Crisis Communications for Higher Education: Planning, Management, and Reputation in a Volatile World

by Marissa Bruette

Mar 17, 2026 01:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Slice University for a webinar that arms college and university administrators and communicators with essential strategies for navigating and communicating through the complex crises facing higher education today. In an era of intense public scrutiny, rapid-fire social media, and evolving threats, a single misstep in communication can jeopardize institutional trust, enrollment, and reputation. This session moves beyond basic emergency protocols to address the full spectrum of internal and external crises that challenge modern campuses. This webinar provides actionable guidance for managing both predictable and emerging threats, including Campus Violence & Safety Threats, Student Health & Welfare, Ethical & Compliance Issues, Cybersecurity & Data Breaches, Socio-Political Upheaval, Financial & Enrollment Threats, and Media & Public Scrutiny. The panelists will cover: A Proactive Playbook: Develop a flexible, all-hazards crisis communications plan that defines clear roles, responsibilities, and decision-making protocols before a crisis hits. Managing the Stakeholder Ecosystem: Master the nuanced communication required for students, faculty, parents, alumni, the board, and external media outlets simultaneously. Speed, Transparency, and Empathy: Learn to craft and deliver messages that are quick, factual, consistent, and demonstrate genuine compassion for all members of the campus community. Social Media Management: Strategies for monitoring the digital landscape, countering misinformation, and utilizing platforms to deliver real-time updates and supportive resources. Transition to Recovery: Understand the critical steps for post-crisis analysis, reputation repair, and building long-term institutional resilience.