Higher education institutions across the United States have experienced tightened budgets because of fluctuating enrollment rates, increasing costs, and a surge in security demands. As a result, facilities managers have had to make strategic cuts and reallocate resources without compromising efficiency, safety, and compliance.
Investing in new technologies and training is crucial for surveillance and preparedness. These six tips can help managers champion transparency and build stakeholder confidence when implementing necessary changes.
1. Prioritize Critical Security Needs
According to the 2024 Commonfund Higher Education Price Index Report, U.S. colleges and universities saw a 3.4% inflation rate increase in 2024. While lower than the 4% rate in 2023, it remains much higher than 2020’s rate of 1.9%.
Higher costs and budget constraints mean facilities managers must carefully assess campus risks, pinpointing and prioritizing the most critical security threats. The process requires them to determine susceptibilities, review incident reports, and field input from institution stakeholders.
With a comprehensive assessment, managers can distribute resources accordingly, upgrade urgent systems, and ensure robust protective measures are in place for high-impact areas.
2. Seek Multiple Funding Sources
Multiple revenue streams are essential for increasing campus-based security. Across the U.S., public funding was over 10% lower per student in 2021 compared to 2001, with deeper cuts in the past year under the current administration.
Seeking grants and alternative funding can help facilities managers implement stringent safety standards to defend campus grounds, staff, and students. They can begin by locating grants that pertain to campus protection. For example, the U.S. Department of Education may fund new technologies for cutting-edge security and emergency preparedness. Similar local and state funding opportunities may also be available.
Regional businesses and security technology suppliers could also support open collaboration with higher education institutions by co-funding projects or offering resources to alleviate budget shortfalls.
3. Leverage Technology for Cost-Effective Security
Integrated surveillance systems and remote monitoring are ideal options for enhancing campus security. Automated systems deploy adaptable, multipurpose technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline incident response workflows. This enables facilities managers to perform economical manual fixes using remote control interventions. Meanwhile, even with limited monetary resources, AI-powered cameras boost precise threat detection.
Michigan State University is one institution that is making its campus safer with the latest technologies. The school has implemented AI-driven surveillance that allows managers to monitor foot traffic, scan individuals for weapons, and alert to suspicious behaviors in real time.
4. Optimize Staffing and Training
Security threats are rising, both to brick-and-mortar facilities and the cyber sphere. Phishing accounted for 90% of data breaches in 2021, while global enterprises uncovered 493 million ransomware attacks the following year.
Research also shows that human error is the primary cause of cybersecurity risks. Negligent conduct led to over 8.5 billion compromised records in 2019. The findings underscore the need to enhance staff security awareness by optimizing training.
Facilities managers should cross-train employees to handle several responsibilities, including standard screenings, maintenance, and emergency preparedness and response. This training approach can improve budgeting by reducing the number of full-time workers, while filling non-critical roles with part-time employees and student workers.
It is crucial to provide ongoing training to all personnel to raise security awareness and operational efficiency. Conducting drills and modifying procedures will create a more resilient, secure campus.
5. Collaborate with Local Law Enforcement
Campus safety departments should collaborate with local law enforcement to strengthen emergency response and increase access to security resources. Participating in training activities with police and first responders will equip facilities managers with the expertise to address wide-ranging threats and disasters.
Maintaining open lines of communication is also vital to boost situational awareness. This type of partnership improves response times and promotes a climate of trust and confidence within the campus community.
6. Communicate Transparently with Stakeholders
Transparent communication is essential during a campus facilities budget deficit, especially in preventing a security crisis. Managers must regularly communicate with administrators, staff, and students about safety guidelines, support systems, and authorized entry points through accessible channels. This could include email newsletters, meetings, and business intelligence dashboards.
Soliciting feedback is an excellent way to engage stakeholders and address concerns and progress. It builds a shared commitment to and investment in campus safety, irrespective of costs.
Remaining Secure in Lean Times
When faced with budget deficits, campus facilities managers must get creative in ramping up on-campus and digital security. Proper resource allocation and collaboration with various stakeholders will enable them to remain proactive when funds are tighter than usual.
Zac Amos covers smart homes, cybersecurity, and other trending tech topics and is the features editor at ReHack. For more of his work, follow him on X or LinkedIn.