Waivers

Properly used, waivers can minimize or eliminate the value of a claim against the University. They serve as evidence that the signing party made an informed decision to assume the risks involved in an activity and has agreed not to hold the University responsible for injuries and losses that may arise out of the activity.

University policy requires that the issuing department maintain the signed waivers for 3 years from the last date of the event. In the case of minors (under 18) waivers must be maintained for 1 year beyond the minor's 18th birthday.*

The following waivers have been approved for use by Office of the President, General Counsel. With the exception of filling in the appropriate blanks, waivers should not be modified without the specific approval of Risk Management. Certain activities may require a special waiver or additional risk assessment. If you are unsure as to what waiver is needed for your particular activity or event, please contact Rick Coulon at x47419.

Voluntary Activity Waiver - used when a student or other individual participates in a voluntary activity such as a field trip, recreation program, team-building activity, or volunteer program. This waiver should be used if the activity is not required as part of the student's course curriculum. Faculty and staff who voluntarily participate in activities that are outside the course and scope of their employment should also be required to sign this waiver.

Facilities Use Waiver (Sports Related) - for individuals and/or groups utilizing University owned equipment and/or facilities for sporting activities, including recreation classes and student group activities.

Facilities Use Waiver (Other) - for individuals and/or groups utilizing University owned equipment and/or facilities for non-sports related activities

Required Activity Waiver - students participating in a field trip or other activity that is required for course credit should use this waiver. This form does not specifically waive the students' right to sue the University for its own negligence. Faculty and staff are not required to sign a waiver for activities required as part of the course and scope of their employment.

*When working with a group of children of close ages, e.g., 5th graders, the waivers may be maintained as a group and discarded 1 year after all members of that group be expected to have reached age 18.