Question: As Students Return for the Fall Semester, What Advice Would You Provide for Preparation?

Students’ health and welfare is of paramount concern to us all. Although there are many factors to consider, highlighted below are a few areas of risk management that will help ensure a positive and nurturing environment where your students may thrive, while also guarding your institution against potential liability.

Facilities

A routine examination of all student housing should occur with regularity during the school year as well as prior to student arrival. A checklist is a great way to ensure that key items are in good working order. Some examples of checkpoints include:

• Are all locks on exterior doors in good working condition?
• Are all windows unobstructed and open freely in each dorm room?
• Are the locks on each individual dorm room working properly?
• Is a master key available for all dorm rooms?
• Is emergency lighting available and functioning properly?
• Are there functioning fire and carbon monoxide detectors throughout residence halls?
  

Many of the checkpoints mentioned above should also undergo review at other facilities frequently visited by students such as instructional buildings, the library, and the student union building.

Campus Policy Review

Another area in which a college or university can face costly challenges and reputation risks is through the consistent enforcement of policies. Therefore, conducting an annual review is crucial for maintaining a clear understanding of the responsibilities they impose on your institution. Examples of such policy issues include:

• Failure to address dangerous student behavior such as hazing.
• Failure to strictly adhere to concussion management policies in athletics.
• Failure to thoroughly investigate sexual harassment complaints.
  
• Failure to develop and enforce defined safety and security protocols.
  

Other policies which merit regular review and enforcement include Student Code of Conduct, Student Transportation, and your Discrimination Complaint Procedure.

Student Mental Health & Welfare

The experience of living away from home during college can be a difficult transition for many new students. Stressful situations such as adapting to a new social environment and navigating a demanding academic setting, can significantly impact a student’s mental well-being. Considering various other factors such as a family member’s passing, financial concerns, health issues or even inadequate sleep can disproportionately hinder a student’s capacity to manage their daily life. Providing easily accessible, confidential resources for students to seek support is an important service that colleges and universities should promote extensively. This should include advertisements through orientation materials, on-campus postings, and continuous placements in student publications.

Good luck with the upcoming semester!

About the Author: Kevin Beer is president of Wright Specialty Insurance, an underwriting manager of specialty insurance and risk management solutions for public and private universities, colleges and K-12 schools. Visit their website or call (877) 976-2111.