Risk Management and Service-Learning
Service-learning is a teaching method that creates a learning experience for students by active participation in organized service experiences that are integrated into their academic curriculum. It is similar to internships and field trips in that it is a hands-on experience directly related to their curriculum; however, service-learning also involves community issues with the student’s needs for learning. Therefore, the service-learning project becomes either an outreach mission of ISU or a volunteer project for another agency. The liability issues are distinctly different if the project is one which students are volunteering for another agency, becoming the agency’s volunteer under their liability coverage versus the project being a program offered or sponsored by ISU.
Faculty - Assessing Program Risk Issues
University departments are responsible to exercise due diligence in the planning and implementation of their academic curriculum to minimize project related risks or hazards. If there is negligence that results in injury to persons or property, the institution could be held liable. Faculty who are acting in the scope of their employment as an instructor have no “duty” to ensure the safety of students outside of the classroom – students are responsible for themselves when carrying out assignments. However, liability issues change if faculty involve themselves in logistics such as providing or arranging transportation and lodging.
Different policies and procedures exist for various transportation situations such as the use of university vehicles, commercial transportation, or faculty, staff and personal vehicles. When using university vehicles for transportation, the Office of Risk Management should be contacted to determine if students will be required to sign release and waivers of liability.
While it is impossible to eliminate all risks, ISU faculty and staff do have an obligation to choose a suitable site, plan for supervision, see that there is proper and well-maintained equipment at the site and prepare students for the experience with an overview of any hazards or risks at the project location. Even when the students become volunteers for another agency, the instructor should be familiar with the service site and monitor student progress.
Document the Plan - Students should complete a service learning agreement applicable to the project, outlining course objectives and any special considerations for their work including, but not limited to confidentiality, special hazards, risks or need for personal protective equipment. Agreements should be established with community partners to make sure they understand the course objectives, have resources for the student to succeed in the service, provide a safe work environment, applicable training and personal protective equipment.
All academic course experiences are not created equal; each field trip, internship and service learning project has its own unique issues. This makes it difficult to put together a standard fact sheet. So until we get a better overview of the types of educational learning experiences being arranged, please address your questions or concerns on a case-by-case basis to the Office of Risk Management at 515-294-7711 or send an e-mail to bladair@iastate.edu.