Teaching Campus Crisis Management Through Case Studies: Moving Between Theory and Practice

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the learning outcomes of an exercise intended to introduce student affairs professionals to crisis management skills and competencies. Ten student affairs professionals, from various functional areas, were observed as they collaboratively worked through an interactive, sequential, crisis-related case study exercise. Observational data were combined with participants’ written reflections about the process. Findings suggest that such an exercise is an effective method of practicing and honing crisis management skills.