Page 42 - Campus Security & Life Safety, March/April 2019

By April Musser, PE, CFPS, MBA
The Constantly Changing Landscape of
Risk in Campus Environments
risk management
Change is inevitable, here’s how to assess risk in the face of it
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campuslifesecurity.com | March/April 2019
One of the most pervasive enemies of risk mitigation protocols and fea- tures is change. One of the most pervasive features of any facility, but especially campus environ- ments such as universities and colleges, is constant change. For this reason, risk control is not a “once and done” effort concluded upon the opening and occupancy of a newly constructed or remodeled facility. In fact,
changes to the landscape of risk happen often, even in the absence of such obvious modifications. Some changes happen so slowly and innocuously, such as changing research goals that result in different equip- ment or procedures, that only the most vigi- lant process would identify the resulting impact on facility risk. As a result, risk assessment studies, risk mitigation features, and emergency response preplanning require
periodic review and update.
Campus environments for colleges and
universities present a unique challenge. Inno- vation and growth are necessary in these environments, but one must not overlook the increased risk these changes introduce. It seems many such campuses are constantly in a state of flux, with construction projects ranging from new construction, to renova- tions, to additions. Legacy facilities may be