Plan, Prepare, Respond and Recover
Duquesne University prioritizes the safety and well-being of our entire community. The Emergency Management and Threat Assessment (EMTA) Office plans, prepares, and equips the University to respond to, and recover from, all threats and hazards that may affect students, faculty, staff and visitors.
The primary goals of these initiatives are:
- the preservation of life,
- protection of property, and
- continuity of University's academic and business operations.
Planning, Training and Exercises
The University is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment by emphasizing comprehensive planning, rigorous training, and regular exercises to effectively address potential threats and emergencies aligned with National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) doctrines. This approach not only enhances Duquesne University's capacity to respond to crises but also fosters a culture of resilience throughout the institution. Additionally, the EMTA Office collaborates closely with neighboring colleges and universities, the City of Pittsburgh Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Allegheny County Department of Emergency Services, the PA Region 13 Task Force, and various regional, state, and federal partners to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to emergency. Together, these collaborative efforts contribute to a safer and more resilient University.
The Duquesne University Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is a multi-hazard plan that is designed to prepare the University community for a variety of possible emergency incidents and can be found in the Duquesne Portal.
Integrated Security Systems
The EMTA Office prioritizes a safe and secure environment for all students, faculty, staff and visitors. Our Integrated Security Systems (ISS) play a vital role in achieving this goal. ISS oversees all electronic security components across the Duquesne University campus, maintaining a sophisticated infrastructure to ensure the safety and security of the entire university community. This includes the implementation of access control, CCTV, and other security applications throughout campus buildings and surrounding areas. These systems are rigorously monitored around the clock by the Duquesne University Police and the Duquesne University Police Communication Operators, ensuring proactive response and effective protection.
Emergency Management Team
The Emergency Management Team is a cross-department, collaborative group from the Universities' Departments, Offices, and Divisions who meet regularly to identify and prepare for a variety of possible emergency incidents. Furthermore, this group supplements the staff of the Department of Public Safety to staff the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) when needed.
Representatives
- Director, Emergency Management and Threat Assessment
- Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel
- Director, Environmental Health & Safety
- Assistant Vice President of Legal Affairs and Associate General Counsel
- Assistant Vice President for Auxiliary Services
- Director, Campus Ministry
- Director, Health Services
- Vice President for Marketing and Communications
- Assistant Vice President for Residence Life
- Associate Vice President and Chief Facilities Officer
- Senior Director, IT Engineering and Operations
- Chief of Police and Assistant Vice President of Public Safety
- Executive Director, Center for Global Engagement
- Senior Vice Provost
- Lieutenant, Public Safety
- Assistant Vice President, Conference and Event Services
- Senior Associate Athletic Director
Campus Community Risk Team
Under the leadership of the EMTA Director, the Duquesne University Campus Community Risk Team (CCRT) is a multi-disciplinary team with members from Academic Affairs, Residence Life, Campus Police, Student Conduct, Campus Ministry, Center for Student Wellbeing, Human Resources, and Legal Affairs. It may include others as needed.
The CCRT is responsible for evaluating possible serious risks to the safety and well-being of the campus community and recommending countermeasures as appropriate.
When the team receives reports from members of the campus community that an individual poses, or may pose, a threat to the campus community, or any member of the campus community, it makes an individualized assessment to determine what, if any, action to take to remove and/or mitigate the risk, either for a limited time or indefinitely.