Academic continuity capability
We created a repeatable Crisis Response, Recovery and Continuity capability that ensured uninterrupted operations during unanticipated, disruptive events.
The Situation
The 2009 swine flu (H1N1) outbreak had swift and far-reaching impact on colleges and universities across the globe. The U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, effectively characterized the situation as follows: "College-aged students are particularly vulnerable to this virus, and they are not necessarily seeing a doctor on a regular basis".
The emergence of this new virus underscored the need for every higher education institution to be prepared to remain operational in the face of diverse disruptions. Lack of "pandemic planning" could quickly result in overtaxed campus health services, significantly interrupted teaching and learning, and reputational harm.
The Satori Solution
Satori partnered with Blackboard to develop a higher education continuity capability to manage this emerging issue. Key components of the solution included: completion of a Rapid Capability and Education Impact Assessment, development of Pandemic Response and Continuity Plans (in alignment with CDC College and University Pandemic Influenza Guidelines), development of Communication and Training Strategies, and implementation of a Planning Oversight Framework.
The solution was immediately deployable and fulfilled an urgent need, given the unanticipated emergence and rapid spread of H1N1.
The Results
The Satori/Blackboard team launched the new capability via informational webinars that were marketed to over 1,000 higher education CIOs and other college/university leaders. Participation and interest level was extremely high, leading to numerous requests for planning support.
The Satori/Blackboard team was engaged to develop an online/distance learning program for a major Southern University that achieved dual benefit: improved continuity capability and financial sustainability. This repeatable model has continued to garner interest among the higher education community.
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