What is Business Continuity Planning?
Business continuity planning (BCP) is the process of developing prior arrangements and procedures that enable Syracuse University to respond to a disaster or major disruption of operations in such a manner that critical and essential business functions can continue with minimum disruption or down time.
This plan is a collection of resources, actions, procedures, and information that is developed, tested, and held in readiness for use in the event of a disaster or major disruption of operations. Planning helps prepare Syracuse University departments and organizations to maintain essential functions after a disaster or disruption. Having a plan will minimize the impact of a disaster and help return Syracuse University to normal operations as quickly as possible.
Why is it important at SU?
Ensures we can continue to serve our students, faculty, and staff during challenging times, maintaining our commitment to learning and excellence.
Reduces the impact of disasters on critical operations, ensuring essential services continue with minimal downtime.
Pre-established procedures and resources allow the University to return to normal operations as rapidly as possible.
Safeguards the wellbeing of students, faculty, staff, and the broader Syracuse community we serve.
Types of Hazards We Prepare For
Syracuse University prepares for a wide range of potential hazards and disruptions that could impact our operations. Understanding these scenarios helps us develop comprehensive continuity plans.
| Civil Unrest | Conflagration | Cyber Attack/IT Emergency | Infrastructure Failure – HVAC Outage |
| Infrastructure Failure – Power Outage | Infrastructure Failure – Water Outage | Public Health Emergency | Severe Weather – Extreme Temperatures |
| Severe Weather – Flood | Severe Weather – High Winds/Tornado | Severe Weather – Hurricane/Tropical Storm | Severe Weather – Winter Storm |
Recovery Strategies
Recovery strategies outline how Syracuse University will respond to and recover from different types of disruptions. These include specific approaches for various scenarios
Four main strategies:
- Loss of Place: Alternate workspace arrangements, remote operations, and temporary facilities planning
- Loss of Access to IT: IT backup systems, manual processes, and data recovery procedures
- Loss of Infrastructure: Emergency power systems, water contingencies, and HVAC alternatives
- Low Staffing: Cross-training, flexible staffing models, and remote work capabilities
Each strategy is tailored to maintain essential functions and minimize impact on our university community.
How to access Veoci
- Visit the Veoci Portal:
Navigate to the Syracuse University Business Continuity Veoci workspace at https://veoci.com/ - Log In:
Use your Syracuse University NetID and password to authenticate - View and Update Your Plan:
You can now view, edit, and manage your department’s Business Continuity Plan documents and information - Submit Updates:
Save and submit any changes for review.
Pro Tip: Bookmark the Veoci workspace URL for quick access. Consider saving your login credentials in your password manager for efficient access.