Reducing the Cost of Risk for the Universities of Wisconsin
The Office of Risk Management, in service to the Universities of Wisconsin, the State of Wisconsin, and the public good, collaborates with our partners across the state to advance innovation, safety, and the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. We accomplish this through collaboration, empathy, integrity, stewardship, and the pursuit of truth.
Supporting the Universities of Wisconsin in Achieving Strategic Success
In the Office of Risk Management, we embrace the Universities of Wisconsin’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, and specifically strive to encourage a risk management culture that advances the strategies outlined in that plan. Our office assists our partners across the state in engaging with the risks that may prevent them from implementing the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan and equally as important we assist in managing any risks generated from implementing the strategic plan. Through this engagement, our partners find support in creating resilient and successful approaches to achieve the UW’s strategic goals.
In the Office of Risk Management, we are focused not just on reducing risk, but on reducing the total cost of risk, recognizing the importance of opportunity cost and the UW’s commitment to innovation as outlined in the strategic plan.
Supporting the Universities of Wisconsin in Achieving Operational Excellence
The Office of Risk Management supports our partners in various ways as they strive to achieve their specific functional, program, and divisional goals. This includes: administering the relevant sections of the State of Wisconsin Statutes related to risk management, insurance, and liability; administering the state’s self-funded insurance program for the UW; negotiating and procuring insurance policies on behalf of the UW when necessary coverage is not provided by the Bureau of State Risk Management; assisting our campus partners in the development and maintenance of appropriate facility use agreements, affiliation agreements, and contract language related to risk management and insurance; developing and maintaining emergency management systems and responses, monitoring areas of high risk; and providing support to the universities related to environmental, health, and safety issues, including hazardous waste disposal, loss control, and occupational safety.
Services & Resources
The Universities of Wisconsin Office of Risk Management provides comprehensive support to UW universities on a wide range of environmental health and safety matters, with resources designed to support campus staff responsible for environmental management and workplace safety programs across the UW.
The Universities of Wisconsin maintains an enterprise risk management (ERM) program called Risk, Compliance and Audit (RCA) , administered by the Office of Compliance and Risk Management (OCRM). Implemented as a system‑wide pilot beginning in spring 2023, the RCA was designed to strengthen UW’s approach to risk assessment, enhance compliance structures and frameworks, and support collaboration with internal audit in evaluating high‑risk areas and key controls. The RCA provides a consistent, structured method for identifying risks, assessing controls, and informing mitigation strategies aligned with university priorities. For more information about the RCA process or ERM resources, contact the Office of Compliance and Risk Management.
The Universities of Wisconsin Office of Risk Management offers comprehensive international medical, travel, and security insurance for students, faculty, and staff. Coverage is available for U.S. students studying abroad as well as international students, scholars, and visitors coming to the United States. Faculty and staff may also obtain coverage when traveling internationally or to U.S. territories for Universities of Wisconsin academic, research, or business activities. For more information about coverage, eligibility, or enrollment, contact your university risk manager or the Universities of Wisconsin Office of Risk Management.
The Universities of Wisconsin Office of Risk Management provides comprehensive support to UW universities for traditional risk management functions. This includes administration of the required state insurance programs, commercial risk transfer strategies, loss control services, vehicle use programs, and special events risk management. Through this support, universities are better equipped to manage risk, protect institutional assets, and support safe and compliant operations across the UW.
The Universities of Wisconsin Office of Risk Management administers the Workers’ Compensation program for all UW employees. This program provides coverage for medical treatment and wage replacement for employees who experience work‑related injuries or illnesses. Through centralized oversight and coordination, the Office of Risk Management helps ensure timely claims processing, regulatory compliance, and support for employees and universities across the UW System.
Worker's Compensation Main Page
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