4 tips to prepare your campus for a coronavirus outbreak

The late American Hall of Fame Basketball Coach John Wooden aptly stated, “Confidence comes from being prepared.” This saying is particularly timely given academic communities’ recent focus on addressing the coronavirus threat.

While no one can predict when the next crisis will hit or what it will entail—a natural disaster, disease outbreak, or campus security threat—every institution should be asking itself two critical question: “Are we equipped to handle the current crisis?” and “Are we nimble enough to handle a future crisis?”

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The current environment presents an opportunity for institutions to fine-tune their disaster preparedness plans. While this task can feel daunting, below are four strategies for keeping the academic community safe and ensuring that teaching and learning continue with minimal interruption.

1. Ensure you have the right infrastructure to communicate with your community quickly and clearly

When facing any scenario that requires your institution to deviate from “business as usual,” it’s critical that the new plan of action is communicated quickly and clearly to students, faculty, staff, and other members of the extended community.