Information Technology Services Disaster Recovery Plan - Revision 3.1 - Review and update

Sep 12, 2026

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Information Technology Services Disaster Recovery Plan defines how Westfield State University restores technology services after disasters of any magnitude. The Emergency Response Team manages response and recovery actions under the University Emergency Response Plan, aiming to resume basic business functions until systems return to pre-disaster functionality. The document specifies required review every three years by the Security Policy Team and approval by the Chief Information Officer, and it covers phases including incident response, assessment and declaration, planning and recovery, and post-incident review.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatPDF

Pages15

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Section 1: Introduction

Section 2: Scope

Section 3: Assumptions

Section 4: Definitions

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN Revision History | Revision | Change | Date | | --- | --- | --- | | 1.0 | DRAFT Disaster Recovery Plan | 8/8/2006 | | 1.1 | FINAL Disaster Recovery Plan | 10/12/2009 | | 2.0 | Reviewed | 10/15/2009 | | 2.1 | Reviewed | 10/22/2012 | | 3.0 | Reviewed and updated by Security Policy Team and CIO | 10/19/2015 | | 3.1 | Reviewed and updated by Security Policy Team and CIO | 9/5/2018 | | | | | | | | | | | | | Section 1: Introduction Faculty, staff and students of Westfield State University all rely heavily on the technological infrastructure and services to accomplish their work and as an integral part of the learning environment. As a result of this reliance, technology services are considered a critical component in the daily operations of Westfield State University, requiring a comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan to assure that these services can be re-established quickly and completely in the event of a disaster of any magnitude. Response to and recovery from a disaster at Westfield State University is managed by the university’s Emergency Response Team. Their actions are governed by the Westfield State University Emergency Response Plan. This Disaster Recovery Plan presents the requirements and the steps that will be taken in response to and for the recovery from any disaster affecting technological services at Westfield State University, with the fundamental goal of allowing basic business functions to resume and continue until such time as all systems can be restored to pre-disaster functionality. This plan is required to be reviewed and updated, at a minimum, every 3 years by the Security Policy Team and approved by the Chief Information Officer. Section 2: Scope Due to the uncertainty regarding the magnitude of any potential disaster on the campus, this plan will only address the recovery of systems under the direct control of Information Technology Services and that are critical for business continuity. This includes the following major areas: • Authentication, single-sign-on, and network directory services • On-premises enterprise applications (e.g. Banner) • Datacenter (Wilson and Horace Mann) • On-premises website and services • Desktop equipment, labs, classrooms • Data networks and telecommunications (wired and wireless networks, file services, telephony) An increasing number of critical services are no longer hosted by the university, including systems crucial for daily activities. The recovery of these systems themselves is beyond the scope of this document and the ability of the Information Technology Services department, but this plan will address restoration of connectivity and integration with these services. This includes the following major services: • Hosted enterprise applications, including payroll, Office 365 • Learning Management System (Blackboard) • Student Email (Exchange – O365) This plan covers all phases of any technology related disaster occurring at Westfield State University. These phases include: • Incident Response • Assessment and Disaster Declaration • Incident Planning and Recovery • Post incident Review Section 3: Assumptions This disaster response and recovery plan is based on the following assumptions: 􀁸 Once an incident covered by this plan has been declared a disaster, the appropriate priority will be given to the recovery effort and the resources and support required as outlined in this Disaster Recovery Plan will be available. 􀁸 The safety of students, staff, and faculty are of primary importance and the safeguard of such will supersede concerns specific to hardware, software and other recovery needs. 􀁸 Depending on the severity of the disaster, other departments/divisions on campus may be required to modify their operations to accommodate any changes in system performance, computer availability and physical location until a full recovery has been completed.

FAQs

Who manages disaster response and recovery for technology services at Westfield State University?

The university’s Emergency Response Team manages response and recovery. Their actions are governed by the Westfield State University Emergency Response Plan.

What technologies and services are included in the scope of this disaster recovery plan?

The plan covers systems under the direct control of Information Technology Services that are critical for business continuity, including authentication and network directory services, enterprise applications, datacenters, on-premises websites, desktop/labs, and core network and telecommunications services.

What phases are covered by the disaster recovery plan for technology-related incidents?

The plan covers Incident Response, Assessment and Disaster Declaration, Incident Planning and Recovery, and Post incident Review.

Sep 12, 2026

Upload by Aldword