Risk Management

Promoting a Safe Learning and Work Environment

SDSU Risk Management supports preparedness with risk loss services and planning for SDSU operations. The office provides services for workers’ compensation, automobile claims, property claims, third party claims, insurance acquisition, consultative services and review of certificates of insurance to promote a safe learning and work environment.

Who manages risk at SDSU?

The Risk Management Coordinator located within the Office of Emergency Management at SDSU is the primary individual responsible for risk management. This position works closely with the Risk Management Team, whose mission is to efficiently and effectively protect the assets of SDSU in the conduct of university activities. For more information on the Risk Management Team, refer to Section 2.7 of SDSU's Emergency Management Plan.

Enterprise Risk Management

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) is a process by which the university identifies, assesses, prioritizes and manages risks and opportunities to facilitate achievement of strategic objectives. ERM in higher education has been recognized as an important process to meet these strategic objectives. ERM provides critical risk information to leadership across the university to enable informed decision-making about strategy, policies and programs. If you need help identifying risks in your department, contact the Risk Management Coordinator.

Risk Assessment and Planning

The Risk Management Coordinator analyzes, evaluates, and identifies the inherent risk in each of the university's audit entities. Risk is assessed based on four broad risk categories:

  • Operational Risks
    • These risks will be unique to each specific department/function depending on the operating objectives of the department/function.
  • Financial Risks
    • Risks that may impact the accuracy and availability of financial information. This includes both information that is used for external financial reporting and information that is used for internal financial reporting to make management decisions. Financial risks may be unique depending on the specific objectives and functional responsibilities of each individual entity.
  • Compliance Risks
    • Risks that align to state and federal requirements imposed through laws and regulations. Compliance risks exist due to specific requirements by compliance oversight bodies, state/federal compliance requirements, and state statutes. Compliance risks are unique to the specific requirements imposed on SDState by governing bodies.
  • Public Perception/Reputation Risks
    • Risks that are evident that would affect the public's trust in the institution.
How Can We Help?
I need to report an unsafe condition, accident or incident.

Please fill out the and submit to the Risk Management Coordinator following the instructions in the form.

I was injured at work or school.

Employees and students must first complete the for all incidents of university-related illness and injury. 

All Employees must file a for a work-related injury or work-related Illness to Risk Administration Services by calling 1-888-585-5075 as soon as possible. The toll-free number is available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. 

It is recommended you call prior to seeking medical treatment. If the situation is an emergency, please seek medical treatment and call to report the incident as soon as possible after receiving medical treatment.

Any questions regarding a worker's compensation claim should be directed to the Risk Administration Services Inc.

I would like to learn about SDSU's insurance and what it covers.

The university does not carry general liability insurance. Instead, the university is subject to the limitations of liability set forth in South Dakota Codified Laws, which provide certain liability protection for the university and its employees. The university maintains certain coverage and legal defense through the .

I would like to learn steps to ensure my workplace is safe.

The university maintains a that employees can use to check their work area for potential hazards.

I am planning to purchase a drone.

Please contact the Risk Management Coordinator to discuss whether insurance is needed for the drone.

I would like fireworks or cold sparks at my university event.

Please review University Policy 10:13 and to make your request.