ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the role of essential services in responding to a crisis. Essential services include housing and dining, student activities, and international student services; depending on the culture of an individual campus, other departments could easily be considered essential in nature. The chapter focuses on the process of crisis management as well as recovery and healing initiatives that are the catalyst for reclamation of the campus after a crisis. Creating a partnership with the campus counseling center and religious organizations in advance will enable the unit to anticipate ongoing healing and recovery initiatives. At Virginia Tech, for instance, the crisis occurred toward the end of the spring semester. The university’s location and time of year allowed it to hold its memorial ceremony outdoors. The international student services department provides culturally sensitive programs and resources to international students, scholars, and faculty members during times of crisis.
