AUDIT AND ADVISORY SERVICES
Assurance and advisory services provided by Audit and Advisory Services (A&AS) include the following:
- Advisory services add value and improve an organization's governance, risk management, and control processes without the internal auditor assuming management responsibility. Examples include reviews, recommendations (advice), committee participation, facilitation, training, and other outreach activities.
- Audits are examinations of evidence for the purpose of providing an independent assessment on governance, risk management, and control processes for the organization.
- Investigations are independent evaluations of allegations generally focused on improper governmental activities (IGA) including misuse of university resources, fraud, financial irregularities, significant control weaknesses, and unethical behavior or actions.
OFFICE OF ETHICS, RISK AND COMPLIANCE SERVICES
Led by the Chief Ethics, Risk and Compliance Officer (CERCO), the Office of Ethics, Risk and Compliance Services (OERCS) is responsible for coordinating and monitoring the University’s ethics, risk and compliance activities, and for developing a culture of accountability in which risk assessment and risk management (mitigation) are part of all campus practices and decision making activities. The units within OERCS assist functional managers across campus with mitigating material risks, complying with laws, regulations, and policies, and adhering to the ethical standards of the University. Housed within OERCS are the Office of Civil Rights (including Whistleblower, the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination, and the Clery Compliance Office);, Privacy Office; Policy Office; and Risk Services.
GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Government and Community Relations (GCR) builds relationships with community leaders, elected officials, government agencies and third party advocates to further the mission of UC Berkeley in the public sector. GCR also coordinates the University's response to a wide range of political and policy issues, and advises administrators and faculty on strategies to facilitate constructive dialogue with government and community leaders.
LEGAL AFFAIRS
The attorneys in the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) provide legal advice and assistance on a wide range of matters affecting faculty, students and staff in areas that include student affairs, litigation, labor and employment, affirmative action, faculty concerns, academic affairs, research, intellectual property, business transactional matters, intercollegiate athletics, and compliance, as well as regulations and policies of The Regents.
OMBUDS SERVICES
The Staff Ombuds Office is a safe place to discuss and clarify problems and concerns, understand conflict situations, and find effective ways to respond. Services provided by the Staff Ombuds Office include individual assessments, consultations and referrals, group facilitation and mediation, and campus-wide classes and tailored training workshops.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
As the first point of contact for many visitors, we tell the Berkeley story to inspire audiences and elevate the image of the university. We partner closely with various campus audiences — from the chancellor, deans and faculty members, to staff, students and alumni — as well as external media organizations who can amplify Berkeley's important contributions across a wide range of subjects.