Emergency Management

Athabasca University (AU) is committed to ensuring a working and learning environment that is both healthy and safe for our employees, students and the general public. As part of this commitment, AU is developing and implementing an emergency management program to mitigate the threats and hazards to which university campuses are vulnerable. 

In order to address this risk an Emergency Management Working Group (EMWG) has been formed to assume a leadership role in setting the direction, developing policies, procedures and protocols with respect to the university’s Emergency Management Program.

The EMWG has identified the need to establish a comprehensive Emergency Management Framework for the university. It was recognized that this is required not just for the safety of AU employees and protection of assets, but also for compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. It is, as well, good management practice. 

AU's Emergency Management Framework will be based upon the Public Health Agency of Canada principles of: an all hazard approach; an incident command system; and, the 4 pillars of preparedness, planning, response and recovery.

While the overall emergency management framework is being developed, it is necessary to have in place an interim emergency response protocol in order to be prepared to respond to any AU-related emergency that may arise while the comprehensive framework is being developed.

The EMWG has therefore developed and obtained the Executive Group’s approval of an Emergency Management Response Protocol (Interim) which will serve as the emergency response protocol for AU while work continues on the development of the university’s Emergency Management Framework.  It is based upon best practices that exist at other Canadian post-secondary institutions.

The purpose of the Emergency Management Response Protocol (Interim) is to ensure a timely and appropriate response to emergencies. Our highest priority is to protect the safety of our employees, students, and the general public, as well as property and the environment.   

Please familiarize yourself with the information provided on AU's Emergency Management website.