As we prepare to welcome students back to campus, it's crucial that we, as higher education professionals, focus on the challenges and opportunities presented by the new academic year. Safety and preparedness should be at the forefront of our planning, ensuring that students and staff are well-equipped to handle emergencies, from weather-related incidents to security concerns. This blog will cover critical areas such as situational awareness, cybersecurity, and active assailant preparedness, providing practical tips and strategies for fostering a safe campus environment.

Situational Awareness: The Foundation Of Campus Safety

Situational awareness is a critical skill for everyone on campus. It involves being conscious of your surroundings, recognizing potential threats, and reacting swiftly. For students, especially those new to college life, situational awareness can be the first defense against various dangers.

When discussing situational awareness, it's important to emphasize that this is not about creating fear but empowering students to make informed decisions. Understanding the environmental context of their surroundings is crucial. A student from California might be familiar with earthquake protocols but unaware of tornado procedures standards in the Midwest. Therefore, it is vital to educate students on the specific situational awareness related to their new environment. This knowledge will give them a sense of control and confidence in their ability to handle any situation.

Explain to students that technology enhances and diminishes situational awareness. While smartphones can be a distraction, they can also be tools for safety when used wisely. Please encourage students to balance their use of technology with their need to stay aware of their surroundings.

Cybersecurity: Protecting Personal & Institutional Data

In today's digital age, cybersecurity is an increasingly important aspect of campus safety. Educating students and staff about protecting their personal and institutional information is essential with the rise of online scams, phishing attempts, and data breaches.

One practical approach is to use real-world examples to illustrate the dangers of cybersecurity threats. For instance, showing a phishing email and asking the audience to identify the red flags can be an engaging way to teach them how to recognize such scams. Common tactics used by cybercriminals include creating a sense of urgency, exploiting curiosity, or mimicking familiar contacts. By understanding these tactics, students and staff can better protect themselves.

It's important to emphasize the basics of cybersecurity hygiene—using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious when using public Wi-Fi. Encourage the campus IT department to provide regular training sessions and resources to help everyone stay updated on the latest cybersecurity threats. This support will make the everyone on campus feel less isolated and more connected in their efforts to stay safe.

Active Assailant Preparedness: Training For The Unthinkable

While the likelihood of an active assailant event is low, the impact of such an incident is devastating. The key to effective active assailant preparedness is understanding the survival arc, which involves moving quickly through the stages of denial, deliberation, and action. Denial is the initial shock and disbelief, deliberation is the process of recognizing the danger and deciding on a course of action, and action is the implementation of the chosen response. During an emergency, every second counts. The faster individuals can recognize the danger and take decisive action, the better their chances of survival.

Training should include practical skills such as identifying cover versus concealment, understanding lockdown procedures, and knowing how to barricade doors effectively. These actions, though simple, can significantly increase the chances of staying safe during an active assailant situation. It's important to emphasize that these skills should be regularly practiced and reviewed to ensure readiness in case of an emergency.

First Aid & Emergency Preparedness: Building The Basics

Instilling the importance of first aid kids and understanding basic first aid principles are essential to campus safety. Encourage staff and students to build personal first aid kits tailored to their needs and the specific risks associated with their activities. For instance, a student living in a dorm might need a different kit than one who frequently hikes or participates in outdoor activities.

Weather Emergency Preparedness: Staying Safe In Unpredictable Conditions

Weather emergencies are another area where preparedness can save lives. Whether it's a hurricane, tornado, or blizzard, knowing the difference between a watch and a warning and having a plan is crucial.

For campuses in hurricane-prone areas, for instance, having a water supply and non-perishable food and understanding evacuation routes can be lifesaving. For those in tornado-prone regions, knowing the safest places to take shelter and having a weather radio can provide critical information in an emergency.

Conclusion: A Culture of Safety

Creating a safe campus environment is a shared responsibility. By fostering a culture of situational awareness, cybersecurity, and preparedness, we can empower our students and staff to respond effectively in emergencies. As higher education professionals, our role is to provide the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to ensure that everyone on campus feels confident and prepared, no matter what challenges they may face.

As we welcome students back to campus, let's commit to prioritizing safety. Whether through formal training sessions, informational handouts, or casual conversations, every effort we make contributes to a safer, more resilient campus community.

We appreciate our experts Charlie Taylor, Brian Van Brunt, and Brian Heider who provide support for institutions through D-Prep Safety. This blog was adapted from their recent complimentary webinar. 

For nearly 20 years, Innovative Educators has assisted college leaders to build foundations of success for their students. Institutions have seen student engagement and retention increase as a result of utilizing Go2Orientation, OnlineLingo and StudentLingo to onboard new students. Grounded in best practices for online learning, Innovative Educators student support tools are engaging, interactive, and community-building. Go2Orientation, OnlineLingo and StudentLingo together create a powerful online resource center providing support to students throughout their academic journey.

Stay Updated!

Don't miss out on the latest insights and updates in student success strategies. Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates, and follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook to join our growing community of education innovators.

By Meg Foster, Online Learning & Design Specialist - Consultant & Wendy Archer,  Web Content Coordinator 
August 13, 2024