Security Risk Management Frameworks in the U.S. Community Colleges: Evaluating the DoD Antiterrorism Program's Suitability

This study evaluates the applicability of the Department of Defense Antiterrorism (DoD AT) Program within U.S. community colleges, highlighting the challenges faced by open-access institutions with limited resources. Using a sequential mixed-methods design, the study integrates quantitative and qualitative findings to assess both the strengths and limitations of DoD AT in civilian education. Results indicate that while the framework provides a structured foundation, its adaptability is uneven across institutional contexts. The study introduces the Dynamic Stakeholder-Integrated Security Framework (DSISF), an applied model emphasizing stakeholder engagement, flexible layering, continuous feedback, and inclusion. DSISF offers practical guidance for community college administrators seeking to enhance campus safety within existing constraints. Across 197 responses from 12 states (43.8% response rate), 68% rated DoD AT as effective for preparedness, yet only 39% reported full protocol adoption; DSISF targets these adoption gaps through stakeholder engagement, layered controls, and continuous feedback.