Supporting the preparedness efforts of public and private sector organizations, including educational institutions, nationwide, BOLDplanning was very pleased to lead a Business Continuity Planning (BCP) exercise at Wichita State University (Kansas) on Friday, October 11, 2019. The university has been a BOLDplanning client for over five years, and this was the third such exercise to help the campus achieve its readiness goals.

The tabletop exercise consisted of two sessions facilitated by BOLDplanning representatives, Michael Van Berkum and Matt Eyer, PMP, CHS-V, CBCP. The first focused on updating the University’s Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) in the BOLDplanning.com platform. The platform, a cloud-based system that walks planners through each step of the planning process, is the solution of choice for over 10,000 plans across the country.

The second session involved participants working through three potential disaster scenarios related to a tornado in downtown Wichita and the Wichita State University campus. Among the topics addressed were the loss of cellular service and IT; damage and/or destruction of buildings; and how to utilize the BCP with fewer staff and equipment available. 

With around 150 Wichita State University executives and staff in attendance, the group engaged in meaningful conversation and various activities pertaining to situational awareness, responsibilities, communications and response. The low-stress environment allowed everyone to demonstrate their continuity planning proficiencies, as well as determine possible shortfalls.

Of course, BOLDplanning was absolutely thrilled to see the level of participation and commitment to business continuity by the university. The company is also excited about the additional planning opportunities derived from the exercise. Next, BOLDplanning and Wichita State University continuity planners will review exercise after-action report(s) so that additional plan enhancements can be made.

Congratulations on a well-done BCP exercise! And, special thanks to everyone at Wichita State University for making BOLDplanning’s latest visit to the campus so pleasant and so very rewarding. Until next time, keep up the great continuity planning work in Wichita.