The following groups at the University of Minnesota work together on emergency planning and response.

Overall responsibility: The Vice President for University Services has overall responsibility for safety, security, and emergency response functions at the University. An Emergency Management Policy Committee of senior administrators provides overall strategic direction to emergency planning and communications activities.

Various departments and units assist with emergency planning and response. These include:

• The University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD) is a full-time, professional law enforcement agency including sworn police officers and investigators. The UMPD responds to all 911 calls, crime, and emergency events on campus.
• University Security, operated by the UMPD, employs and trains students to patrol campus and escort people after hours.
• The Department of Emergency Management develops and implements the University's emergency response plans, including notification and evacuation plans and emergency training. DEM works with University, local, county, state, and federal governments to plan and prepare for large problems and disasters.
• The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (DEHS) oversees a range of health and safety issues on campus, including laboratory safety, occupational health, air quality, and office ergonomics. DEHS has a hazardous materials response team that responds to biological or chemical spills on campus and operates a hazardous waste facility to appropriately dispose of hazardous substances generated at the University.
• The Health Emergency Response Office (HERO) oversees the development and maintenance of plans and procedures to prepare for and respond to health emergencies on campus. They also work extensively with organizations in the community to ensure that the campus community is effectively integrated into broader city, county, state and federal preparedness and response plans.
• The Building Code Department issues building permits, monitors construction activities, and employs a full-time fire inspector to certify the safety of University buildings and construction sites.