Security Planning and Campus Safety

Colleges and universities are subject to all-hazards, ranging from natural disasters to man-made events.  Recent shootings at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University, coupled with the devastation of floods and hurricanes and the threat of domestic and international terrorism have created a new sense of urgency on our campuses as we continue to explore new practices and policies for security and emergency management, from preparedness through recovery. 

In February, EDUCAUSE joined NACUBO and several other higher education associations to launch a new initiative aimed at helping institutions of higher education to develop comprehensive, all-hazards emergency management plans. This month, EDUCAUSE will bring together campus and IT leaders to continue the dialogue.

EDUCAUSE has joined with NACUBO and several other higher education associations to launch a national campus safety and security project. The project team will conduct an 18-month study that will examine threats of every nature facing colleges and universities and develop guidelines for campus emergency management plans for prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Mark Luker, vice president of EDUCAUSE, underscores the importance of addressing campus threats through a multi-organizational effort: "EDUCAUSE, for example, has investigated cyber security and assisted institutions in solving related problems. Expanding on our past efforts in the most meaningful way to colleges and universities requires more of an enterprise approach. We’re looking forward to this opportunity to integrate the concerns and work of EDUCAUSE with those of our partners in the higher education community who represent other components of campus life."

Related link: EDUCAUSE/Internet 2 Computer and Network Security Task Force