Iowa State University Office of Risk Management wordmark
Word cloud with risk management related terms, such as mitigation, control, probability, resources, etc.
April 2021 Update
Announcements
Youth Programs Symposium scheduled for April 23, 2021
The Office of Risk Management will host a Youth Programs Symposium on Friday, April 23, 2021 from 8:30 am - 1:00 pm. The symposium is open to youth program leaders, staff and other individuals interested in conducting successful youth programs at Iowa State. We'll discuss policies, procedures and best practices; share challenges and successes; and identify the campus services and resources that can help. Registration is open through April 19.
Volunteer policy updates

The university Volunteers policy recently was reviewed and updated. Changes include

  • updated volunteer opportunity registration process and procedures.
  • clarification of document retention requirements.
  • updated liability protection language.
  • National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) check minimum requirements.

Volunteers and departments/units who authorize and supervise them are encouraged to review the policy and our website for more information.
New international travel insurance provider
The university has selected OnCall International to provide international travel insurance. The plan provides basic and emergency medical insurance, security evacuation services, emergency travel assistance, and destination-specific safety and security information. All travelers on ISU-sponsored international travel are automatically enrolled when they register a trip as required by the international travel registration policy. Program-specific information soon will be available on ORM's International Health & Safety Insurance webpage. Questions can be directed to the contacts listed there or to [email protected].
Reminder - how to reach us

ORM's office at 1700 Administrative Services Building remains closed at this time, but you can reach staff during normal business hours.


General inquiries:
515-294-7711

Campus mail is regularly monitored. Participation agreements/waivers may be scanned and emailed to the address above or sent in campus mail.
Survey: risk management topics
When defining "risk management," people often think of insurance and loss prevention. While those are important components of a robust risk management program, there are other areas in which our office can help you positively impact Iowa State's financial, physical and reputational well-being. In future newsletters, we'll discuss topics helpful to risk owners across campus. Please take a moment to complete our one-question survey and tell us what topic(s) you'd like to see here.
Question of the month:
 
What is 'risk'?
 
According to ISO 31000 risk management standards, risk is simply defined as the "effect of uncertainty on objectives." Risk can be positive, negative or both, and can address, create or result in opportunities and threats.
 
While most are familiar with negative risks (property loss, liability claims), there can be an upside to risk - opportunity. Understanding the nature, likelihood and potential impact of risks can inform decision-making and play a role in cultivating a culture of innovation and creativity.
Have a question about risk management?

Email it to [email protected] and we may feature it in a future newsletter.
Spotlight on:
Brandy Cunningham
Brandy joined ORM in 2019 as youth and volunteers programs manager. She previously worked with ISU's Program for Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE).

My role:

I help individuals and departments navigate ISU’s policies and procedures for youth programs and volunteers. That can include training youth program leaders, running background checks on volunteers, or helping student leaders understand best practices when working with youth. The best compliment I can receive at work is “that was helpful”- I hope that our campus community looks to us as a resource and support!


What I like best about working for ORM and ISU:

I love that I get to work with so many different departments and professionals across campus! As a teen, I was involved in a youth program held on college campuses across Iowa (first as a participant and then as a volunteer), and that got me interested in higher education as a career. Now that involvement feels like it has come full circle with my current job.
Photo of Brandy Cunningham, youth and volunteer programs manager, and family
Brandy with husband Lawrence and children Brooks, Emerson and Asher
Fun facts about me:

  • We have a family goal to visit all US National Parks by the time our kids graduate high school. A few summers ago, we drove an RV from Ames to LA and hit up five NPs along the way. COVID has put a damper on our family travels, but we’re dreaming of our next adventure. 

  • I’m an Army kid so I’ve lived many places, including overseas, but I went to high school in Winterset, so I consider myself a small town Iowa girl at heart.