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Study Abroad Release/Waver

Release and Waiver of Liability and Program Participation Agreement

 

Student’s Name: _____________________________________________________

Student’s Home Institution: ____________________________________________

Program Title: _______________________________________________________

Program Dates: ______________________________________________________

Please carefully read and make sure you understand all provisions of this Agreement before signing. This is a legally binding document and you are releasing rights by signing. 

STUDY ABROAD IS GREAT BUT HAS RISKS: Snow College (“SNOW”) believes that participation in study abroad programs by its students can be an important part of a student’s learning experience. Such programs however, involve certain risks. In order to participate, each student must read carefully, complete, and sign this Release and Waiver of Liability and Program Participation Agreement and submit it as part of the Application process to the Study Abroad Office prior to the Program.

I WANT TO GO: I wish to participate in the Program, and in consideration for being permitted to participate in the Program, I hereby represent and agree as follows:

  1. I WILL ACT LIKE AN ADULT: I understand that I am an adult and that I will be expected to act like an adult. I understand that I am expected to take care of myself and take responsibility for my actions. I understand that there will not be supervision during much of the time spent in the Program. I understand that while there may be a Program Director, faculty or other advisors on the trip they will be a resource, not my parent, supervisor or keeper and I am ultimately responsible for myself and what happens to me.
  2. I AM AGREEING TO RELEASE SNOW: I understand that I am being required to sign a release of claims as a condition of participation in this program because sometimes bad things happen and I agree to take legal and financial responsibility if they do. I have carefully read this Release, understand it, and understand I am releasing rights I might otherwise have.
  3. I UNDERSTAND THERE ARE RISKS: I understand that participation in the Program involves risks not found in study at the College, including risks involved in traveling to and within, and returning from, the Program site(s).These include risks involved in traveling to and within, and returning from, one or more foreign countries; foreign political, legal, social and economic conditions; different standards of design, safety and maintenance of buildings, public places and conveyances; local medical and weather conditions; and other matters described in the U.S. Department of State Country specific Information (and Travel Warnings and/or Travel Alerts, if any) that I may access at http://travel.state.gov. I understand that there may be other risks, including the risk of negligent conduct by the program advisors and others associated with SNOW. I accept all of these risks and voluntarily elect to participate in the Program.
  4. ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND RELEASE: In consideration of being allowed to participate in the Program, I hereby freely assume all risks which may be associated with or result from participating in the Program. I further agree to release the State of Utah, Snow College, their officers, employees, agents, contractors and volunteers, including any SNOW employees involved in the Program in their personal capacities, (“Releasees”) from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, loss, claim, damage, injury, illness, or harm (“Claims”) to me of any kind or nature arising out of or related to my participation in the Program including where Claims occur due to the negligence of Releasees. This includes, but is not limited to, damages, injury, death or loss occurring during travel and/or activities other than those specifically required in order to participate in the Program that I may choose to undertake before, during, or after the Program. It is my express intent that this Release bind my heirs, assigns, and personal representatives.
  5. ORIENTATIONS: I understand that SNOW conducts an orientation session for Study Abroad Programs. I agree to attend an orientation. I understand that if I fail to do so, I have increased the risk of problems occurring and agree to take full responsibility for that.
  6. OTHERS MAY CAUSE PROBLEMS THAT MIGHT COST ME TIME OR MONEY: I understand that SNOW in no way represents, or acts as agent for a Host Institution, if any, the transportation carriers, the hotel(s) and any other suppliers of services (“Others”) connected with this program. I further understand that SNOW is a) not responsible or liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or other irregularity which may be caused by the defect of any vehicle or the negligence, fault or default of Others, b) not responsible for losses or expenses due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, natural disasters, acts of terrorism, personal decision to leave the program early, ejection from the Program, or other such causes, and c) not responsible for any disruption of travel arrangements, or any consequential additional expenses that may be incurred therefrom. I acknowledge and agree to accept all responsibility for loss or additional expenses due to delays or other changes in the means of transportation and other services in the program plan due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, natural disasters, acts of terrorism, personal decision to depart from the program, ejection, or other foreseen or unforeseen causes; to accept all responsibility whatsoever for any loss, damage, destruction, theft or the like to my luggage or personal belongings; and that I have adequate insurance or sufficient funds to replace such belongings and release and will hold SNOW harmless therefrom.
  7. MISSING THE AIRPLANE/BUS/TRAIN/OTHER TRASPORTATION: I acknowledge and agree that in the event I become detached from the study abroad group, fail to meet a departure bus, airplane, train, or other conveyance, or become sick or injured and unable to travel I will bear all responsibility to seek out, contact, and reach the trip group at its next available destination, and to bear all costs attendant to contacting and reaching the group at its next available destination.
  8. REFUND POLICY: I understand that there is a strict policy limiting refunds should I choose to not go forward with a Program. I agree to abide by the refund policy and to not make any claim for refunds outside of the policy.
  9. I WILL FOLLOW THE LAWS OF THE COUNTRY I AM IN: I understand that each foreign country has its own laws and standards of acceptable conduct, including dress, manners, morals, politics, alcohol use, drug use and behavior. I recognize that behavior that violates those laws or standards could harm SNOW's relations with those countries and the institutions therein, as well as my own health and safety. I will become informed of, and will abide by, all such laws and standards for each country to or through which I will travel during the Program and assume responsibility for my actions.
