Administrative Policies

KCTCS Operational Authority

1. Purpose

This Policy describes the authority of the KCTCS President to direct operations throughout the System in a manner that will protect KCTCS institutions, employees, students, and visitors when unique situations and unexpected events arise. Unique situations and unexpected events are situations or events that may alter or be threatening to KCTCS and/or college operations, property, employees, students, or visitors.

2. Scope

This Policy applies to all KCTCS facilities, campuses, and properties, and to all KCTCS students, employees, and visitors.

3. Policy

1. Statement of Authority
   1. In accordance with KRS 164.350 and Board of Regents Policy 1.1, the Board of Regents has authorized the KCTCS President to:
      • manage the affairs, operations and administration of KCTCS; 
      • make and apply reasonable policies and rules to create an effective and efficient educational delivery system;
      • determine the services, processes, and extent of KCTCS operations, including the use of equipment and materials; and
      • determine the nature, extent, duration, character and method of operations.
        
        
   2. By this authority, the KCTCS President may determine how the System should and will address unique situations and unexpected events affecting property, operations, public health, or the well-being and safety of students, employees, and visitors, including but not limited to:
      • inclement weather;
      • a natural or human-caused disaster;
      • acts of terrorism;
      • the outbreak or spread of pandemic illnesses; or
      • any other unforeseen circumstances, including instances requiring suspension of services, reduction of operations, and/or closure of operations such as emergency closings.
   3. In the event of a unique situation or unexpected event, the KCTCS President may develop and implement operational plans, issue directives or recommendations, or take other appropriate short- or long-term measures to safeguard KCTCS property and operations and/or protect the health, well-being, and safety of students, employees, and visitors. This authority is not dependent on a governmental order or mandate, either local, state, or federal, and the KCTCS President may act for administrative efficiency, business expediency, or other operational purposes.  Notwithstanding, KCTCS’ response to unique situations or unexpected events may be developed using information provided by local, state, and federal agencies and subject matter experts, including but not limited to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
      
      
2. Delegation of Authority
   The KCTCS President may, in his/her discretion, delegate to College Presidents the requirement and authority to allocate resources – monetary, physical, and/or human – to manage operations under this Policy.  After consultation and upon approval by the KCTCS President, College Presidents may develop and implement operational plans, issue directives or recommendations, or take other appropriate short- or long-term measures to address unique local situations and unexpected events.
   
   
3. Compliance
   Failure by any KCTCS stakeholder to follow any rules, guidelines, or other measures put in place by the KCTCS President or College President in response to unique situations or unexpected events, including crises or emergencies, may result in disciplinary action, suspension or expulsion, or removal from the premises.

   Neither the KCTCS President nor any College President may enact measures that violate applicable individual rights under state or federal law.

   As part of the response, KCTCS and/or the colleges shall be responsible for appropriately communicating and enforcing the operational measures that are enacted.