Comparative Analysis of Emergency Management Systems in Higher Education Institutions Worldwide: Lessons for the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Higher Education Institutions in Greece

Abstract

The present study primarily focuses on the extent of Emergency Management (EM) preparedness at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), benchmarking best practices from leading Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) internationally. Methodologically, it has applied: (a) a systematic literature review over frameworks and international standards of EM; (b) seven international HEI comparative analyses based on available public plans, organizational structures, and EM protocols; and (c) empirical assessment that includes NKUA plus thirteen Greek HEIs through qualitative semi-structured interviews together with a quantitative questionnaire answered by 53 administrative plus technical staff having operational responsibilities in EM. The results expose major structural-operational deficiencies at Greek HEIs. There is no centralized EM directorate, interoperability with public authorities is limited, preparedness drills and emergency planning are conducted in fragmented ways, while systematic provisions for vulnerable groups are absent. In comparison, the international HEIs we studied - UC Berkeley, UBC, the University of Oxford, UCL, the University of Sydney, the University of Tokyo, and the University of Canterbury have integrated mature EM systems based on regularly revised Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) as well as: multi-channel alerting systems, physical & cyber security 24/7, institutionalized drills and accessibility measures for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Considering all the above, a six-pillar organizational model is proposed specifically for Greek HEIs including: 1) institutionalized EM governance, 2) integrated 24/7 physical and cyber security, 3) preparedness drills and training programs on a constant basis, 4) ISO-and FEMA compliant interoperable EOPs (inclusive EOPs covering all functions and operations aligned with both international standards and best practices), 5) digital multi-channel emergency alerting and 6) formal cooperation framework with external authorities via Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). This proposed organization for Greek HEIs is depicted in Figure10 through an Emergency Management Directorate and more specifically targeted policy recommendations listed inTable3. This study provides a framework for EM in HEIs, proposing preparedness and resilience measures thus adding to the existing relative literature. The flexibility of the proposed framework allows its implementation even in HEIs with fragmented governance environments or under resource constraints. A necessity for a transition from a reactive crisis response to proactive preparedness is highlighted by the findings of the study, aiming at structuring safe, resilient and sustainable HEIs.