This is Not a Firedrill: Crisis Intervention and Prevention on College Campuses

Acknowledgments xi

1 . . . Or a Tornado or Earthquake Drill 1

A Brief History of Crisis Intervention 4

History of Crisis on College Campuses 6

The Contemporary College Scene 9

Summary 13

References 13

2 Boilerplate: The Basics of Crisis Intervention 15

Transcrisis States 18

Universality and Idiosyncrasy 22

Theories of Crisis and Crisis Intervention 23

Applied Crisis Domains 31

Crisis Intervention Models 32

Universal Versus a Focused View of Diversity/Multiculturalism 36

Culturally Biased Assumptions 37

The Environment’s Impact on Cultural Development 38

Culturally Effective Helping 43

Summary 44

References 44

3 Herding Cats: Organizing a Crisis Response 49

Crisis Planning Primer: Common Terms 49

Current State of Crisis Management Planning in Higher Education 56

Building Blocks for Crisis Management Plans 63

Three Cs of Crisis Management Planning 71

Summary 77

References 78

4 Duller Than Dirt . . . More Valuable Than Gold: Policies and Procedures 81

Policy Development 82

Drafting Policy 86

Review of Policy Drafts 91

Basic Risk Management Recommendations 98

Summary 100

References 101

Appendix: Sample Threats Policy 103

5 The Best of Times and the Worst of Times: The Tale of Two Laws 105

Tarasoff and Its Impact on Policy 105

Virginia Tech Inspector General Report: Going Beyond Tarasoff 107

Virginia Tech Counseling Center Actions Taken 108

Virginia Tech Follow-Up System 120

Summary 122

References 123

6 Reality Check: Entry into the System 125

Consulting 126

Practice 129

Case Study: Central University 134

Summary 135

References 135

Appendix: Case Study: Crisis at Central University 137

7 What You See Is What You Get . . . or Maybe Not: Assessment of the System 141

Chronosystem System 142

Organizational Factors Affected by a Crisis 179

Timeline for Assessment 188

Assessment Procedures 191

Methods for Assessment 193

Summary 199

References 199

8 No Rest for the Weary: System Recovery After a Crisis 203

Eight-Step Model for Organizations 203

Using the Eight-Step Model 217

Nine Intervention Strategies 222

Summary 230

References 230

9 Not Buying a Pig in a Poke 233

Understanding Threats 234

Triage Assessment Scale for Students in Learning Environments (TASSLE) 239

Threat Assessment Teams 251

Summary 267

References 268

10 Basic Training 271

The Eight-Step Model of Crisis Intervention in College Environments (Individuals) 271

Moving on the Directive, Collaborative, Nondirective Continuum 279

Tools of the Trade 281

Don’ts 290

Basic Strategies of Crisis Intervention 293

Listening and Responding in Crisis Intervention 299

Facilitative Listening in Crisis Intervention 299

Acting in Crisis Intervention: Staying Safe 306

Stages of Intervention 310

Rules of the Road 317

Summary 320

References 321

11 One Day at a Time: Survivorship in the Aftermath 325

Survivorship 326

Remembrance Services 329

Memorials 333

Survivor Recovery 335

Summary 341

References 341

12 Leadership Checklist: Preparing Your Campus for Crisis 345

Make Crisis Planning a Leadership Imperative 346

Ensure Understanding of FERPA, HIPAA, and OSHA 346

Develop a Crisis Management Plan 346

Make the Budget Available 347

Insist on Multiple Copies of Disaster Plans and Infrastructure Drawings 347

Ensure Comprehensive Assessment of Each Critical Incident 347

Ensure Proper Communication and Dissemination of Information 348

Ensure the Accuracy of Your Student Contact Information 348

Communicate and Partner with Outside Agencies 349

Require Regular Crisis Training and Situational Exercises 349

Be Prepared to Take the Lead and Use Different Methods 349

Seek Counsel on Risk-Management Recommendations 350

Develop a Comprehensive Recovery Plan 350

Be Prepared to Utilize Recovery to Achieve Long-Term Goals 350

Determine Alternatives to Minimize Enrollment Loss 351

Identify Resources on Your Campus 351

Remember: People First! 351

Author Index 353

Subject Index 359