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.
What We Do
- Coordinate development of emergency action plans and continuity of operations plans
- Ensure compliance with the National Incident Management System and other regulations
- Conduct and participate in training to refine emergency decision-making processes
- Offer workshops and training sessions
- Develop important internal and external partnerships within the GSU community and coordinate with outside agencies across the county and state
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.
Who We Are

Carolyn Johnson
Director of Environmental Health & Safety,
ERT Co-Chair
cjohnson33@govst.edu
708.534.5000

Vacant
Director of University Events and Commencement Officer

Damon Sloan
Executive Director, Community Standards & Student Advocacy
dsloan@govst.edu
708.235.2228

James McGee
Director of Public Safety/
Chief of Police
jmcgee@govst.edu
708.534.5000

Paul McGuinness
Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
pmcguinness@govst.edu
708.534.5000

John Potempa
Associate Vice President, Facilities Development & Management
jpotempa@govst.edu
708.534.5000

Charles Pustz
Associate Vice President for Information Technology
cpustz@govst.edu
708.534.5000

Timothy Forde
Associate Provost / Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
tforde@govst.edu
708.534.7053