Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Availability

Open Access Dissertation

Keywords

Universities and colleges--United States--Communication systems; Communication in crisis management--United States; Emergency communication systems--United States;

Abstract

This research explores the experiences of eight individuals with positional responsibility for the implementation of the Clery Act as a part of a college or university campus community, specifically seeking to understand the use of crisis communication theory in the issuance of timely warnings. Qualitative methods, specifically semi-structured interviews and a content analysis of previously issued timely warnings,were employed. These methods allowed the researcher to explore and seek understanding of a focused area of Clery Act compliance while hearing directly from the individuals charged with managing a detailed and ever complicated process in their efforts to protect their campus communities. Crisis communication theoretical perspectives, including risk communication, renewal theory, and the hear-confirm-understand-decide-respond model of crisis communication were explored for comparison with the steps standardly taken by participants in the issuance of a timely warning. Through this study participants expressed their dedication to the time-consuming, detailed oriented processes associated with Clery to protect their campus communities, albeit with challenges. Specific training for the use of crisis communication theory, the intentional use of crisis communication theory in the issuances of timely warnings, nor collaboration with campus experts for crisis communication was found. The study found that the length of time an individual works with the Clery Act through their career may be the strongest indicator of whether or not they will utilize crisis communication theoretical perspectives in the issuance of a timely warning, not training or established relationships.

Year of Submission

2021

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Department

Department of Educational Psychology, Foundations, and Leadership Studies

First Advisor

David Schmid, Chair

Date Original

2021

Object Description

1 PDF file (vii, 76 pages)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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