Risk Management

The Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) encourages open communication between our CEL faculty and staff and their students and partners. We find that this decreases risk and liability for all parties. By educating yourself and your students about the risks involved in community-based learning and research, you not only encourage greater communication between Weber State University and its partners, but you also protect yourself and your students from liability.

Memorandum of Understanding

A Memorandum of Understanding is the template we use with each of our partners to establish a formal, healthy, and meaningful relationship. It sets forth the parameters of the relationship and helps establish quality partnerships.

Individual Participant Waiver and Release Agreement

Your students will be required to sign the Individual Participant Waiver and Release Agreement in order to complete community-engaged learning hours in an off-campus organization. This document is a stipulation of our MOU and helps students understand what the experience is about.

Suggested Language for Syllabi

In order to reinforce the concepts of conscientious partnering and provide students with information about their engagement responsibilities, please use the following language and adapt it for your particular course:

The community-engaged learning (CEL) attribute assigned to this section of _____ indicates an academic course in which active, community-engaged learning is an integral part of achieving course goals. The CEL component includes a commitment of __ hours and is a required part of your final grade. Details on the community partner’s mission and specific assignments you will complete for them will be made available in class and through Canvas. Materials created during the semester will be given to the partner for their use at the conclusion of the semester. Students will work with and report directly to one of the organization’s key personnel. All contact with the partner should be professional, ethical, and related to the project.

CEL Component: __% of your total course grade. See your contract for particulars. Your grade will be determined according to your level of commitment and your supervisor’s evaluation.

Failure to complete the full _ hours that are required will result in the following penalties: 1) a loss of __% points from this portion of the final grade for every hour not completed by the final day of class; AND 2*) removal of the CEL attribute on your transcript..

Community-Engaged Learning Contract

We recommend you use a class-specific contract, such as the Community Engaged Learning Contract, with all of your students. This promotes communication between students and community partners and encourages students to become acquainted with their new volunteer space before beginning their community engagement.

Questions?

If you have additional questions, please consult WSU’s Risk Management Office or contact CCEL at ccel@weber.edu.