  10. I WILL FOLLOW ALL RULES INCLUDING THOSE OF SNOW OR RISK GETTING KICKED OUT: I will comply with SNOW’s policies, rules, standards, and instructions for student behavior generally and for the Program, including the SNOW Student Study Abroad Handbook and SNOW’s Code of Student Conduct (collectively, “standards”). I acknowledge and understand that my compliance is important to the success of the Program and to SNOW’s willingness to permit future similar activities. I agree that SNOW has the right to enforce the standards, in its sole judgment, and that it may impose restrictions, up to and including disciplinary proceedings, not granting academic credit for, and/or immediately dismissing me from the Program, for violating the standards or for any behavior detrimental to or incompatible with the interest, harmony, and welfare of the SNOW, the Program or other participants. I also agree to comply with all directions and instructions of the Program Director and faculty members during the course of the program and that failure to do so may result in the imposition of sanctions.
  11. IF I AM DISMISSED IT WILL BE AT MY OWN EXPENSE: I understand that if I am dismissed from the Program that I am not entitled to any refund of monies and that SNOW is not responsible for any costs I may incur in connection therewith including obtaining alternate lodging, meals or the cost of returning home.
  12. NO DUE PROCESS: I agree that, due to the circumstances of foreign study programs, procedures for notice, hearing and appeal applicable to student disciplinary proceedings at SNOW do not apply. If I am removed from the Program, I consent to going home at my own expense with no refund from SNOW of any monies paid.
  13. I WILL DEAL WITH LEGAL PROBLEMS MYSELF: If I have or develop legal problems including with any foreign national(s), foreign business, or foreign government while participating in this study abroad program, I will attend to the matter personally with my own personal funds and will hold SNOW harmless therefrom and that SNOW is not responsible to provide any assistance under such circumstances.
  14. THINGS MIGHT GET CHANGED: I understand that it is within SNOW’s discretion to change travel, accommodations, and other arrangements as it deems necessary. I understand that SNOW is not responsible for nor does it represent or act as agent for, and cannot control the acts or omissions of the host institution or service providers, including those who provide transportation, tour, dining or sleeping accommodations. I understand that SNOW may cancel without penalty the offering and conduct of this Study Abroad Program; withdraw any part of the Study Abroad Program and to make any alterations, deletions, or modifications in the itinerary and/or Academic portion of the program as deemed necessary by SNOW, the Director of Study Abroad, or by the Program Director as agents of SNOW.
  15. MEDICAL: I agree to: a) consult with a medical doctor with regard to my personal medical needs and confirm that there are no health-related reasons or problems which preclude or restrict my participation in this Program, b) if, in my sole judgment I deem it necessary or advisable, arrange for additional adequate medical and hospitalization insurance to meet any and all needs for payment of medical and hospital costs while engaged in this Program, c) be responsible for and pay all medical and other expenses incurred while in the Program even if reimbursement from insurance is expected, d) consult and arrange with a medical doctor to receive the appropriate inoculations/shots for this program, and e) release SNOW from any legal responsibility for payment of the my medical, medication, or hospitalization needs.  
  16. SNOW MAY MAKE MEDICAL DECISIONS FOR ME: I agree that SNOW may, but is not obligated to, make any decisions and take any actions regarding my health and safety that it considers to be warranted under the circumstances, and hereby authorize SNOW to make such decisions and take such actions including specifically I grant permission to the Program Director or other SNOW officials to authorize emergency medical treatment, if necessary. I agree to pay all expenses relating thereto and release SNOW from any liability for any such actions.
  17. VOLUNTARY MEDICAL DISCLOSURE FORM: I understand that I have been advised to complete the Voluntary Medical Disclosure Form portion of the Application to let the Program Director know of any special medical conditions, needs, allergies and other health information that might help them help me in the event of a health problem during the Program. I understand that I do not have to complete the Form but it is highly recommend and I assume all risks that may occur if I do not complete the Form.
  18. I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR COSTS AND EXPENSES INCURRED: I understand that it is my responsibility to know and understand expenses of the Program for which I am responsible and I will do so. I agree to assume full financial responsibility for all such expenses including those incurred by me directly or on my behalf including special expenses incurred at my request such as special flight arrangements or private rooms. I also agree to be responsible for any financial responsibility for damage or destruction to property of third parties.
  19. I WILL NOT BIND SNOW: I will not hold myself out as having the power or authority to bind or create liability for SNOW.
  20. PHOTO AND IMAGE RELEASE: I hereby give SNOW the absolute right and permission to use, publish, re-use, re-publish, and distribute any photos, videos or other recreations of my likeness (“Photos”) in which I may appear, as well as unlimited use in any advertising/publication/medium whatsoever, without restrictions with regard to Photos taken in connection with the Program. I release Releasees from any and all claims arising out of or in connection with the use of Photos including libel, slander, invasion of the right of privacy, publicity or personality relating to the exercise of any rights referred to herein.
  21. REMAINING PROVISIONS VALID: I agree that should any provision or aspect of this Release be found to be unenforceable, that all remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
  22. UTAH IS THE FORUM FOR ANY LASNOWIT AND UTAH LAW APPLIES: I agree that this Agreement and all matters connected with it shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Utah in the United States of America, which shall be the exclusive forum and venue for any laSnowits filed related to this Agreement or the Study Abroad Program.
  23. NO OTHER DOCUMENTS OR PROMISES: This release herein represents my complete understanding with SNOW concerning its responsibility and liability for my participation in the Program. It supersedes any previous or contemporaneous understandings I may have had with SNOW on this subject, whether written or oral, and cannot be changed or amended in any way without a written agreement signed by myself and an authorized representative of SNOW.
  24. READ THE ATTACHMENT: I also understand and agree to abide by the attached Additional Terms and Conditions of Participation.
  25. HAVING CAREFULLY READ THIS I STILL WANT TO GO AND AGREE TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT: I wish to participate in the Program, I have read and completed this Release and Waiver of Liability and Program Participation Agreement. I understand that I have options to signing this Release. I can study abroad with another program or travel by myself or choose not to go on this completely voluntary activity. I have carefully read this Release and voluntarily agree to it. I represent that my statements herein are accurate and complete and that my agreement to the provisions herein is wholly voluntary, and further understand that, prior to signing this Release, I have the right to consult with the adviser, counselor, or attorney of my choice.

