Five-four-three-two-one… relaunch! The UW’s Business, Academic and Research Continuity program relaunches this month with new tools to help you and your unit create a plan for navigating emergencies and disruptions.
The past several years of pandemic, weather and infrastructure breaks have reminded students, staff, faculty and researchers that disruptions can happen anytime and be costly, but they can also be weathered with good planning and adaptation. That’s what BARC is all about. Through BARC, you and your group identify your critical functions, determine potential disruptions (e.g., email goes down or power goes out), and plan for how to safeguard critical materials and restore some level of function.
BARC’s re-launch comes with two key changes: a revamped Husky Ready online planning tool and the introduction of continuity planning cohorts for a supportive, collaborative environment in which to make your plan.
The new version of Husky Ready provides the opportunity to update an existing plan or start the planning process for the first time. (Detailed information about the new Husky Ready has been sent to anyone designated previously as the person responsible for their department’s continuity plan or who may have been involved in prior continuity planning at UW.
These changes are part of the University’s commitment to building and supporting a culture of resilience. As detailed in Administrative Policy Statement 13.2, all areas at the UW need to have a plan for getting through disruptions.
Create stronger continuity plans with the new version of Husky Ready
The new version of Husky Ready makes the planning process more straightforward and provides more in-depth information for departments using their plan during and after a disruption.
The new Husky Ready includes embedded guidance and how-to information to help make your plan. Also, it brings together preparedness activities, standard business continuity practices, continuity strategy development, exercise tracking and operational risk management concepts.
Check out the new tool after completing the short Husky Ready orientation.
Join a BARC cohort – make your plan in 6 months
Developing a continuity plan by yourself can be challenging. No need to go it alone. You’re invited to join a BARC cohort, a facilitated step-by-step planning process. Along with planners from other units across campus, you’ll build your plan in six months. The cohort will include monthly meetings (hybrid), plus a few treats and rewards for participants. Get the support you need to check continuity planning off your list in 2025.
The first cohort starts on March 12. To join this cohort submit the Contact Us form as soon as possible. Additional cohorts will be added as interest builds. You’re also welcome to submit the form to express interest in a future cohort. Want to know more? Email continuity@uw.edu.
BARC is here to help!
Please get in touch and share your continuity planning needs. Submit the Contact Us form with any questions you have.