The Student Activities and Travel Consent and Waiver Agreement is an agreement that acknowledges that there are inherent risks associated with being enrolled at Bates College and engaging in any number of activities. There are also standards of conduct that students are expected to adhere to when participating in any official activity recognized by the college. Bates also expects students to be their own agents in making decisions for themselves when considering a student activity or an academic activity.

Please note that the below text is for review only. To sign this agreement, please log into Garnet Gateway.

Student Activities and Travel Consent and Waiver Agreement

I understand that participation in activities associated with being enrolled at Bates College may involve certain elements, programs or activities (hereafter, together with associated travel, referred to as “Student Activities”) that are inherently risky and can be physically, mentally, socially and emotionally demanding. I understand that these risks can arise from participation, in and travel associated with, the following situations:

• Student clubs and organizations officially recognized by the college
• Activities organized by the Offices of Campus Life, Residential Life, Student Center for Belonging and Community and other parts of college administration
• Annual Entering Student Orientation Program (AESOP)
• Travel to and from the college, weekend travel, and other trips, including by vans, shuttles and chartered buses, and personal vehicles
• Participation in community activities, internships, conferences, research, and other similar opportunities

I understand that these risks and dangers include, but are not limited to, loss of or damage to personal property, personal injury (including permanent impairment or death) from travel (motor vehicle, air, water transportation), indoor and outdoor sports, and recreational activities due to reckless/negligent behavior (such as drug or alcohol consumption, horseplay, and poor judgment), inclement weather, slipping, falling, insect bites, falling objects, immersion in cold water, hypothermia, hyperthermia, or any type of accident or illness in remote areas without easy access to medical facilities or while traveling to and from the activity site.

I understand that with the exception of AESOP for First Year Students, which is required, I am not required to participate in any Student Activities. I understand that I may freely and voluntarily choose to participate, despite the risks identified above, or other risks.

I understand that Bates requires all full-time students to have health insurance and offers coverage to students who are not covered through another policy. Students can elect coverage through the Bates plan or decline coverage if they are covered through another insurance policy. International students may not decline coverage unless they are insured under a U.S. plan. Students who have insurance through their family policy must let the company know they are at Bates College and determine how to handle all insurance claims while at Bates. Please note that students awarded need-based financial aid from Bates receive additional grants to offset one hundred percent of this cost.

I understand and agree that I am not relying on Bates to supervise or control my participation in Student Activities or to warn me of every possible danger associated with my participation in any Student Activities. I understand that I am solely responsible for assessing my own skill and ability to participate. I hereby assume all risk and accept all dangers, hazards, and risks that may result from my participation in any Student Activities, including without limitation property damage and personal injury (including death).

I understand that Bates College students must be certified by Bates Campus Safety or other approved professional staff at Bates, in order to drive Bates College Motor Vehicles for student activities and/or other approved college business. I understand that Bates strongly recommends authorized student drivers utilize college owned or rented vehicles when driving for college business. There may be instances when an authorized driver elects to use their personal vehicle to conduct college business.  In such cases, I understand that the individual’s personal auto insurance policy will be primary for all issues related to insurance.  I understand that all individuals driving their personal vehicles on Bates business must have at least the minimum insurance coverage/limits required by the state of Maine. 

In addition to the risks associated with Student Activities, I understand that I may be required to engage in certain activities in order to meet certain academic requirements of the College (hereafter, together with associated travel, referred to as “Academic Activities”). Students are expected to consult with the course instructor before the end of the Add/Drop period to discuss any concerns they may have associated with Academic Activities.

In consideration for my participation in any Student Activities or Academic Activities, I, for myself and for my heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns, hereby release and forever discharge Bates College and its trustees, officers, directors, employees, students and agents (in both their official and individual capacities) (collectively, “Released Parties”) from any and present and future claims, suits, causes of action and/or liability whatsoever for any loss, property damage or personal injury (including death) arising out of or in any way connected with my participation in any Activities or Travel, and including any liability, damage or injury caused by the negligent acts or omissions of any Released Party.

I, for myself and for my heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns, hereby agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Bates College and its trustees, officers, directors, employees, students and agents (in both their official and individual capacities) from any and all liability, loss, damage, or expense, including attorney’s fees, which arises out of, occurs during, or is in any way connected with my participation in any Student  Activities, Academic Activities, or associated travel.

I hereby affirm that I have no health-related conditions that preclude my participation in any Student Activity and Academic Activity in which I choose to participate, or in any Travel that I may be required to undertake. I affirm that should I have any health related concerns or questions, I am responsible for consulting with an appropriate health care professional in advance of my participation in any Student or Academic Activity.

I acknowledge and agree that I am responsible for learning and following the safety standards, guidelines and procedures established for any such Student Activity or Academic Activity by my instructors or trip leaders (if any) or otherwise, and I agree that I will make any instructors or leaders aware at any point during any such Student or Academic Activity if I have any questions about my knowledge of these standards, guidelines and procedures, or about my ability to participate.

All students are expected to review, understand, and comply with the complete College Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and the Bates Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, and Anti-Harassment Policy. I acknowledge that I have been directed on how to access the complete College Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Process, including by the link provided here. I acknowledge that I have been directed on how to access the Bates Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, and Anti-Harassment Policy, including by the link provided here.

I understand that Bates College students are held responsible for their conduct at all times, including activities that occur off-campus. Any student who engages in academic or social misconduct shall be subject to disciplinary action by appropriate office of the College and/or the Student Conduct Committee.

If I need emergency medical treatment while I am participating in any  Student Activity or Academic Activity, I hereby authorize emergency medical care, including anesthetic and surgery, if I am not able to provide my consent and delaying care might jeopardize my physical well-being or life. This authorization is effective until date of graduation or official separation from the College.

I understand and agree (and, in the case of a minor student, the undersigned parent also understands and agrees) that the acknowledgements, representations, releases, indemnifications, waivers and consents set forth herein are intended to remain in effect, and will remain in effect, at all times during my enrollment as a student at College.

To sign this agreement, please log into Garnet Gateway.