Again, many definitions exist, but most have the common themes of sharing methods to reach shared goals. Frequently, the national evening news highlights a community which has been hit by a natural disaster, for example, an earthquake or flood. Defensive communications proliferated polarizing the groups and deepening community conflict. The above scenario has similarities to what happens on campus after a budget failure at the legislature. Administrators are blamed for the event due their lack of competency.
Administrators blame faculty for their failure to project the best image.
And students scream why should they have to make up the short fall in increased tuition and fees. From the research as well as common experience, community building based on man-made campus disasters hold little promise. Two approaches can serve as illustrations. One is at the macro level where the attempt is to impact a large segment of the community. The other is at the micro level where community is sought in small groups.