Critical Incident ResponseHow an institution handles critical incident response and crisis management can define its relationships with students, parents, and other important stakeholders. Developing a team that is skilled in handling all aspects of crisis management is a must for leadership in higher education today. I have experience in crisis management at two large public institutions. Key to the success of our programs was understanding the scope of what we provided, while ensuring that students, parents, faculty, and staff, were supported throughout the crisis. After my experience at The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, handling high profile alcohol deaths and suicides, I knew that the establishment of a cross-divisional team with clear leadership was important to the success of our efforts. I provided the leadership for the creation of an interdisciplinary crisis team and student emergency services in the Office of the Dean of Students. I personally handled over 30 student death cases, including hazing deaths, numerous student protests, and a wide range of other student crisis. Effective crisis management is one of my passions. In working with the parents and families of students who died, I learned that as leaders and administrators we have the ability to make a difference in a profound way in the most horrific circumstances. It is truly a privilege to serve families during these times and I can provide leadership for the development of systems and teams needed to effectively manage student crisis at your institution.
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