Risks Facing Higher Education
Higher education institutions have traditionally represented tradition and community over the years. Today, however, these campuses face a much more complex reality. They operate in an environment marked by rapid change, increased scrutiny, and rising exposure to various risks.
The challenges are no longer limited to budget cuts or student enrollment fears. Campuses across the United States must be prepared for the potential of sophisticated cyber threats, escalating mental health needs, unpredictable severe weather, and a regulatory landscape that leaves little room for error. In this evolving climate, relying on traditional thinking is no longer a sustainable approach. Institutions must be equipped not only with a detailed plan in the event of a crisis but also the ability to implement strategies that safeguard them from potential legal, financial, and reputational jeopardy. Higher education institutions across the United States are facing a wide range of crises, many of which have worsened in recent years.
Cybersecurity & Data Privacy
Cybersecurity threats have surged across higher education. Universities store large volumes of personally identifiable information (PII), financial data, and research materials, making them prime targets. The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report highlights that colleges and universities are among the most frequently targeted sectors for ransomware and phishing attacks, due to their expansive data systems and limited IT defenses. At least 48 institutions experienced significant cyber incidents in 2023 alone, resulting in exposure of FERPA-protected records and, in some cases, operational disruptions.
Mental Health
Mental health remains one of the most urgent and complex challenges facing college campuses. In 2023, the American College Health Association found that 76% of surveyed students reported moderate to serious psychological distress, with long wait times and limited continuity of care cited as persistent issues. Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death among college students, highlighting the need for expanded access to counseling, telehealth partnerships, and peer support programs.
Active Shooter Preparedness
The real challenge of campus violence lies in prevention and preparedness. Institutions are increasingly expected not only to respond to emergencies but also to anticipate them early on. Ensuring that students, faculty, and staff know how to recognize and report concerning behavior is just as important as having trained responders and secure facilities. A proactive safety culture, grounded in communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement, can help mitigate risks before they escalate.
Severe Weather & Climate Crisis
In 2023 and 2024 combined, FEMA issued at least 16 major disaster declarations that directly impacted higher education institutions, spanning severe storms, flooding, hurricanes, and wildfires. These events disrupted campus operations, damaged physical infrastructure, and tested emergency response protocols, highlighting the urgent need for institutions to invest in continuity planning, emergency communication systems, and climate-resilient facility design. Taken together, this data presents a complex and evolving picture of the crisis environment in higher education. Institutions must prepare not only for high-profile incidents but also for the potential effects of internal vulnerabilities and resource limitations.
Sexual Violence and Campus Accountability
Sexual violence remains both widespread and underreported in higher education institutions. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), about 26.4% of undergraduate women and 6.8% of men experience sexual assault while in college, yet fewer than 10% of these cases are reported to campus authorities. Institutions need to ensure that reporting mechanisms are accessible, clearly communicated, staff are properly trained, and students feel supported throughout the process. Without a coordinated strategy, even well-meaning efforts can fall short.
How Sentinel Can Help
The risks and potential crises facing higher education institutions are multifaceted and evolving rapidly. Protecting students, faculty, assets, and reputation requires not only awareness of these exposures but also a strategic approach to risk management.
Our firm specializes in partnering with institutions to assess their unique risk profiles, develop comprehensive crisis management plans, and implement insurance solutions designed to mitigate financial, legal, and reputational impacts. Together, we help campuses build resilience and confidently face the uncertainties of today’s higher education landscape.
Sentinel provides access to industry experts who can help organizations grasp key concepts related to risk, safety, and compliance. We offer an array of services, including, but not limited to, onsite assessments, crisis management planning & communication, loss analysis, training, and more, to suit your company’s specific risk engineering solutions. Contact Sentinel today to learn how we can support your risk management strategy and safeguard your success.
