Risk Centers
Where do our risks stem from?
The risk assessment process incorporates a framework that clusters significant/ critical risks by risk center. This grouping is designed to promote a sense of risk ownership and accountability. Each risk center has one or more senior leaders that oversee the risks within that center. The 13 risk centers are described here.
Academic Affairs
Goal: The University System aims to set academic policy that results in a superior learning environment
Threats to: Academic excellence due to ineffective academic strategies, inappropriate standards or poor fiscal management
Consequences: a loss of reputation, reduced academic rankings among peers, an inability to compete for quality faculty or students, and reduced research support, among others
Athletics
Goal: Maintain a high-quality, successful, and compliant athletic program that attracts high caliber student-athletes and ensures their safety and academic success
Threats to: Integrity and quality of the athletic program due to substance abuse or other inappropriate/criminal conduct of student-athlete or coaches; Student-athlete injury or safety due to lack of safety education, oversight; Student-athlete academic success
Consequences: Loss of reputation, ability to attract successful athletes, loss of revenue stream, loss of fan support
Business and Finance
Goal: Ensure the processes required to carry out goals are appropriate and cost-effective
Threats to: Attainment of mission due to ineffective organizational processes resulting from, among other things, lack of accountability, poor change management, dysfunctional departments or business units
Consequences: Loss of reputation; weakened financial position and flexibility; inability to attract / retain high-quality faculty and staff
External Relations
Goal: Maintain strong, beneficial relationships with governmental bodies, alumni and business partners
Threats to: Relationships with governmental bodies, alumni and business partners arising from, among other things, poor communications, ineffective strategies or lack of coordination
Consequences: Reduced state budget appropriations and other detrimental financial impacts; strained relationships with state and local governments; reduced philanthropy; soured business partner relationships
Facilities & Utilities
Goal: Ensure all university infrastructure is conducive to a safe, productive work and learning environment
Threats to: Infrastructure integrity due to decay and deterioriation through use and aging, student and faculty safety due to improper maintenance
Consequences: Significant financial costs for the university, loss of reputation, bodily harm to all users of university facilities, decreased productivity
Governance & Organizational
Goal: Ensure appropriate governance and a capable, nimble organization
Threats to: Achievement of educational, research and public service goals resulting from, among other things, ineffective leadership, deficient organizational effectiveness, lack of cohesiveness
Consequences: Loss of reputation; inability to compete for / retain quality faculty and staff; unacceptable financial position
Health System
Goal: Provide high-quality medical education to students and excellent services to patients
Threats to: Quality of patient care and medical education resulting from, among other things, ineffective processes, obsolete facilities, organizational issues, increased provider competition
Consequences: Litigation; inability to hire/retain high-quality faculty and staff; reduced financial viability; increasingly unattractive payer mix
Human Resources
Goal: Attract and retain a highly capable workforce
Threats to: Recruitment and retention of high-quality employees resulting from, among other things, poor working conditions, inappropriate procedures, cultural issues
Consequences: Inability to hire/retain a quality work-force; poor workplace culture; ineffective labor relations
Information Technology
Goal: Provide cost-effective technology services and up to date, reliable systems and hardware to support all stakeholders
Threats to: University processes dependent on technology systems resulting from, among other things, system security issues, hardware/software capabilities, lack of network integrity
Consequences: Inability to perform vital teaching and research activities; reduced ability to hire/retain high-quality faculty/staff; loss of information; privacy violations; breach of network security
Research
Goal: Maintain a high-quality program resulting in new ideas that benefit society and translate promising research into viable commercial ventures
Threats to: Research mission and activities resulting from, among other things, inability to attract sufficient grants and other funding, inability to attract highly-qualified faculty/researchers, inability to provide quality facilities
Consequences: Loss of reputation; loss of grant monies and gifts; weakened financial condition; negative impact on educational mission
Safety
Goal: Ensure a safe environment for all students, faculty, and staff
Threats to: Campus community and property; faculty and students studying, working, and volunteering abroad; crisis mitigation plans and disaster recovery; energy processes and infrastructure, laboratory and research safety
Consequences: Harmful actions against campus community and/or property; unsafe environment for students, faculty, and staff
Student Affairs
Goal: Ensure all students have opportunities for personal and professional growth
Threats to: Student well-being, cultural satisfaction, educational excellence as a result of, among other things, student inability to acclimate to campus, student substance abuse, poor facilities
Consequences: Poor potential for meaningful student educational experience
Treasury
Goal: Maintain sound fiscal position and strong financial flexibility
Threats to: Financial goals arising from, among other things, state or national economy, poor fiscal planning / management, hazards
Consequences: Lack of financial flexibility, insufficient liquidity, inability to raise capital at reasonable prices
Last Updated: March 6, 2020