Risk ManagementBackground and PhilosophyOver my 20-year career in higher education I have served in a wide variety of capacities related to risk management issues. I have been on the ground level as an advisor to student organizations and understand the challenges of the advisor role in dealing with these issues. As Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, I provided leadership for the development of a broad risk management agenda for the Office of the Dean of Students at the University of Texas at Austin. I was also responsible for understanding the intersection of Texas state laws and institutional policies and procedures and ensuring that the institution met the legal requirements set forth by the Texas Education Code. In addition to my experience and leadership, my legal education provides me with the skills and tools needed to understand current legal issues. I balance this with my experience as a practitioner and administrator to use a common sense approach to risk management issues. My experiences have also been shaped by my role at both The University of Michigan and The University of Texas in dealing with student crisis and deaths. I worked first-hand with the aftermath of over 30 student deaths as well as numerous protests and other critical incidents. Working with families and friends of student who have died has given me the opportunity to develop a sensitivity to and understanding of how institutions can best respond when the worst does happen. Understanding the Culture of Your InstitutionMy approach to risk management issues for your institution would begin with a review of relevant institutional policies, state and local laws, as well as applicable case law. Each institution has a particular culture that is important to understand in developing a workable approach. I would develop an understanding of the policies governing student organizations and advisors in addition to current services and programs being offered by your institution.At some institutions, university attorneys may be very involved in providing advice regarding the development of risk management policies. In others, student affairs leadership develops policy from a student-centered approach. These two approaches are not necessarily in conflict with one another. Understanding the landscape, including the history of the institution is critical to effective leadership in managing risk and developing policies that are consistent with institutional values. Developing Mutual Goals and Learning OutcomesI would work together with you to do develop a range of workshops and presentations to various audiences, including student organization leadership, faculty and staff advisors, and student affairs professionals. Using your goals and objectives as the starting point, we would work together to develop interactive and engaging sessions that would address the issues facing your students, faculty, and staff.The development of these goals and outcomes could include conversations with students, student affairs staff and advisors. I would bring to the table my experiences at three different public institutions (The University of Arizona, The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and The University of Texas at Austin) along with my experience as an outside consultant. As an outside consultant, I have the opportunity to have real conversations with students that are not necessarily governed by an official role within the host institution. Engaging student leaders in the conversation is a mutual process that can tap into their current realities and broaden all parties’ perspectives of how to best manage risk in organizations.
|
