Protest management and encampment leads large university to re-evaluate its approach
Situation:
Like many universities, this large institution had struggled with how to respond to protests that had disrupted high-profile events, including Commencement, and an increasingly tense and entrenched encampment at the center of campus. BMCG was asked to conduct a wide-ranging assessment of the strategic role of leadership, operational and public safety capabilities, as well as communications and reputational risk. The project was lead by the president’s office.
Actions / Recommendations:
Six BMCG team members interviewed over 50 people as part of the assessment, including leadership, emergency management, and law enforcement, select board members, and others with direct roles in response
Developed two separate reports with recommendations addressing protest management protocols, training, crisis management, and crisis communications
Conducted multiple on-site facilitated leadership sessions to share the assessment and bring key leaders along with the recommended changes required.
Results:
BMCG continues to support the institution as it codifies and formalizes a wide range of changes.
