From the judges: Elon created a model cross-channel, crisis communication strategy for the COVID-19 pandemic response. It was wonderfully organized information in each communication channel (print, digital, web, social), with an excellent dashboard and real-time updates. It is a shining example of how schools should handle a crisis communications plan for a pandemic or other epidemic outbreak.
Elon University Ready and Resilient
Category
Communications > Crisis Management
Description
Gold
Institution: Elon University
Title of entry: Elon University Ready and Resilient
About this entry: The 2019 novel coronavirus impacted the lives of millions around the world, and Elon was no exception. But unlike other institutions, Elon is no stranger to challenges. In 1923, we experienced a fire that destroyed the college’s Main Building. The college rose from the ashes to become today’s thriving institution, providing inspiration for our athletics mascot, the Phoenix. Throughout our history, Elon has proven itself to be resilient in times of adversity.
Elon’s Office of University Communications along with a committee comprised of leaders from all areas of campus, (president’s office, student life, advancement, technology, health services etc.) were tasked with planning out and implementing Elon’s response to the global pandemic.
The committee outlined a schedule of necessary strategies and events that would connect both internal and external audiences. These strategies were designed to give us the opportunity to craft a campus wide response that would support the continuation of the spring semester via remote learning, transition to virtual events for Commencement and prepare the campus for a return to in-person learning in the fall.