As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the University of Balamand, my role has extended far beyond the conventional boundaries of operational management, particularly in the context of Lebanon’s prolonged crisis. Over the past five years, Lebanon has seen economic turmoil, political instability, a global pandemic, and most recently a war. Overseeing comprehensive crisis management and strategic oversight involves a proactive and multifaceted approach to navigating uncertainties and ensuring stability. This responsibility is particularly crucial in a context like Lebanon, where educational institutions face ongoing economic, political, and societal challenges.
Crisis Preparedness and Response
Effective crisis management required a well-prepared response mechanism tailored to the unique risks faced by the institution. Crisis response planning was developed and regularly updated to address potential scenarios such as political unrest, economic instability, health emergencies, and natural disasters. This plan includes clear protocols for communication, decision-making, and logistical arrangements to ensure continuity of operations.
Maintaining a resilient infrastructure was the key to minimizing disruptions during crisis. Ensuring robust IT infrastructure capable of supporting remote operations was crucial, especially for continuity in academic delivery, along with strengthening cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information and prevent data breaches.
Physical infrastructure readiness was observed by overseeing the maintenance and upgrading of physical facilities to ensure they are secure and adaptable to various needs during a crisis. This included ensuring that buildings are structurally sound, energy systems are reliable, and emergency supplies are readily available.
Supply chain management was maintained by implementing strategies to stabilize the supply chain for critical resources such as laboratory equipment, medical supplies, and food services. This involved diversifying suppliers and maintaining strategic reserves of essential items to mitigate the impact of supply disruptions.
Health and Safety Protocols
Ensuring the health and safety of the university community during crisis is a primary responsibility. In an environment such as Lebanon’s, where various crises—war being the latest most devastating one—can impact operations, robust health and safety protocols are vital.
Comprehensive health guidelines addressing everything from emergency medical responses to disease prevention, were created following international best practices and local health regulations.
Psychological support and mental health services were enforced by expanding the availability of mental health services to address the increased stress and anxiety caused by the war. This included providing access to counseling services—including services supporting those directly affected by traumatic events—mental health workshops, and support groups that assist students and staff in managing their mental well-being.
Health surveillance systems were implemented to monitor the well-being of the campus community. These systems can track the incidence of illnesses, allowing for timely interventions when unusual patterns are detected. Regularly assessing campus facilities by checking ventilation systems, water supply, cleanliness, and waste disposal methods helped prevent environmental health risks.
Establishing strong partnerships with local health authorities and our hospitals network was needed to ensure coordinated responses to health emergencies. These collaborations will provide the university with access to additional medical resources and expertise, enhancing the overall effectiveness of health protocols.
Collaborating on public health campaigns that promote health awareness among students and staff was performed. These campaigns can focus on vaccination, disease prevention, and healthy lifestyle choices, contributing to a healthier campus environment.
Prioritizing health and safety helped the university to maintain a secure and supportive environment that is conducive to learning and working, even in the face of significant challenges. By implementing robust preparedness plans, maintaining resilient infrastructure and ensuring the health and safety of the community, the COO ensures that the university is not only prepared to handle current challenges but is also well-positioned to thrive in the future.
Operational and Strategic Framework Enhancements
As COO, enhancing the operational frameworks involves strategic oversight across several key departments, each integral to maintaining robust operations and ensuring the institution’s resilience in times of crisis. In the Information Technology (IT) department, my role involves directing efforts to bolster our digital infrastructure which is crucial for supporting hybrid learning models and remote operations. This encompasses expanding our Learning Management Systems (LMS) to facilitate seamless online education and enhancing cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive university data against potential cyber threats, particularly vital during crisis when reliance on digital platforms increases. Similarly, managing the Human Resources (HR) department is crucial for ensuring effective recruitment, retention, and development of faculty and staff.
Additionally, overseeing the construction and maintenance department involves ensuring the timely completion of capital projects and the regular upkeep of existing facilities. Strategic planning in this area addresses the growing needs of the university while ensuring sustainability and compliance with safety standards, which are paramount during crises that can impact physical infrastructure. Leading the procurement department involves navigating the complexities of acquiring goods and services that meet our quality standards and cost-efficiency, while ensuring that operations remain uninterrupted, and resources are readily available. Lastly, supervising campus services ensures that all aspects of campus operations, from security to transportation and fleet management, run smoothly.
