In addition, the following warning/communication methods exist: • Phone System Warning System - The University has a phone system warning system whereby messages can be broadcast University wide or campus wide over the University’s telephones both via audio through the phone and via a message that will flash on the phones. The Directors of Facility Management, Campus Facilities Managers and the LITS Department (John Mazariegos, Travis Salisbury, Daniel Hoenisch and Roneshia Smith) all have access to this system. As with text messages and e-mail, pre-formatted message are ready for most types of emergencies to help expedite this communication method. • Social Media, NLU Webpage and E-mail communications - The NLU emergency webpage (http://www.nl.edu/emergency/) and the e-mail is the primary location for posting university information. Anyone with an internet connection can access the NLU webpage. The University’s emergency web page contains key emergency response policies for the University, emergency contact numbers and updates as to any issues (including weather cancellations) that may be in effect. The activation of this source of communication is handled by the Communications Department. • Building Alarm Systems – The alarm systems at each campus provides timely warnings within each building. Some fire alarms just have audible sirens while some have built-in voice capabilities at the fire alarm consol. These alarm systems are to be activated by the Local Campus Facilities Managers upon direction from the EMC, the Director of Facilities Management or the President. In addition to the above, each campus facility manager/security desk has an emergency phone that they carry with them at all times and the phone number extension of each phone is equal to the first digit of all phone numbers at that campus (e.g. Chicago = Ext. Ext. 3333, Wheeling = Ext. 5555, etc.). An exception to this is Florida in which the facilities team can be reached by dialing 813-397- 2194.
EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES
Honesty and speed are of the utmost importance when externally communicating in a crisis. The goal is to be open, accountable and accessible to all audiences, while also being mindful of legal and privacy concerns. This plan is structured to ensure that facts are communicated and updated as quickly as possible to provide the most up-to-date information. That said, during a crisis we will communicate only the information that we know to be true, and will not speculate, as inaccurate information during a moment of crisis can be extremely damaging to the University’s reputation. With respect to external communication preparation, it is first important to understand and prepare statements in advance for the types of emergencies that might occur. As such, generic messages have been prepared for the following types of possible emergencies with the understanding that the information would need to be updated per the situation: • Sexual misconduct or assault or harassment • Technological issues (system hacked, cyber bullying) • Student or faculty dispute • Active shooter • Fire The ultimate determination of the need for an external communication is made by the President and VP of Communications. If a statement is deemed to be necessary, depending on the situation, these individuals will have key members of the Leadership Team approve a statement as appropriate and post it on both Twitter and Facebook pages,
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