About Us
We use the term “Risk Services” to describe two closely-related functions:
Traditional risk management, which began some 400 years ago and primarily addresses insurable risks. Duties include administering the University’s insurance programs, coordinating litigation, reviewing insurance and indemnification language in contracts, and issuing insurance documents on behalf of the campus.
Enterprise risk management, which started in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a tool to identify and prevent organizational disasters like the Enron collapse and, more recently, the demise of BearStearns and the molestation scandal at Penn State.
We call ourselves "Risk Services" because we believe everyone is a risk manager, and our job is to provide the service and support you need to succeed in that role. As part of its mission, the Office of Risk Services also handles:
- Litigation coordination support
- Delegations of authority
- Conflict of interest (non-research)
CONTACT US for more information or help with:
- Insurance
- Contract Review
- Event Planning Consultation
- Certificates of Insurance
- Waivers and Other Forms
- Be Smart About Safety (BSAS) Program
- Risk Training for Your Unit
- Claims Administration and Lawsuit Coordination
- Lots More Risk- and Insurance-Related Services
Please contact us immediately about floods, fires, or travelers in distress. During business hours we can be reached at risk@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)(link sends e-mail) or 510-642-5141. If you have a night or weekend emergency (something that absolutely can't wait until the next morning or Monday) please call 510-289-8282.
Customs clearance
Customs clearance is required whenever an import shipment arrives in the United States. Shipments valued over $2,500 require formal clearance by a customs broker. The Regent’s customs broker, American Cargoservice, Inc., has the customs power-of-attorney to arrange customs clearance on behalf of the University of California. Please contact your Supply Chain Management Buyer at supplychain@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail) for inbound or outbound international shipments questions.
Be Smart About Safety
The 2025-2026 Be Smart About Safety grant applications will be due Friday, October 24, 2025. More information, including the application, can be found on the Be Smart About Safety page. Please contact risk@berkeley.edu if you have any questions.
Travel
For more information about insurance, visit to Univeristy Travel Insurance page. If you are traveling for University business, you should register for this complimentary travel insurance. Personal travel insurance is also available for purchase.
While you are planning your trip, please visit the Department of State Travel Advisories to get up to date information about your destination.
