While the detected cases of swine flu have begun to decrease and the red alerts are beginning to slow, Gary Rhodes, director of the center for global education at Loyola Marymount University said colleges and universities should learn from this experience.
“Institutions still need to keep an eye on the situation,” Rhodes said. “I’d say most universities have a plan on campus and for study abroad, but … it’s important to test your plan and it requires continuous quality improvement.”
Rhodes added some institutions are doing more than others. A website controlled by his organization guides institutions and students on how to best handle emergency situations in the future.
The website encourages students to take the time and effort to get a good understanding of the places they choose to study and develop their plans for what to do in terms of safety and health, Rhodes said.
He said it is even more important to practice and carry out the plans to ensure their success and wipe out any technical kinks.
“There’s not one way to respond,” Rhodes said. “It’s important that an institution does its do-diligence, connects with its domestic and international partners, and uses all possible resources to understand their situation and the realities for the programs in place.”
Rhodes added colleges must create their plans on a case-by-case basis and personalize them based on the students, places and programs.
According to University of Wisconsin spokesperson John Lucas, the university endorses Rhodes’ advice and is continuing to work to make emergency response plans the best they can be.
Lucas said the university just recently developed an International Emergency Response Committee in response to the swine flu.
Though the school has had programs prior to the swine flu, Lucas said the committee will be a more “formal” method of tackling such issues in the future.
The group is currently deciding how to best handle travel abroad programs in Mexico, Lucas added.
“We’re looking out for not only students, but also faculty who are traveling and people specialized in these areas are keeping an eye on it,” Lucas said. “If something pops up, we’ll convene and figure out where to go from there.”
