Structure Emergency Readiness & Law Enforcement Oversight The Lehigh University Police Department (LUPD) and first responders provide on-site incident command and direction during campus emergencies. To maintain operational readiness and system reliability, Lehigh regularly audits and tests its emergency infrastructure: • System Testing: Emergency communication tools, including HawkWatch messaging and outdoor campus sirens, are annually tested for speed and reliability. • Continuous Planning: The Crisis Management Team meets to analyze real-world emergency incidents on other campuses, run tabletop exercises, and refine response protocols. • External Audits: University disaster plans and team performance are periodically audited by professional risk management specialists. Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Plan Lehigh maintains a comprehensive disaster and emergency preparedness plan comprising more than two dozen department-specific protocols. Developed under the guidance of Campus Safety, the Office of Risk Management, the Office of the General Counsel, and Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S), these protocols are reviewed regularly and practiced through local exercises. Emergency response governance is divided into two specialized bodies: the Executive Crisis Management Team and the Operational Crisis Management Team. Executive Crisis Management Team The Executive Team consists of senior executive leadership responsible for high-level policy decision-making, resource mobilization, and institutional direction during a crisis. Their role is to support operational first responders, assess macro-level impacts on campus operations, direct official communications, and keep the University President and Board of Trustees informed. The Operational Crisis Management Team is composed of the following key administrative positions: • Associate Vice President of Campus Safety (Chair) • Chief of Staff (Office of the President) • General Counsel • Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs • Vice President for Finance & Administration • Vice President for Communications & Public Affairs • Vice President for Student Affairs • Vice President & Vice Provost for International Affairs • Dean of Athletics • Associate Vice President for External Affairs • Director of Risk Management Operational Crisis Management Team The Tactical Team manages operational execution, hazard mitigation, and direct incident support. This group plans for natural, man-made, and technological hazards to protect lives, secure property, and preserve campus operations. The Tactical Crisis Management Team is composed of key operational leaders across university departments: • Director of Risk Management • Director of Environmental Health & Safety • Assistant Chief of Police • Associate Dean of Students • Executive Director of Health Services • Executive Director of Auxiliary Services • Director of Housing Services • Director of Facility Services • Director of Parking Services • Director of Athletic Facilities & Events • Director of Media Relations • Director of Administration (Office of the Provost) • Chief Technology Officer • Director of Technology Infrastructure & Operations (ITS) • Lehigh University Emergency Medical Services (LUEMS) Advisor Emergency Preparedness Guidance Emergencies, disasters, and unexpected accidents can occur without warning. To ensure safety during natural or man-made incidents, all members of the Lehigh community should familiarize themselves with campus facilities and general emergency procedures. General Preparedness Checklist All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to take the following basic safety precautions: • Know Your Exits: Identify at least two evacuation routes for every building you frequent (excluding elevators). • Fire Safety & Drills: Know the location and operation of building fire alarm pull stations. Participate in all announced and unannounced fire drills, and begin
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