Emergency Response Team (ERT)

What is the Emergency Response Team?

Governors State University’s mission to provide an exceptional and accessible education drives every decision at the university. Creating a safe campus environment is the first step toward advancing the mission. The Emergency Response Team (ERT), comprised of 13 professional staff members, is charged with the task of keeping the campus community safe by reviewing and implementing emergency preparedness plans and procedures to ensure a safe and secure campus.

The ERT follows the Campus Emergency Operations Plan (CEOP), which outlines and describes Governors State University's approaches to emergency planning and operations to protect faculty, staff, students and visitors during an emergency/disaster situation. This plan takes an all-hazard approach to emergency management and plans for mitigation/prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.

In the case of emergencies such as severe weather, an automated system notifies students, faculty and staff – both campus phones and cell phones – as well as text messages.

GSU implemented the ERT in response to the State of Illinois Campus Security Enhancement Act of 2008, which required institutions of higher learning to develop an all-hazards emergency response plan as well as a campus violence prevention plan. The measure was passed following shootings at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University. ERT members reflect a wide range of professional experiences and functions across campus.

The Emergency Volunteer Corp

The Emergency Volunteer Corps (EVC) are GSU staff who take on this role as an extra duty in addition to their regular jobs. Most work in the building they represent and are familiar with the day-to-day activities that take place in their area. Their job is to work with the Campus Safety and ERT to ensure a unified and coordinated response to during an emergency.

Would you like to volunteer? Contact Carolyn Johnson at cjohnson33@govst.edu.

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