1. Building and Improving the Emergency Management Program at The University of Akron Robert M. Schwartz, Ph.D. Stacy L. Willett, Ed.D. The University of Akron

2. Background Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security Major, Minor, Certificate 90 majors Began enrolling students in 1998 ▫FEMA based ▫Public, Private, and Non-Profit

3. Faculty Two full time One shared One adjunct

4. Program Variables Step Up format ▫Roll into the program from “response related” Associate programs Articulation agreements Straight entry

5. Recruiting and Marketing Brochures University webpage University Sponsored College Days Networking Community Involvement/Relationships

6. Student Involvement IAEM Exercises and Drills Research Internships Community based classroom projects ▫Service Learning Practitioner guest speakers/lecturers Training/Certification programs Field Trips

7. Emergency Management Curriculum FEMA and responder oriented at conception Moving from “all in” to integrity based, rigorous program Evolution of Emergency Management needs ▫Private (Business Continuity) ▫Non-Profits (Red Cross and others) ▫Public Health (Hospitals and Public Health Agencies) ▫Technology evolution (dedicated lab for teaching, research and EOC applications) Curriculum that looks to the future of Emergency Management and the changing market needs

8. Successful Strategies Quality, reputable programs take years to establish Faculty involved in research High standards/expectations for students Instilling research and critical skills for decision making early in the program Step up and Articulation agreements Updated curriculum Program expansion opportunities

9. Challenges Budgets and resources Small faculty, heavy load, larger classes Hiring pool Curriculum review Library resources Online vs. Classroom Training vs. Education Moving students out of “response mode” to holistic thinking Inter-college competition for existing students

10. Present and Future Stand alone degree Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Public, Private, and HS Tracks) Online push for new student population Center for Emergency Management and Homeland Security Policy Research Collaboration with other programs (Business and Public Health) Graduate Program