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Growing and Maintaining the Emergency
Management Program at The University of Akron
Stacy L. Willett [email protected]
Robert M. [email protected]
General Information
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management 62 majors Began enrolling students in 1998
FEMA based
Two full time faculty (5 load and 4 load) Three part time faculty
The University of Akron: Graduation Data
Growth Variables
Advisory Board Biannual meetings (fall and spring)
Step Up format Roll into the program from “response related”
Associate programs Articulation agreements
Program Marketing
Brochures Career/ Major Information Sessions Student Referrals Community Involvement/ Relationships Accreditation
Networking
Conferences Unpaid consulting/ Community service Alumni Advisory Board Internships
EMA Hospital Business Non profits
Student Involvement IEMSA Exercises and Drills Plan development 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
Lessons Learned
Positives Quality, reputable programs take years to establish Qualified faculty involved in research High standards/ expectations for students
Instilling research and critical skills for decision making early in the program
Addition of Grant Writing course Step up and Articulation agreements make it more appealing University support Updated curriculum
Additional Lessons Learned
Challenges Hiring pool Curriculum review Library resources Online versus Classroom Training versus education Moving students out of “response mode” to holistic
thinking
Maintaining the Program
Stand alone degree Emergency Management and Homeland
Security Public, Private, and HS Tracks Center for Emergency Management and
Homeland Security Policy Collaboration with CJ and Political Science Discussing Graduate Program
