- Releases of Liability, or "Releases" are legal documents that transfer responsibility for injuries and property damage to the participant
- Releases must be read and signed by persons who voluntarily participate in University activities/trips that may have some additional risk
- Releases protect University, faculty and staff from liability
- Releases inform the participants about possible risks associated with the activity/trip
- The CSU Chancellor's Office requires the use of Releases to reduce the University's risk of liability from activities (see the CSU Handbook).
- Releases are required for all campus planned or sponsored events, on and off campus, and based on a risk assessment
- Releases are required for all academic field trips or other off campus activities and trips
- Releases are required for participants when third-party groups rent facilities on University property (i.e.; community swim club participants, soccer camp participants)
- No. All campus events must use the CSU approved standard Release document
- The standard Release cannot be altered, but you may request a customized Release document specialized for your activity/trip from Safety & Risk Management
- No. There must be a Release form for each individual involved in the activity
- Special arrangements can be made for activities where individual releases are not feasible (contact Safety & Risk Management)
-
No. Minors under the age of 18 cannot sign a Release; a parent or guardian must read and sign the Release on their behalf
- If you want to participate in the University activity/trip, then you must sign a Release
- If you do not sign a Release, then you cannot participate
- No. Legal requirements state that Release verbiage cannot be "fine print"; the CSU policy is that the Release font cannot be smaller than 12 pt.
- Release documents must be a separate document from other informative paperwork
- Original signed Release documents must be saved for three (3) years or until participant is 20 years, but they may be archived electronically after one (1) year
- Academic departments must retain the Release records at their office for the required time
- Student Organizations must submit their signed Releases to the Safety & Risk Management (SRM) office
- Third-party rental groups or organizations should submit their signed Releases to the SRM office, or as specified in their written agreement with the University
- Employees do not sign Releases while traveling for University Business (includes any paid employee, any paid student assistant, and any official volunteer)
- Students who are unpaid and not employed by the University must sign Releases for all voluntary travel with the University (i.e.; academic field trips, conferences)
- Students traveling for any voluntary reason must sign a Release (i.e.; student organization trips)
Updated: January 19, 2023