Crisis and Issues Management

What We Do

Led by the Executive Director for Issues Management, the UMC team works alongside university leaders, departments, and others to plan for and respond effectively to issues, emergencies and critical situations. Through a coordinated, centralized approach, we develop proactive communication strategies to ensure our campus community receives timely, accurate updates across multiple communication channels. In doing so, we support Wake Forest’s mission and values, protecting the university’s reputation through active, transparent, and responsive communication.

• The Wake Alert website contains emergency notifications and information about alert methods, reporting and preparedness.
• Additional information about how Wake Forest communicates is available in UMC’s “Communications Philosophy & Guidelines.”
• Faculty and staff can find resources, tools and guidance here on preventing doxing incidents and protecting their online presence.

Issues Management

Wake Forest University is committed to identifying and addressing emerging issues that may impact our mission or reputation. The University’s Reputational Resilience Framework provides a structured, collaborative approach to monitoring trends, assessing potential impact, and coordinating thoughtful, strategic responses to issues. By bringing together campus partners to evaluate risks and opportunities, the framework supports informed decision-making, strengthens institutional resilience, and helps the University remain responsive to the needs of its community and stakeholders.

Reputational Resilience Framework

We foster collaboration and provide strategic communications guidance to ensure the University is prepared to navigate complex issues with confidence. Through the framework, we monitor and respond to issues through proactive and strategic campus coordination. 

We assist campus partners:

• Issues identification, monitoring and risk analysis
• Stakeholder impact and analysis 
• Issues management and response strategy 
• Messaging alignment and coordination
• Strategic coordination and campus impact 

Need Strategic Communications Support?

Have an emerging issue, reputational concern, or complex communications challenge? Contact Meagan Coughlin, Executive Director of Issues Management, to discuss the situation. Early engagement allows us to evaluate potential impacts, coordinate with campus partners, and help determine the most effective path forward.

Crisis Communications

Wake Forest University maintains a comprehensive crisis communications plan to support timely, accurate, and coordinated communications before, during, and after significant incidents affecting the University community. The plan establishes communication protocols for sharing timely information with students, faculty, staff, families, alumni, and the public, helping ensure stakeholders receive clear, consistent, and accurate information. The plan supports a coordinated University response and is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect evolving best practices, emerging risks, and lessons learned. 

Contact Us

For questions about the crisis communications plan or to request training, presentations, or departmental planning support, contact Meagan Coughlin, Executive Director of Issues Management.