Risk Management Framework
Risk Management at Ajman University
At Ajman University, we are committed to proactive governance and institutional resilience. Our comprehensive Risk Management Framework provides a structured approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could affect the achievement of our strategic goals and the continuity of our operations.
Our Risk Management Framework
Our framework is grounded in the Operations Risk Management Policy, approved by the Board of Trustees, Chancellor and owned by the Vice Chancellor for Financial and Administrative Affairs (VCFAA). The policy is aligned with the standards of the Ministry of Education and the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and international best practices, ensuring that we meet the highest regulatory expectations.
The framework covers four primary operational risk domains:
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Financial Risks – including credit, liquidity, interest rate, accounts receivable, compliance, and fraud risks.
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Information Technology Risks – including data loss, system disruptions, and cybersecurity threats.
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Facilities and Infrastructure Risks – including technical faults, fire, utility outages, structural incidents, and safety/security concerns.
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Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Risks – including occupational health hazards, chemical waste, and pandemic-related risks.
Each functional area maintains an updated Risk Register that documents identified risks, their assessment (based on likelihood and impact), and the control measures in place to mitigate them. Risk responses are categorized as Avoid, Mitigate, Accept, or Transfer, with clear assignment of responsibility to designated owners.
Our 5×5 risk assessment matrix guides the evaluation of risks, enabling consistent scoring and classification from Low to Extreme. This ensures that significant risks receive the appropriate level of attention and oversight.
Governance and Oversight
Risk management at Ajman University is embedded in our governance structure:
- Board of Trustees: Approves policy and major changes.
- Chancellor: Approves major risk responses.
- VCFAA (Policy Owner): Oversees implementation and ensures alignment with regulatory requirements.
- Responsible Offices (Finance, IT, Facilities, Sustainability): Maintain risk registers, report incidents, and monitor controls.
- Internal Audit/Compliance: Provides independent assurance on control effectiveness.
- Deans/Directors: Manage operational risks in their units and escalate significant exposures.
Incident Reporting Mechanism
Ajman University has established a centralized Incident Reporting Mechanism to ensure that all types of incidents—whether operational, safety-related, IT-related, or otherwise—are promptly reported, investigated, and addressed.
All incidents must be reported through the Online Request System (ORS) , the university's centralized platform for submitting and tracking requests and reports. The ORS is accessible to all students, faculty, and staff members.
Access the ORS:
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Direct link: https://ors.ajman.ac.ae/Login.aspx
Once an incident is reported through the ORS, the report is automatically routed to the Vice Chancellor for Financial and Administrative Affairs (VCFAA) , who oversees the appropriate corrective action in coordination with the relevant responsible offices (e.g., Office of Finance, Office of IT, Office of Facilities, or EHS Committee). This ensures that every reported incident receives proper attention, investigation, and resolution.
Timely and accurate reporting of incidents is essential to maintaining a safe, secure, and resilient university environment. We encourage all community members to use the ORS to report any concerns or incidents they observe.
For more information on our risk management policies and procedures, please refer to the Operations Risk Management Policy available on the university's policies and procedures page.