Proactive (adjective) - serving to prepare for, intervene in, or control an expected occurrence or situation, especially a negative or difficult one; anticipatory. (source: www.dictionary.com)

For over nine years we've published this newsletter at the end of each month with the intent to improve risk management at Auburn University (and throughout higher education). Specifically, we've called for you to become a proactive risk manager. For the next two months, we want to delve more into what we mean by the phrase ''proactive risk management.''

The Beginning: Objectives

We believe the first place to begin is by considering our objectives, those things we hope to help AU accomplish. In our industry, these will largely fall into broad categories of teaching, research, or outreach. Objectives come in various shapes and sizes, from those that are strategic to those that are transactional. Your specific role will determine which types of objectives you are responsible for helping AU accomplish.

1. What is it we are trying to accomplish?
2. What does success look like with respect to this objective?

The Next Step: Evaluation

After we consider our objectives, the second step in becoming a proactive risk manager is to evaluate what could prevent us from being successful. Sometimes risk assessment can sound complicated, but at its heart are a couple of very simple questions:

1. What could prevent us from being successful in accomplishing our objectives?
2. Of the things that could prevent us from being successful, which are the most likely to actually happen?

In August, we will continue our discussion with what happens next in proactive risk management. One way you can improve your risk evaluation is by looking at the stories listed below and thinking about whether similar issues could prevent success at AU. As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions.

(Read more of Case In Point)