Liability

Activities and situations that may place the university at risk are referred to the Risk Management Department for review. Common liability related issues include affiliation agreements for internships and liability-release waivers for on and off-campus student activities. A Guide to University Insured Activities provides information on insurance for the university staff.

When unusual activities are entered into which could possibly subject an employee or agent of the University to liability, it is in the best interest of the University to obtain a release from the participants. The Department of Risk Management manages the University's automobile and property insurance policies and handles claims regarding those areas.

Examples of University Sponsored-Activities That Would Require Liability Release Waivers:

• White-water rafting trip to Colorado.
• Spelunking field trip to Perry County.
• Participation in the Soccer club.
• Intramural Weight Lifting Tournament.

Examples of Activities That Would Not Require Liability Release Waivers:

• Typical activities that are considered mandatory for completion of a course for credit. This would include geology field trips, botany or ecology field trips, and student teaching assignments.
• Work activities for employees.
• University-sponsored trips to Powell Hall to attend the symphony, or trips to Busch Stadium to see the Cardinals play baseball.

Release Forms

University faculty and staff are encouraged to review planned activities that could place them at risk for liability, and utilize the following liability release forms as necessary:

• Liability Release for Participation in University-Sponsored Off Campus Activities and Field Trips:
  those faculty and staff members who are supervising field trips or activities that are outside the normal classroom setting should obtain signatures from participants on this form.
• Liality Release for Participation in University-Sponsored Recreational Sports:
  those faculty and staff members who are supervising University-sponsored Recreational Sports (intramurals and club sports) should obtain signatures from students on this form.
• Liability Release for Service and Experiential Learning Programs:
  those faculty and staff members who are supervising University-sponsored Experiential Learning Programs should obtain signatures from students on this form.
  
  
• Liability Release and Limited Durable Power of Attorney for Participation in University-Sponsored Study Tours Abroad:
  those faculty and staff members who are supervising University-sponsored Study Tours Abroad should obtain signatures from students on this form.
  
  
• Field Trips and Business Trips-A Guide for Faculty and Staff has been prepared to answer the most frequently asked questions regarding liability, insurance, and risk management issues involving extracurricular activities, off-campus business trips, field trips or class trips. It is also designed to facilitate your communications with the participants before you go on a field trip, and to give you tools to help you make your trips safer.

Safety and the Environment

The Department of Risk Management manages the Occupational Safety and Environmental Health (OSEH) program. We assist the University in its teaching, research and public service mission by promoting a safe and healthful environment for faculty, staff, students and visitors. Our department provides environmental, health and safety services to the University community through technical and regulatory compliance assistance, information and training programs, consulting services and periodic auditing of environmental, health and safety practices.