The University of Houston has established departmental business continuity plans since 2005. Emergency Management Specialist Ginger Walker has been leading this effort since 2007. She has worked diligently and thoroughly to complete the departmental continuity planning, business impact analysis, and recovery strategies and assessments.
In November, the State Office of Risk Management, under the direction of the Texas Department of Public Safety, issued a directive for all state agencies to complete an agency-wide business continuity plan hallmarked by state required milestones.
In an effort to assist the colleges and universities with their BCPs and new requirements, a team of higher education experts has been selected to serve as statewide panelists to guide and assist the colleges and universities with compliance.
Walker was selected as the higher education institution panelist and presented "An Analysis and Identification of Key Processes In Determining an Agency's Critical Gaps" at the State Office of Risk Management's BCP Workshop for Universities on May 21 in Austin. Other panelists included Maureen Clement, State Office of Risk Management; Patrice Reisen-Hicks, University of Texas System; Will O'Neill, Texas School Safety Center; and Kevin Clement, Texas Office of Homeland Security.
UH is setting the bar when it comes to continuity planning in Texas. Having a team devoted to continuity planning for the University and enlisting a representative from UH's Emergency Management to serve as an expert panelist for the state keeps UH prepared.