Releases and Liabilities FAQs

Waivers & Releases — Quick Guide

1. What is a Release?

A release (waiver of liability) is a form that:

• Protects the University from legal claims
• Informs participants about risks
• Requires participants to accept those risks before joining an activity

2. When DO You Need a Release?

Use a release when activities involve risk of injury or damage, especially:

• Field trips (always required)
• Sports or physical activities
• Water activities
• Rides, inflatables, obstacle courses
• Activities with animals
• Events involving minors
• High-risk activities with non-students/public

Public participants: Always require a release if risk is involved.

3. When You DO NOT Need a Release

Self-selected assignments (students choose when/where)

4. Special Situations

Minors

• Parent/guardian must sign
• Minor does NOT need to sign

Volunteers & Employees

• Official volunteers → No release needed
• Employees (doing their job) → No release needed
• Volunteer drivers on field trips → MUST sign

5. If Someone Refuses to Sign

• High-risk, optional activity: Do NOT allow participation
• Required academic activity:
  • Note refusal on form
  • Confirm risks were explained
  • Allow participation

6. Do NOT Do These

• Do NOT accept altered forms (crossed-out or edited)
• Do NOT change the wording or format
• Do NOT combine with other documents (must be separate)

7. Storage & Recordkeeping

• Keep forms for at least 3 years
• For minors: keep until age 18 OR 3 years (whichever is longer)
• Store: electronic version is acceptable

8. Key Rules to Remember

• One form per person
• Always use for high-risk activities
• Never accept modified forms
• When unsure → contact Risk Management

9. Using releases helps:

 

• Protect the University
• Reduce legal risk
• Ensure participants understand what they’re doing

When in doubt: Use a release or ask Risk Management.