ORM Update - September 2021

Announcements

Welcome, Brooke and Beeta! ORM is pleased to announce the following new staff members:

Brooke Lents joined ORM on September 13 as student organization safety coordinator. She will administer a comprehensive student organization safety program, including educational training and support to student organizations, departments and campus partners. She also will conduct annual audits of sport club safety procedures, and liaison between Student Engagement, Recreation Services, Transportation Services and the Office of Risk Management regarding sport club operations. Brooke has a bachelor of science in marketing and a master of business administration from Iowa State University. She previously worked at the ISU Alumni Association, the past five years as director of Alumni Center events.

Beeta Siwik began her position as youth and volunteer programs coordinator on September 13. She will manage the university’s volunteer registration process and work with departments and programs to ensure understanding of and compliance with volunteer program policies and procedures. She also will assist with management of the online Youth Programs and Volunteer Registration System (YPVRS) and support the administration of ISU’s youth-related policies and procedures. Beeta has a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of Minnesota. She has over a decade of experience working with national and regional volunteer programs, most recently as a volunteer and family mentor coordinator with the International Rescue Committee.

Questions about volunteer policy or procedures? Email [email protected].

ORM Trivia

What is the total value of property* insured under ISU's master property policy? $254 million Select $1.72 billion Select $4.96 billion Select $6.27 billion Select

Submit your answer by October 1 - the first 10 with the correct answer will receive an ORM mini first aid kit. * includes buildings and contents, equipment, and business interruption coverage

Risk Management 101

In risk management terms, what do we mean by "likelihood" and "magnitude of consequence"? Likelihood is the chance that something will happen. Consequence refers to the outcome of an event or action, and magnitude reflects the extent of the effects of the consequence/outcome.   We consider likelihood and consequences in all areas of life. For example, we check the weather forecast and adjust our plans accordingly - we may grab an umbrella or put on a rain jacket if a high chance of rain is expected and we plan to go for a walk. The consequence of not having an umbrella or jacket in this case is relatively minor - getting wet. However, if a severe thunderstorm with high wind, hail and lightning is predicted, the umbrella or jacket may not be adequate measures to protect against the additional risk of injury. Avoiding outdoor activities, monitoring a weather radio, evacuating to a basement or lower level are additional actions to reduce the risk of more severe consequences.   Assessing the likelihood and consequences of an activity or event, taking appropriate precautions (i.e., implementing mitigation strategies), and moving forward with a well-developed plan are the hallmarks of good risk management. Have a question or comment about risk management? Email us and we may feature it in a future newsletter.

Spotlight on: Susie Johnson Susie joined ORM in 2008 as a risk analyst and has been director since 2013. She previously held assistant director positions with the Michigan State University Alumni Association and the ISU Alumni Association. She began her professional career as a high school speech and theater teacher. She has a B.A. in communication and theatre arts from the University of Northern Iowa and an M.S. in management, strategy & leadership from Michigan State University. My role: A typical day involves meetings – with ORM staff, others in DPS, colleagues across campus or external stakeholders. I adjust priorities multiple times a week (or even daily) depending on what issues need attention and action. We consult on a great variety of topics, so I stay informed on policies, procedures, events, and initiatives so we can provide strategic and meaningful assistance. What I like best about working for ORM and ISU: I believe good risk management involves understanding people, processes, and goals and valuing continuous improvement and collaboration. Partnerships and relationships are key. This is true in my professional role AND in my personal life - these common threads make this career a great fit for me. It’s enjoyable and rewarding. Our team is so important to me. I value working with colleagues who think critically, offer solutions, challenge assumptions, and care about others. I see and appreciate that in each person on the ORM team. My teammates are definitely my favorite part of working for ORM.

Susie with husband Eric and children Grady, Eli and Zoey. I'm also grateful to be part of the ISU community. Our mission is to create, share, and apply knowledge to make Iowa and the world a better place. This is a lofty expectation – but we do it year after year. I love the camaraderie I’ve found here and the commitment to growth. Fun facts about me: I love to travel. One of my favorite trips was to Turkey and Greece – beautiful sights, friendly people, tasty food, and so much to learn. My husband and I went to Vieques, Puerto Rico on our honeymoon, which was another awesome trip. We hope to get back there (and other locations around the globe) again someday. I had total hip replacement surgery at the age of 27 & my titanium hip has served me well on those and other travels.

Email us Visit our website ‌ ‌ The Office of Risk Management provides risk management expertise, program resources, and a variety of insurance solutions to positively impact the university’s financial, physical and reputational well-being. We support the university’s mission through collaborative engagement, excellent service, and effective communication with the ISU community.