Unique Presentation Identifier:

P14

Program Type

Graduate

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Rejina Manandhar

Document Type

Poster

Location

Face-to-face

Start Date

29-4-2025 9:30 AM

Abstract

Abstract:
This study examines the availability of emergency management and campus safety resources in Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) in Arkansas. The research examines the question: What emergency management and campus safety resources are available in IHEs in Arkansas? Using a quantitative research design, the study analyzes secondary data from 58 university websites. The IHEs were stratified into four categories: Four-Year Public Universities, Two-Year Public Colleges, Other Higher Education Institutions, and Private Colleges & Universities. The resources assessed include having public safety department, office of emergency management, campus alert system, emergency management plan, emergency operations guide, and training programs. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data. The findings indicate that of the 58 IHEs examined, 47 had a designated public safety department, and 26 had an office of emergency management. Likewise, 43 IHEs had emergency management plans, 39 had campus alert system, 41 had an emergency operations guide, and 33 IHEs offered some form of emergency management or campus safety training. Additionally, the findings reveal that four-year public universities and two-year public colleges have the most extensive emergency management and campus safety resources, while other higher education institutions have the least resources. This research discusses these findings and advances the understanding of campus preparedness while also providing recommendations for strengthening preparedness and resilience in institutions of higher education.

Share

COinS
 
Apr 29th, 9:30 AM

Emergency Preparedness in Arkansas Institutions of Higher Education: A Resource Based Analysis

Face-to-face

Abstract:
This study examines the availability of emergency management and campus safety resources in Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) in Arkansas. The research examines the question: What emergency management and campus safety resources are available in IHEs in Arkansas? Using a quantitative research design, the study analyzes secondary data from 58 university websites. The IHEs were stratified into four categories: Four-Year Public Universities, Two-Year Public Colleges, Other Higher Education Institutions, and Private Colleges & Universities. The resources assessed include having public safety department, office of emergency management, campus alert system, emergency management plan, emergency operations guide, and training programs. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data. The findings indicate that of the 58 IHEs examined, 47 had a designated public safety department, and 26 had an office of emergency management. Likewise, 43 IHEs had emergency management plans, 39 had campus alert system, 41 had an emergency operations guide, and 33 IHEs offered some form of emergency management or campus safety training. Additionally, the findings reveal that four-year public universities and two-year public colleges have the most extensive emergency management and campus safety resources, while other higher education institutions have the least resources. This research discusses these findings and advances the understanding of campus preparedness while also providing recommendations for strengthening preparedness and resilience in institutions of higher education.