Cornell University’s emergency management program is based on the framework of the four phases of emergency management: prevention-mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. All phases are highly interconnected; that is, each phase influences the other three phases. The cycle as a whole is an ongoing process, just as individual plans are dynamic documents that require continuous review.

In addition, continuity planning is used to improve university resiliency to academic and operational disruptions and integrate with the recovery phase.