Unique Presentation Identifier:
3
Program Type
Graduate
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Rejina Manandhar
Document Type
Poster
Location
Face-to-face
Start Date
9-4-2026 1:00 PM
End Date
9-4-2026 3:00 PM
Abstract
The examination of disaster preparedness among university students is vital to identify their readiness and challenges related to preparedness. Although numerous studies have examined disaster preparedness, most employ quantitative approaches that focus solely on assessing students’ preparedness levels. This study uses a qualitative approach to gain deeper insights into university students’ experiences and understanding of disaster preparedness. The data for this study were collected through semi-structured interviews with students at a university located in the south-central United States. The preliminary results show that students have varying levels of understanding of disaster preparedness, with the majority of respondents reporting limited preparedness for disasters. It also found varied perceptions of disaster risks and limited awareness of resources, highlighting the need for student training and awareness. This study further provides recommendations to motivate preparedness among students and to build resilience in higher education settings.
Recommended Citation
Hutchinson, Takiya and Sodiya, Latifat, "Stories of Readiness: University Students’ Experiences and Understandings of Disaster Preparedness" (2026). ATU Scholars Symposium. 35.
https://orc.library.atu.edu/atu_rs/2026/2026/35
Included in
Stories of Readiness: University Students’ Experiences and Understandings of Disaster Preparedness
Face-to-face
The examination of disaster preparedness among university students is vital to identify their readiness and challenges related to preparedness. Although numerous studies have examined disaster preparedness, most employ quantitative approaches that focus solely on assessing students’ preparedness levels. This study uses a qualitative approach to gain deeper insights into university students’ experiences and understanding of disaster preparedness. The data for this study were collected through semi-structured interviews with students at a university located in the south-central United States. The preliminary results show that students have varying levels of understanding of disaster preparedness, with the majority of respondents reporting limited preparedness for disasters. It also found varied perceptions of disaster risks and limited awareness of resources, highlighting the need for student training and awareness. This study further provides recommendations to motivate preparedness among students and to build resilience in higher education settings.