Gustav proved an interesting test of emergency preparedness for the Gulf Coast region, and I thought this article on how colleges in the region were prepared for disasters (Inside Higher Ed: In Gustav’s Wake, Disaster Plans Are Tested) was a good, quick overview. Here’s the actual Emergency Plan for Loyola University of New Orleans:
Some of my favorite quotes:
“If Louisiana college leaders learned any lessons from Hurricane Katrina, the need to create remote command centers was surely among them.”
Given my interest in online and distance education, I was intrigued by this:
“A number of colleges in Louisiana — including Tulane, Loyola University, Nicholls State and Dillard — cited the use of distance learning technologies as one method by which they’re hoping to avoid the disruption of curriculum delivery by Gustav or future storms.”
And, finally:
“… Father Wildes [President of Loyola University of New Orleans] concedes that he never imagined that as a university president he’d spend as much time planning for disasters as he does now. From terrorist attacks to natural disasters to campus shootings, university presidents at institutions large and small are increasingly occupied by planning for worst case scenarios, he said.”