The extent The Role of Public Relations in Preventive Planning for Managing University Crises During the COVID-19 Pandemic (University of Benghazi as a Case Study.

Abstract

This study aims to explore the role of Public Relations (PR) in preventive planning for university crisis management, focusing on the University of Benghazi’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021–2022). This study is classified as descriptive research and adopted the survey method. The researcher utilized a questionnaire as the primary tool for data collection from a sample of (300) respondents. The study gains renewed strategic importance in light of contemporary variables for 2026, as recommendations have been updated to align with global trends, particularly UNESCO’s post-2025 directives regarding digital transformation and institutional resilience. The results revealed a fundamental role for PR in crisis management, specifically in information dissemination and internal communication; however, this role faced organizational and technical obstacles that limited its effectiveness. Accordingly, the study recommends the necessity of restructuring the Public Relations department within the university’s organizational hierarchy to report directly to Senior Management, ensuring the rapid and efficient flow of information during crises. It also calls for adopting digital early-warning systems and developing professional staff to enhance institutional readiness and ensure the sustainability of the educational process in the face of future emergencies.