Making Connections: A Network Approach to University Disaster Preparedness

A network approach to disaster preparedness in university settings is described. Basic network concepts relevant for disaster preparedness and methods for analyzing network data without complex mathematics are presented. A case study of campus mental health and academic units at a midwestern university is presented to illustrate the practical application of network techniques. Results of the network study indicate the existence of few structural ties among organizational units in the university community and highlight untapped resources available in the event of a disaster. The use of network techniques as a catalyst for increased university coordination and mobilization of resources following a disaster is discussed.