Addressing Campus Climate Flashpoints

Log in to view this resource, or learn more about Strategic Advisory Services.

Climate flashpoints are the new normal, as all types of colleges and universities grapple with a wide range of incidents on campus. Flashpoints are climate-related incidents or events that cause disturbances in the community or media, including heightened levels of activism, media and public scrutiny, and reputational damage.

While student affairs, campus safety, and/or university communications may take the lead in responding to a particular incident, it is critical that all senior institutional leaders have a baseline understanding of the current flashpoint landscape. Effectively addressing climate flashpoints is a campus-wide challenge that requires thoughtful preparation and discussion long before an incident ever takes place.

This briefing outlines EAB’s five recommendations to improve institutional preparation and response for climate flashpoints. We recommend reviewing this briefing as a senior leadership team to identify strengths and prioritize areas of improvement.