Advisors of student organizations are the University's representatives regarding the organization's activities. As such, advisors are expected to give reasonable and sound advice to your organization about such things as programs, use of facilities and operational procedures. There is no specific statement that explains liability for every possible incident or all the possible situations student organizations might encounter. If you have concerns about a situation unique to your organization or to a specific event sponsored by the organization you advise, please contact someone from the university staff who is knowledgeable about liability and risk management. Although there is no way to completely eliminate risk and legal liability associated with a program or event, there are

ways to reduce risk and provide a safer environment for program participants. Here are a few things that your organization can do to identify and reduce risk:

• Canceling the event if the conditions are dangerous or the group is not prepared to assume full responsibility for the risk involved.
• Assess the capability of the group to manage risk.
• Identify the challenges in managing risk, as well as resources to assist in your planning.
• Develop a plan of action in reducing risk.
• Communicate with everyone involved (officers, members, advisors, participants, campus safety, facilities staff, etc.)
• If you feel your event has any risk of participant injury, invite a Campus Safety officer to attend and respond to emergency situations.
• Work closely with the professional staff in Student Development and Campus Life to plan your event.

*Adapted from information provided by Jim Mohr, Advisor for Student Organizations and Greek Life, Eastern Washington University