 

_______________________________________                             ___________________________________

Signature                                                                                                        Date

 

 

Additional Terms and Conditions of Participation 

  1. Any person who feels they are the victim of discrimination including sexual assault or misconduct should report the matter to the Program Faculty. In addition, the matter may be reported to the SNOW Title IX Coordinator Staci Taylor at 435 283-7120 or staci.taylor@snow.edu. SNOW will provide resources available to victims of sexual assault insofar as it is able to do so.
  2. For the purpose of all Study Abroad and International Experience programs at SNOW, no program participant (e.g., faculty, staff, or student) is authorized to drive a private vehicle for the purpose of transporting program participants to, from, or during activities identified as part of the program.
  3. Drinking of alcoholic beverages by any participant in a Study Abroad Program during “working hours” (i.e., those hours designated by the Program Director as time to be spent on SNOW sponsored activities within the designated program plan of activities) is strictly prohibited. I understand that if I am of legal age in the country that after “working hours” I may choose to drink alcohol (unless prohibited by local laws or the nature of certain designated Study Abroad trips). However, I understand that I am solely responsible for that choice. Please understand most cultures disapprove of “getting drunk.” The consumption of alcohol can put you and/or the group at risk; increase the risk of sexual assault and other problems, and personal and group safety is of the highest priority.
  4. Narcotics, illegal drugs, or other controlled substances are strictly prohibited from being in the possession of, or used by, any person participating in the Study Abroad Program and possession or use may be grounds for dismissal from the program resulting in an early return home, at the participants own and sole expense.
  5. No person engaged in Study Abroad or International Experience activities may have in their possession or use any kind of firearm for any purpose while participating in the program.
  6. All participants are individually responsible for their personal conduct while on SNOW Study Abroad Programs, and SNOW has no obligation to intercede or undertake to protect participants from the legal consequences of violations of the law for which they may be responsible.
  7. All participants must be over the age of 18. As adults, program participants are not supervised or monitored during non-working or non-program activity hours.
  8. Students are expected to adhere to the rules and regulations of their housing facilities. Some facilities enforce curfews and noise regulations. You are expected to be respectful of your host and follow these rules. Any property damages or fines that you incur during your program are your responsibility. Overnight guests are prohibited from staying in program lodging.
  9. Insurance may be available for the trip, consult with the Study Abroad Office.
  10. Paying attention to your state of mind and mental, emotional and physical well-being is important to maintaining a positive study abroad experience. Many students experience culture shock and some degree of homesickness while studying abroad. Understand this is normal and do not be afraid to talk about it with your peers or your group leader. In addition, due to the heightened emotions and the additional stresses of culture shock, physical, psychological and emotional issues can become more pronounced or even manifest for the first time during a study abroad experience. If you have a history of physical or mental health conditions, it is recommended to disclose this information on the Voluntary Medical Disclosure Form.