NCHERM Featured in the Pittsburgh Examiner.com

Beth Calvano, Pittsburgh Adult Education Examiner
September 14, 2011

Risk management has become a critical issue for institutions of higher learning. A proactive approach is taken by the National Center for Higher Education Risk Management (NCHERM). The organization teaches problem-solving and culture change strategies to colleges and universities. The NCHERM offers expertise in many areas including sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, threat management, litigation management, emergency management, classroom management, hazing, campus safety, culture change initiatives, disruptive students, student suicide, problem drinking, and investigations. These topics are most relevant and significant for campuses today (NCHERM, 2011). The Community College of Allegheny County, PA and other colleges utilize the NCHERM’s Special Counsel Program, and keep them on retainer.

The NCHERM (2011) is a vast resource in that it promotes consulting services, publications, student programs, events, online courses, behavioral intervention/threat assessments, strategic partners, free policies/protocols, testimonials, legal resources, and relevant published articles. Upcoming webinars and seminars include topics such as background checks for all new hires, identifying possible school shooters, and training for hearing officers, boards, appeals panels, and campus Title IX coordinators.

Student programs include “Drunk Sex or Date Rape: Can You Tell the Difference,” “What if the Plane Blew Up? A Program About Empowering Bystander Intervention,” “10 Things Every Student Should Know About Drinking,” and “What You Don’t Know About Hazing Can Kill You” (NCHERM, 2011).

The Behavioral Intervention/ Threat Assessment, College University Behavioral Intervention Team (CUBIT) Model was created in response to campus shootings that began in 2007 (NCHERM, 2011). CUBIT focuses on the prevention of these violent incidents. Research has shown that campus shooters usually exhibit certain behaviors before they act. The CUBIT model was developed using research from the Virginia Tech investigation and research done by task forces, the Department of Education, the FBI, and the Secret Service (NCHERM, 2011).

The NCHERM is an important resource for colleges, universities, faculty, and students. The website is located @www.ncherm.org/index.php

Reference:
NCHERM. (2011). The National Center for Higher Education. Retrieved from
www.ncherm..org/index.php