Now that the worst has happened, where do leaders go from here? Student Affairs Retreat Northern Illinois University Zenobia L. Hikes, Ed.D. Vice President for Student Affairs Virginia Tech July 23, 2008

Now that the worst has happened, where do leaders go from here?  The Framework On April 16, 2007, 32 people were killed on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia by a currently enrolled student. This university shooting represented the worse school shooting in U. S. history. Ten months later, on February 14, 2008, five people were killed at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois by an NIU graduate. Both horrific tragedies have irrevocably changed higher education and violated the peace which comes with learning in the academy. Yet despite the new landscape, Student Affairs must remain steadfast in its leadership and its commitment to the holistic development of students.

Now that the worst has happened, where do leaders go from here?  The Intent Take the tragedies Examine lessons learned Craft the next steps for NIU Re-craft the profession based on our unique experiences

Now that the worst has happened, where do leaders go from here? Tenets of the Profession

Now that the worst has happened, where do leaders go from here? “What happened at Virginia Tech will change higher- education law significantly and permanently, much as the shootings at Kent State did nearly 40 years ago... Kent State ushered in a new era of accountability for colleges…” “Colleges and the Law after Virginia Tech” Peter Lake

Now that the worst has happened, where do leaders go from here? I. Responding to the Worst Now that the worst has happened, how should the university respond? II. Moving Forward in Search of Excellence Mindful of the tragedy, how do you move toward excellence with a new reality? III. Professional Resilience and Personal Balance What must you do professionally and personally, now that higher education has changed? IV. Reflections Moving Forward

I. Responding to the Worst Now that the worst has happened, how should the university respond?

I. Responding to the Worst Crisis Management Care Team Case Management Threat Assessment Team Physical Infrastructure Off-Campus Student Protocol On-Campus Student Protocol Federal and State Legislation External Relationships Communication

I. Responding to the Worst  Communication - Internal and External Constituency Groups Emergency Students (alert messaging, updated emergency info) Faculty and staff (handling distressed students, database) Parents External constituency groups

Small Group Activity Case Studies

Small Group Activity Assess current campus crisis management and communications measures and recommend changes. What advice would you give to other university colleagues?

II. Moving Forward in Search of Excellence  Mindful of the tragedy, how do you move toward excellence in a new reality? Assessing the State of the Community (moving forward) Building Community Admissions Partnerships Campus Climate Community of Huskies New Roles in Student Affairs Departments External Constituency Groups

II. Moving Forward in Search of Excellence  Making the Right Connections Marketing the Student Affairs Brand (post- tragedy) New Faculty Orientation New Division Team Orientation Pre-tragedy and Post-tragedy Staff Pre-tragedy and Post-tragedy Students Civic Engagement

II. Moving Forward in Search of Excellence  Supporting a Diverse Student Population Millennials Hip Hop Generation Racial and Ethnic Groups International Students LGBT Community First-Generation Students Religious Groups

II. Moving Forward in Search of Excellence  Leadership and Ethical Development Globalization and the Flat World Honor Code and Judicial Affairs Leadership Development Programs Alcohol and Drug Use

II. Moving Forward in Search of Excellence  Partnership with Schools Outreach Programs “Enough is Enough” Campaign

Small Group Activity Choose two categories, assess current initiatives and suggest recommendations.

III. Professional Resilience and Personal Balance  What must you do professionally and personally, now that higher education has changed? Professional Development Adaptability Supporting Colleagues Personal Rejuvenation Finding and Maintaining Balance

Individual Activity Develop a 5 year Career Map

IV. Reflections Moving Forward