Empower student leaders to move beyond the "no" by cultivating a proactive, risk-aware culture
Different by Design: Cultivating a Risk-Aware Culture
At many institutions, the risk management department is perceived as a gatekeeper or the dreaded "fun police." That perception may not be intentional, but let’s be honest: not everyone gets as excited when talking about reducing liability, ensuring safety, etc. From the onset, Florida Polytechnic University aimed to write a different narrative.
In October 2023, Florida Polytechnic University established a risk management function to be embedded throughout all levels of the organization, to be perceived as a strategic partner. This collaborative approach extended to supporting registered student organizations (RSOs). As the university’s first risk manager, it was a challenge I gladly accepted.
By adopting a philosophy of being a facilitator rather than a hurdle, I have worked over the past 2.5 years to move beyond the word "no" to cultivate a risk-aware culture that empowers student leaders.
The Road to Partnership
The transformation began in summer 2024 with a strategic focus on securing "impactful wins" that demonstrated value beyond traditional compliance. By identifying campus partners who welcomed additional support and leveraging existing professional relationships, I moved risk management into a consultative role. This proactive outreach helped brand the department as a foundational resource for those serving students. These early efforts eventually secured an invitation to present directly to RSOs, initiating a vital and ongoing conversation with our student leaders.
The Risk-Aware Framework
The idea of a risk framework isn't novel, but creating one that students actually embrace is the real challenge. To make risk management accessible, I introduced a simplified five-step cycle that shifts safety from a list of rules to a repeatable decision-making process.
I ask students to start by scanning their environment (the event or activity they are planning) to identify anything that could result in a loss. They then spot various risks, ranging from potential injuries to property damage or financial concerns, and prioritize them based on likelihood and impact. Once the major risks are identified, students decide how to handle them by adjusting activities, creating backup plans, or consulting with campus departments and advisors. Finally, they monitor the event and review the outcome to improve for next time.
These steps are basic and easy to implement. The framework isn’t a time-intensive process; it’s a mindset. It encourages students to think proactively and use the resources around them to create an environment where activities prioritize health and safety.
Common Exposures and Protection
My training sessions address real-world student event risks, including food trucks, equipment rentals, and events with minors. The priority is protecting the campus community through safety measures like:
- Developing emergency plans.
- Collecting certificates of insurance (COI) from third-party vendors
- Collecting liability waivers from participants
- Clarifying that while university insurance covers employees and property, students are not covered and remain responsible for their own medical coverage
Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead
Since launching this initiative in late 2024, the primary takeaway has been the "KISS" principle: Keep It Super Simple. I’ve learned to focus on what students can control and provide the resources necessary to reach “yes."
The roadmap for Florida Poly includes training RSO sponsors and adding hands-on components to our sessions. This training is far from perfect, but it has initiated conversations that have significantly enhanced our risk-aware decision-making.
By positioning yourself as a resource rather than a barrier, you can empower students to lead safe, successful activities.
Tips for Success
If you are wondering how to begin, here are some tips that were instrumental for my journey:
- Listen to the pain points. You can’t solve everything, but you can leverage those complaints to gain buy-in.
- Find small wins. Find what you can influence and get the win. Build your brand as a problem solver.
- Be a resource…and find a way to yes. It’s okay to say, “Yes, but…”
- Build relationships. Listen + Resource + Small Wins = New Relationships!
- Keep it simple. Focus on what’s most important. If you can make it fun, even better!
Watch the Full Presentation
URMIA members can see the full breakdown and the RSO training materials discussed on the URMIA webinar recording in the URMIA Library.
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