Step-by-Step Continuity Planning at UNT

Step 1: Identify a Continuity Plan Manager

The Continuity Plan Manager leads the continuity planning process for their department or unit and serves as the primary point of contact. Ideally, this person is a member of unit leadership or works closely with leadership.

To volunteer as a Continuity Plan Manager or check whether your unit already has a continuity plan,  contact continuity@untsystem.edu.

Current Plan Managers can visit the Resources page for planning tools and guidance.

Step 2: Request Access to Kuali Ready

To receive access to the Kuali Ready continuity planning system, complete the Continuity Intake Form and provide:

• Name of Business Unit
• Continuity Plan Manager
• Head of Unit (Approver)
• IT Liaison
• Additional Plan Editors (if applicable)

Step 3: Complete Required Training

After submitting the intake form, you will be assigned the virtual training module in Bridge:

Continuity Planning for UNT System Institutions

Step 4: Choose a Planning Approach

Select the method that works best for your department:

• Team (recommended): Staff collaborate to build the plan together, typically during a meeting with Kuali Ready displayed. This approach improves plan quality and increases staff familiarity with continuity procedures.
• Delegated: Staff complete the sections related to their responsibilities independently.
• Individual: The Continuity Plan Manager develops the plan and consults with others as needed.

Step 5: Complete the plan

Kuali Ready guides users through the planning process using a structured questionnaire and built-in instructions.

Most plans include the following:

1. Business unit information
2. Key contacts and partners
3. Essential functions
4. Required resources
5. Critical IT systems and applications
6. Continuity of instruction (if applicable)
7. Continuity of research (if applicable)

Step 6: Complete the Approval Process

Once the plan is drafted, initiate the approval workflow in Kuali Ready.

After final approval:

1. Download the final PDF plan.
2. Print a hard copy.
3. Store it in a secure location known to the continuity planning team and unit leadership.

Step 7: Exercise the Plan

Plans should be tested after completion.

Emergency Management & Safety Services offers discussion-based continuity exercises that allow participants to:

• Practice plan implementation
• Increase familiarity with procedures
• Identify gaps and improvement opportunities

To schedule an exercise, contact continuity@untsystem.edu.

Step 8: Review and Update the Plan

Continuity plans should be reviewed annually and fully updated every two years. Departments are encouraged to conduct an exercise during off years.

Review the plan whenever there are changes to:

• Organizational structure
• Essential functions or business processes
• Staffing
• Technology, systems, or resource requirements