Building and Improving the Emergency Management Program at The University of Akron Robert M. Schwartz, Ph. D. Stacy L. Willett, Ed. D. The University of Akron
Background • Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security • Major, Minor, Certificate • 90 majors • Began enrolling students in 1998 ▫ FEMA based ▫ Public, Private, and Non-Profit
Faculty • Two full time • One shared • One adjunct
Program Variables • Step Up format ▫ Roll into the program from “response related” Associate programs • Articulation agreements • Straight entry
Recruiting and Marketing • • • Brochures University webpage University Sponsored College Days Networking Community Involvement/Relationships
Student Involvement • • • IAEM Exercises and Drills Research Internships Community based classroom projects ▫ Service Learning • Practitioner guest speakers/lecturers • Training/Certification programs • Field Trips
Emergency Management Curriculum • FEMA and responder oriented at conception • Moving from “all in” to integrity based, rigorous program • Evolution of Emergency Management needs ▫ Private (Business Continuity) ▫ Non-Profits (Red Cross and others) ▫ Public Health (Hospitals and Public Health Agencies) ▫ Technology evolution (dedicated lab for teaching, research and EOC applications) • Curriculum that looks to the future of Emergency Management and the changing market needs
Successful Strategies • Quality, reputable programs take years to establish • Faculty involved in research • High standards/expectations for students • Instilling research and critical skills for decision making early in the program • Step up and Articulation agreements • Updated curriculum • Program expansion opportunities
Challenges • • Budgets and resources Small faculty, heavy load, larger classes Hiring pool Curriculum review Library resources Online vs. Classroom Training vs. Education Moving students out of “response mode” to holistic thinking • Inter-college competition for existing students
Present and Future • Stand alone degree • Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Public, Private, and HS Tracks) • Online push for new student population • Center for Emergency Management and Homeland Security Policy Research • Collaboration with other programs (Business and Public Health) • Graduate Program
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