Waivers, Releases and Indemnification

Releases of liability documents help to reduce the risk exposure to Dartmouth College by effectively shifting responsibility of the risk to the participant. Important points:

• A waiver is the voluntary relinquishment of a known right and is executed prior to the activity.
• Waivers should be requested from individuals to protect the College from potential claims that may arise if someone is harmed while using our property, facilities, or participating in an event or service that we offer.
• Waivers should be used for any activity associated with the College that may be potentially hazardous or when outside groups use College facilities. Examples include certain physical activities, athletic and field trips, or sports camps.
• We have two separate waivers of liability, one for adults and one for parents of minor children.
• The waiver form can be modified to meet a specific need, and tailored to a specific condition.
• Typically, a Release document is executed upon settlement of a claim.

Please contact the Risk and Internal Controls Services Office for standard waiver forms.

Indemnification is a provision in an agreement where either party to the agreement, agrees to reimburse the other for damages associated with their negligent act resulting in liability. NOTE: Indemnification is only as good as the financial strength of the party to whom the risk or liability is transferred.

Resources

• Office of General Counsel
• Risk and Internal Controls Services
• Procurement