Emergency Management

The Assumption University Department of Public Safety/Campus Police provides a comprehensive program of police, security, crime prevention, fire safety and emergency medical services to help ensure as much as reasonably possible that the university community remains a safe and pleasant place in which to live, work and study.

Trained, Prepared and Ever-vigilant

Staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by sworn police officers and civilian personnel, Public Safety is responsible for enforcing the laws of the Commonwealth along with University rules and regulations. Public Safety is also responsible for preparing for unexpected incidents and ensuring for an immediate response to such incidents.

The University understands that the community could be impacted by an emergency incident or crisis situation at any time. Proper planning and training for such an occurrence is one way the University seeks to prepare for such incidents. The University's Emergency Response Plan articulates the policies and procedures to be followed by University personnel in the event of a variety of incidents. It is intended to be generic in nature, providing the framework for a comprehensive response and dovetailing of resources with Worcester Emergency Management and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

The University recognizes that during an incident that may impact the campus community, the immediate protection and safety of students, staff, faculty and visitors is our priority. Additionally, the University also recognizes the importance of ensuring the safety and protection of University research, property, community, and the environment. The overall objective of our plan is to provide guidance and leadership when responding to emergency incidents, coordinating emergency operations and restoring normal campus operations and services as soon as possible. At Assumption, all residence halls and our main dining hall are equipped with generators to ensure seamless operations and a safe environment for our students should incidents which impact the delivery of power service does occur.

The Emergency Response Plan has been reviewed by Worcester Emergency Management to ensure seamless collaboration with the City of Worcester and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. While the University is hopeful that the activation of such a plan would never be required, entrusted with the safety of your son or daughter, the University takes very seriously this responsibility.

Emergency Management at Assumption

The University manages emergency incidents in accordance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) standard incident command structures: 1) The Incident Command System (ICS); 2) Multi-Agency Coordination systems (MACS); and 3) Joint Information Systems (JIS). All members of the College Emergency Response Team have participated in FEMA training and are required to have the following minimum certifications:
- ICS 100 Introduction to Incident Command System
- ICS 700 National Incident Management System (NIMS)
- ICS-402: Incident Command System (ICS) Overview for Executives/Senior Officials
The University manages emergency incidents in accordance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) standard incident command structures: 1) The Incident Command System (ICS); 2) Multi-Agency Coordination systems (MACS); and 3) Joint Information Systems (JIS). All members of the College Emergency Response Team have participated in FEMA training and are required to have the following minimum certifications:
- ICS 100 Introduction to Incident Command System
- ICS 700 National Incident Management System (NIMS)
- ICS-402: Incident Command System (ICS) Overview for Executives/Senior Officials
Assumption University is committed to the safety of our students, faculty, staff and guests. In case of an emergency, the University communicates with students using a number of mediums that include:
- Campus loudspeaker
- Email
- Text messages
- Voicemail
The University sends emergency text messages to students, faculty and staff who have cell phones registered with the Registrar's Office. The message informs registered users about emergency situations and instructions on how to respond.

Parent and Family Notification

The University also has the capability to send a voice message informing parents and families about emergency situations.
- Parents must have updated and accurate information on file with the Registrar's Office.
- Your contact telephone numbers must be a direct line (no extensions).
- Your Caller ID will display 411. It will not display Assumption University.
- Once the phone has been answered by you or by an answering machine, there will be a 2 or 3-second delay. Please stay on the line. The system requires a few seconds of silence to detect whether someone has picked up the phone or if the call will activate an answering machine.
- If you do not answer the phone, the system will leave a message on your answering machine or on your voicemail system. If you use an answering machine, please set the answering machine to five (5) rings or fewer. (The system will not work if your answering machine is set to six (6) rings.)
- If you have a device such as a Telemarketer Zapper or Privacy Director on your telephone line, you may not receive the call.
- If the message stops playing, press any key and the message will replay from the beginning.
The successful delivery of emergency information is dependent upon accurate information for each contact. Please contact the Registrar’s Office if you have changed your number.

Emergency Management

Trained, Prepared and Ever-vigilant

Emergency Management at Assumption

Parent and Family Notification

Light the way.

A Catholic university located in the heart of New England in Worcester, Massachusetts, Assumption University strives to form graduates known for their critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship, and compassionate service.