Avoid "other duties as assigned": The importance of higher education emergency managers. Issue 6 (16th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zacarese, Lawrence M.
• Is Part Of: Campus security report. Volume 12:Issue 6(2015:Oct.)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 4
• Publication Date: 2015-09-16
• Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Security measures -- United States -- Periodicals; College campuses -- Security measures -- United States -- Periodicals; 363.289097305
• DOI: 10.1002/casr.30088
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1551-2800

Abstract

Abstract : I recently returned from several weeks of traveling and speaking at some national and regional conferences. The focus of my lectures was organizational resiliency and continuity of operations in the context of a major regional hurricane, the impacts on a large research university, and the crucial role that my university (and others) played in the response and recovery. Specifically, I discussed the importance of leveraging technology to achieve resiliency, but the main takeaway from my talks centered on the importance of a "continuity culture" within institutions of higher education — namely, establishing this understanding among all levels of administration. In my humble but experienced opinion, this mindset is sorely lacking among the vast majority of higher education institutions. The content of my lectures did not change, although the venue and demographics of the attendees did. The juxtaposition was interesting to me, although not completely surprising.