Assessing Institutional Preparedness for Managing Campus Tragedies

Dr. Mitchell A. LevySixth Annual Teaching, Learning, and Student

Support Atlantic Regional ConferenceSussex County Community College

October 19, 2007

“Foundation” Considerations:

Proactive- “Err on side of caution” Critical Incident Reviews: Postvention Ethical: “serve best

interest”(ACA,2005) Training/Practice Preparedness: Table-Top Exercises (A Systemic Approach to Managing College Depression and Suicide,

Grieger, Johnson, & Levy; ACA World Conference- April, 1997)

Institutional Emergency Preparedness Checklist (Yes or No?)

Clearly delineated response plan w/ backup? All personnel aware of plan? Interns? Referral training for faculty, staff, students? “Front Line Training”- health service, Res. Life,

facilities, athletics, etc.? Training regarding cultural variables? Liaison w/ psychiatrists, emergency rooms,

police? Unobtrusive Transportation Plan? Availability of Forms: Safety Contract/ Consent?

Institutional Emergency Preparedness Checklist (cont.)

Procedures checklist available during emergency? Cell #’s/emails/home #’s available? 24/7 #’s for clients? Security code for counselors and staff? Outreach re: depression and suicide? Counselors encouraged to “think outside the box?” Standardized Documentation: CY_ ? Discussion re: “Contagion Effect” Team Approach employed?

Institutional Emergency Preparedness Checklist (cont.)

Bilingual Services? Sign Language? Physical Challenges?

Debriefing? Follow-up? Critical Incident Review Protocol? Continual Review of Policy and Procedures?

Thank you for your participation!