Executive Summary

The mission of the Institute of Emergency Services and Homeland Security (IESHS) is to support emergency services delivery and national security through excellence and innovation in education, training, and research. The institute's main area of emphasis is in the First Responder domain, especially Prevention, Preparedness, and Mitigation and is concentrated in (but not exclusively limited to) three specific platforms: Academic Development, Specialized Program Development and Emergency Services Staff and Command Development. The range of related activities involved in this organization allows for a functional synergy not readily available anywhere in the United States. The Institute of Emergency Services and Homeland Security aligns with Utah Valley University's published Academic Strategic Plan, Strategic Priority II: Create a Vibrant Teaching and Learning Environment. Objective II.1.2 has some bulleted points which are consistent with IES desired outcomes. They are:

• Fit the mission and role of Utah Valley University as a comprehensive associate, baccalaureate-granting institution
• Have a sufficient student and market demand
• Consider the impact on other programs at Utah Valley University and Utah State Higher Education
• Fill a unique niche or opportunity

Advisory Board

An advisory board will provide direction and support for various projects and contracts and include academic department representatives, federal, state, and local fire, emergency medical services, and law enforcement personnel, and private sector representatives. The partnerships between academic department within the college, and outside agencies are critical to the success of IESHS. These stake holders will have the opportunity to share resources for critical issues in teaching, research, development and philosophy for emergency response and national security.

Direction

IESHS will be administrated by an appointed Director/Faculty, who will have a one-half time release for administrative duties, including oversight of the related program platforms. It is recommended that an Associate Director for Administrative and Support Services be appointed to assist with the overall administrative functions. The Academic Development platform will be directed by the chairman of the Fire Science Department. The platform for Research and Specialized Program Development will be directed by the Associate Director of the Institute, and the Emergency Services Staff and Command Development platform will be directed by the designated head of the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy. Supporting these individuals will be an administrative assistant and a staff of clerical support personnel. IESHS has dedicated classrooms, a computer lab, training props, and drill space at the Provo Airport campus. We also have our own computer network capabilities and IT staff.

Reporting

The Institute of Emergency Services and Homeland Security will be located as an independent entity within the School of Technology and Computing. Faculty who may be involved in education or research within the institute will maintain their departmental and school "home base" but will be released to IESHS as funding becomes available.

Funding

At this time minimal general fund dollars are required. Revenue to support the institute will be generated by:

• Indirect cost recovery on grants and contracts
• External research and educational contracts
• Tuition support recouped from off-budget credit generating activities
• Partnerships with business and industry

Research

The research component of the institute will be responsible to build a research team of human resources both from within the faculty ranks and staff members of the college, as well as through collaboration with other universities and/or public and private agencies that have expertise in descriptive and experimental research within the emergency services and homeland security arena. Public agencies will most likely include: state and local fire, emergency medical, and law enforcement organizations, state and federal homeland security agencies, military, and others. Private agencies will include those with expertise or interest in local, state, and national security.