Academic and Administrative Innovation
Innovation in academic delivery and administrative operations is essential to maintaining the relevance and competitiveness of our educational offerings, particularly in times of crisis. By working closely with academic leaders to continuously adapt our curriculum, we ensure it meets the evolving needs of the job market and aligns with both local and international standards, making our students well-prepared even in unstable times. These strategic innovations in curriculum and operations are vital for ensuring that the university can swiftly adapt and respond to crisis, maintaining continuity in education and administrative functions without sacrificing quality or security.
Community Support and Outreach Programs
The university’s engagement with the local community is a critical aspect of our operations, extending well beyond the academic sphere. As COO, I actively oversee various outreach initiatives. Civic engagement projects, such as the Balamand Civil Society Support Project, are designed to address specific community needs including health, education, and economic development, and have been crucial in providing aid to families affected by the local crisis. Recently, this project has been instrumental in supporting displaced citizens due to the current conflict, providing not just educational support but also essential medical aid, clothing, and food. This comprehensive support enhances our responsiveness to community emergencies. Additionally, fostering volunteering and service-learning programs encourages both students and staff to engage in activities that benefit the local community. These programs not only address immediate community needs but also instill a strong sense of civic responsibility and ethical leadership in our students.
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations
Building and maintaining strategic partnerships are essential for amplifying the impact of our academic programs and research initiatives, particularly in strengthening our crisis management capabilities. Industry partnerships with local and international businesses ensure that our academic programs are closely aligned with market needs, thereby enhancing the employability of our graduates and providing them with practical experiences through joint research projects, internships, and co-op opportunities. Additionally, engaging with government bodies and NGOs not only helps influence public policy and secure funding for critical projects but also enhances our capacity to contribute to educational reforms and regional development efforts. These strategic relationships are pivotal in enabling the university to respond effectively to crisis, ensuring continuity in education and research, and supporting community and national resilience.
Public Policy Influence and Advocacy
The International Forum on Lebanon Revival Plan “From Myth to Reality,” hosted under the leadership of Dr. Elias Warrak, President of the University of Balamand, is set to address the significant challenges facing Lebanon’s economic, higher education, and healthcare sectors. The forum aims to transition from idealistic visions to practical solutions, bringing together keynote speakers and panelists from diverse backgrounds to propose viable strategies for national recovery. This initiative is part of the University of Balamand’s ongoing commitment to influencing public policy and enhancing community welfare. By actively participating in such policy advisory panels and hosting influential forums, the university bridges the gap between academia, industry, and policymakers, fostering discussions that lead to actionable insights and robust policy reforms. This engagement is crucial for effective crisis management, ensuring the institution is both a contributor to and leader in national efforts to stabilize and revitalize Lebanon, supporting the broader community in times of need.
Alumni Engagement
Maintaining a robust alumni network is crucial for fostering enduring relationships that benefit both the University of Balamand and its graduates, playing a key role in crisis management and resilience. We actively develop alumni networks and associations that facilitate ongoing engagement through various channels, including events, newsletters, and social platforms. Additionally, we offer a range of lifelong learning opportunities and professional development courses to our alumni, ensuring that they remain connected to the university and continue to advance in their careers.
Futureproofing the Institution
Looking towards the future, the following strategic planning and sustainability initiatives are critical.
Long-Term Strategic Planning: engaging in detailed scenario planning and developing long-term strategies that anticipate future challenges and opportunities in higher education.
Innovation in Education: championing the adoption of new technologies and teaching methodologies that position the university as a leader in educational innovation.
Sustainability Initiatives: Leading efforts to ensure that all university operations are environmentally sustainable and economically viable, preparing the institution to meet future educational demands and societal challenges.
The role of the university COO at a university during times of major upheaval is both diverse and dynamic. It involves not only navigating the university through immediate challenges but also strategically positioning it for future success. By overseeing critical operational departments, enhancing academic and administrative frameworks, and fostering community engagement, the COO ensures that the university remains a beacon of stability, innovation, and growth. As we continue to adapt and evolve, our focus remains steadfast on delivering an education that is not only comprehensive and inclusive but also transformative, preparing our students to be resilient leaders in an ever-changing world.
