Risky Business: Understanding Risks and Responsibilities in Planning Student Events October 3, 2009 Ken Banks- A. J. Gallagher Diane Sweeney- USF

Purpose of Session Help You Understand and Manage the Risks Assist You to Facilitate Successful Programs

The Reality of Risk Risk: Possibility of Something Bad Happening and the Associated Costs. Part of Life and a Part of Business –Assume Risk Goal: Reduce/Manage Risk

Negligence Occurs when someone has a duty to another person, breaches that duty, and the other person suffers harm as a result. Example: You host an event, some is injured, and it can be proved that the injury was due to your failure to provide safeguards for a known safety risk associated with the activity.

Consequences of Negligence Injury or Death Property Damage Criminal Charges Lawsuits –Money, Time and Resources Reputation Impacted –Loss of Public Support

Liability –Refers to legal responsibility. Liability can be assumed by: Your organization Your advisor(s) Your members You- as an individual USF

Is Insurance the Answer? ….NO! Insurance Only Pay Money. Insurance Should Not Be Considered a “Safety Net” for Risky Activities How Would You Act in the Absence of Insurance?

To Reduce Risk Make Good Decision About Risk to Prevent Damage to People, Property and USF’s Mission Learn from Our Mistakes and Others Mistakes

Organizational Activities Community Service Social Fund-Raising

Planning Have We Done This Before? (Trap) What Could Go Wrong & How Would We Respond? Have We Consulted With Who We Need To? Develop an Emergency Plan How Does This Activity Benefit the University and Fit with the Mission/Value of Your Organization

Evaluate Not All Risks Are the Same –Low: Take reasonable steps »Training, supervision, policies, limits on time and duration, protective equipment, notice of event, contact information –Medium: Take reasonable steps »Use of protective equipment, first aid supply, liability release –High: Consider eliminating or substituting a safer activity

Reduce Risk What Can You Do to Mitigate the Risk –Consult with University Resources –Have an Emergency Plan –Hire trained professionals –Determine if Mitigating Factors Would Reduce Risk

Training Organizations and Student Leaders can be Held Responsible for Member Behavior at Organizational Activities and Events –Articulate to Members the Organization’s and USF’s Expectations for Behavior –Help Members Understand That Their Behavior Reflects on the Organization and USF

Resources USF’s Policies (ie. Fogcutter) Involve Student Activities, Risk and Others Early Darren Pierre Assistant Director Student Leadership and Engagement

Resources Cont’d Gregg Cannella HR and Risk Specialist Office of Human Resources Diane Sweeney Ass’t HR Director, Benefits, Compensation & Risk Office of Human Resources

Contracts It’s a Legal Document Get All Agreements in Writing Ensure Agreements are Complete and Accurate. Read the Fine Print Clarify Responsibilities and Expectations Needed Even if there are No Payments Need to be Reviewed by Legal and Risk Management - 4 Weeks Lead Time Signature Authority

Emergency Planning Plan for Reasonably Expected Emergencies Communication Orientation Sessions Public Safety Accident Reporting

Transportation Catastrophic Risk Minimize University Procedures

Questions?