Risk Management - Christopher Newport University

Environmental Health and Safety

Risk Management

Under the risk management scope of the EHS department, we are dedicated to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could impact the university’s operations, assets, and community. We develop and implement comprehensive processes and training programs to ensure safety and compliance while also managing insurance coverage and claims. By fostering a proactive risk culture, the department helps to protect the university's mission and support a safe working, learning, and living environment for all.

Requesting a certificate of insurance

Third parties may require the University to provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) to confirm coverage. All requests must be submitted to the Risk Management Analyst, who will review the request and issue the certificate. To submit a request, please use the following link. Please allow two weeks for processing.

A certificate of insurance (COI) verifies the existence of an insurance policy and summarizes the key aspects and conditions of the policy. For example, a standard COI lists the policyholder's name, policy effective date, the type of coverage, policy limits, and other important details of the policy

A certificate of insurance is a document used to provide information on specific insurance coverage. The certificate provides verification of the insurance and usually contains information on types and limits of coverage, insurance company, policy number, named insured, and the policies' effective periods.

Certificate Holder is simply proof of insurance, where an Additional Insured status gives the University coverage and rights under the policy external parties using space on campus.

Generally no later than 2 weeks before the event. You want to apply close enough so your plans are firm (i.e., you know what you're going to do and you're not canceling) but far enough in advance so there's time to secure coverage in case there are problems.

If you are holding a series of meetings or lectures or other types of events, you can get one Certificate of Insurance to cover all the dates.

What to do in common risk situations

Any accident involving a University and/or state-licensed or rented vehicle must follow very specific reporting requirements- this is true regardless of fault or extent of damage.

What To Do If You're In an Accident

  1. Call 911 if there are any injuries.
  2. Report the accident to the State Police (cell: #77) if off-campus or CNUPD (911 or 757-594-7777) if on-campus.
  3. Obtain names, addresses, and phone numbers of any people involved in the accident, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
  4. Note property damage to vehicles or other property.
  5. Notify your supervisor.
  6. Report to Parking Services if it is a rental vehicle (757) 594-7129.
  7. Report the claim to EHS by completing the paperwork online via Campus Optics.

Additional information on what to do in the case of an accident can be found here or in your state-owned vehicle. Need evidence of insurance? Click here.

State Police Emergency Numbers

  • Cellular: Emergency # 77
  • Administrative Headquarters, Richmond, 24-hour response: 804-674-2000
  • Emergency TDD: 1-800-553-3144 Emergency TDD (voice): 1-800-552-9965
  • Division 1 (Central Virginia): 1-800-572-2260
  • Division 2 (Culpeper): 1-800-572-2260
  • Division 3 (Appomattox): 1-800-552-0962
  • Division 4 (Wytheville): 1-800-542-8716
  • Division 5 (Hampton Roads): 1-800-582-8350
  • Division 6 (Salem-Roanoke): 1-800-542-5959
  • Division 7 (Northern Virginia): 1-800-572-4510

  1. If there is a threat to you or other people, vacate the area and call for emergency assistance at 757-594-7777 or 911.
  2. Report theft or vandalism to CNUPD at 757-594-7777.
  3. If safe, take any possible measures to prevent further loss. This could involve moving equipment, covering equipment, turning off a hose, etc.
  4. Report the damage to CNU Facilities Management by submitting a Maintenance Ticket. For urgent issues, call 757-594-7035.
  5. If the damage affects a tagged asset, report to Fixed Assets and Equipment Inventory Services.
  6. Once the immediate response is over, the director of the department (or designee) that is responsible for the property should begin the claim documentation process via Campus Optics.

When students, visitors, or contractors are injured on university-owned property or during a University-sponsored event, the incident should be reported by a University representative within 24 hours.

  • Complete the General Incident Report
  • Supervisors should assist with reporting when needed
  • For emergencies, call CNU PD at 757-594-7777 or 911

Near misses are incidents in which no property was damaged and no personal injury was sustained, but where, given a slight shift in time or position, damage or injury easily could have occurred. Please use the Near Miss Report Form to report these circumstances to the EHS Department in a timely manner. The information will be used to help prevent injury and illness.

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