Protecting our Colleges and Universities The Homeland Security Challenge Paul Fennewald, Coordinator, Missouri Office of Homeland Security Brad Spicer, President, SafePlans, LLC Robert B. Stein, Ph.D., Commissioner, Missouri Department of Higher Education

Crisis at Our Colleges and Universities is Inevitable

It is inevitable that more crises will occur on college campuses that will result in harm to human life. All of us can and should take the necessary steps to lessen the likelihood that another crisis will happen, and when it does, to reduce the extent of damage that occurs. We have a collective responsibility to not sit idly by waiting for the next emergency to strike.

Preventing Harm Involves Planning Preparation Response Recovery

Planning All Hazards Consistency and Connectivity Clear Delineation of Roles & Responsibilities Imagine the Unimaginable Best Practices and Subject Matter Experts

Preparation Priority Set by Campus Leaders Community Connectivity and Ownership Practice/Training Identification of Vulnerabilities Cross Campus Communication

Key Constituent Groups Institutional Senior Administration Students, Faculty, and all Institutional Staff First Responders: –Law Enforcement –Fire –Emergency Management Other Community Stakeholders: –Mental Health –Public Health –Hospitals –Others

Response No Longer a Dress Rehearsal Rely on Memory for Basics Clear and Concise Plan of Action Communication and Rumor Control Fall-Back Plans

Recovery A Community Process Beyond Standard Questions and Answers Mental Health Needs Outlets for Group Expressions Business Resumption

Missouri as a Case Study Emphasis on: ­Consistency ­Connectivity ­Communication ­Sustainability as a Priority ­Funding

Consistency 60+ Higher Education Institutions 540+ K-12 Public School Districts Institutional Autonomy Public - Private Issues Plan Update Issues Staff Familiarization and Review of Issues

Connectivity Challenge of engaging community-based first responders in the emergency planning process Challenge of obtaining and keeping current copies of everyone’s plan Challenge of incorporating emerging best practices

Missouri’s Approach: Seamless and Unified HSAC MO Alert Network Safety and Security Conference ERIP Curriculum Development Higher Education Safety Initiatives Best Practices Toolkit/Rubric Mental Health First Aid Training Website Development and Maintenance HES K12 Education Sector

History of Missouri’s Focus on Higher Education Governor formed Task Force on Campus Security in aftermath of Virginia Tech shootings: - Tasked to identify best practices and provide recommendations for making Missouri’s campuses as safe as possible - Reported to governor in August 2007

34 Recommendations Around Six Major Themes Six Guiding Principles: –Coordinated planning will ensure preparation for all future crises –A one size fits all approach will not work –There is no quick fix –Financial resources, while necessary, are limited –The entire campus and surrounding community have a role to play –Plans must balance security against function and privacy

Homeland Security Higher Education Subcommittee Initial meeting February 2008; meet every two months 25 members: departments of Health and Senior Services, Higher Education, Mental Health, and Public Safety; state emergency management, fire safety, law enforcement, mental health, and information technology professionals; higher education sector representatives; and Coordinator of Homeland Security (ex-officio) Commissioner of Higher Education chairs and reports at each HSAC meeting Student Advisory Council

What We Have Learned From Three Surveys 2007 and college and universities community-based agencies Almost all campuses have some planning in place Communication remains the #1 challenge Involvement of local responder community is still a challenge

Homeland Security Higher Education Subcommittee Overarching Goals Support Institutions’ Creation of a Safe Environment Resource Development Communication and Outreach Legislative Initiatives Research Curriculum Development

Homeland Security Higher Education Subcommittee Progress and Next Steps Campus Safety and Security Website - Campus Law Enforcement -Communications -Curriculum Development -Information Technology -Legislative Action -Mental Health -Notification -Planning

Progress and Next Steps (continued) Missouri Alert Network (MAN) Examination of Best Practices and Development of Missouri-Grown Best Practices Toolkit/Rubric Mental Health First Aid Training

Progress and Next Steps (continued) 3 rd Annual Coordinated Conference on School and College Safety and Security - higher education track - plenary session HES Student Advisory Council Modification of ERIP System to better serve higher education institutions

Emergency Response Information Portal ERIP Secure, web-based preparedness solution MERIS Integration Core Components: –Emergency Plans –Tactical Site Mapping –Online Staff Training

Web-Based Emergency Plans Campus and Building Level Plans Customizable Revision Tracking Efficient to Update Consistent Formats Based on Best Practices

Emergency Plan Challenges Time Learning New Technology Formatting Limitations Difficult to Integrate With City/County EOP’s

Online Training (ERIP Academy) Full Learning Management System Courses Based on Best Practices Train the Plan

Online Training Challenges Training Usage Limited - training programs are implemented after planning Not Accustomed to Requiring Staff Training in Emergency Readiness Time Lack of Confidence in Program

Tactical Site Mapping Allows campus to complete tactical site mapping Exterior and interior (building level) mapping Secure online access and PDF download

Interior Site Mapping

Site Mapping Challenges Time Learning new technology Benefits not understood

Resources Higher Education Committee of the Homeland Security Advisory Council Missouri Office of Homeland Security SafePlans, LLC

Questions and Answers