As participants at the EDUCAUSE Summit, "The Role of Information Technology in Campus Security and Emergency Management," begin to work together to describe the hallmarks of an effectively managed disaster and a 100 percent safe campus today, it's become clear just how many layers the issue may entail.
As they discuss, groups are struck by the conflict between fostering openness and access on campus while managing risk and mantaining safety. In screening applicants and employees while offering fair and open opportunities. Identity management and personal privacy. Or the difference betwen "intrusive" policies and fostering a culture on campus where each individual cultivates a healthy respect for their safety and the safety of others.
Groups are also finding that the individual "hallmarks" can not be summed up in single-word answers. Instead, words like “communication” or “community” must be peeled back. What does effective communication entail? And, more so, who are the important groups? Internal leadership? Emergency groups? People on campus? The larger community? And how do campuses manage each constituency group?
