Procedures Manual - Insurance Coverage

November 2008

RISK MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW

Liability - Students

Thompson Rivers University participates in a self-insuring program entitled Universities, Colleges and Institutes Protection Program (UCIPP).  Coverage is provided under the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development and includes universities, colleges and institutes in British Columbia.

Registered students are covered (with some exceptions), to the extent liability arises from activities in connection with the institution, "while they are engaged in activities related to the applicable syllabus of education, or pursuant to their engagement in any occupational, vocational or similar training program operated by or on behalf of the institution or arising out of their participation in any sponsored activity". 

The program also extends to "persons, firms, societies, partnerships or corporate bodies who permit students to observe and participate in work-study or work experience programs under arrangement with the institution".

WorksafeBC - Student Practicum

WorksafeBC coverage is extended to all students while on practicum placement.  “A practicum is defined as:

• an assigned work experience component of a program which is sanctioned by the institution; and
  
• unpaid and supervised work experience which takes place at the host employer’s premises or place of business.”

Coverage does not extend to sites established specifically for the purpose of experiential training in a program, nor does it extend to out-of-province practicums.  Only students in apprenticeship programs have WorksafeBC coverage for classroom, lab, and shop instruction.
   
Student Accident Insurance

Thompson Rivers University has arranged an Accident Insurance Plan to cover all registered students (excluding students who are attending a course which is not part of an authorized designation) who are actively attending classes or participating in a TRU approved course or activity.  Coverage is in effect for all eligible students while on TRU property/premises, participating in an approved TRU activity or travelling directly to or from a TRU approved or organized activity. 

TRU's policy provides $25,000 Accidental Death or Dismemberment coverage.  Additional benefits are also available under this policy.  It should be noted that premium funding for this insurance plan is paid 100% by TRU.

Field Trip Protocol:

Instructors must perform due diligence by outlining the risks and benefits associated with any field trips. It is suggested that instructors provide an orientation for field trips that involve out-of-town travel. 

Prior to departure students must complete an informed consent form (for mandatory field trips) or a waiver form (for voluntary activities).  Please be sure to itemize the risks on the appropriate form or have the risks listed out as an attachment to the form. Please note that there are special forms for minors and for trips that involve international travel.  

Transporting Students:

When faculty/staff transport students in their private vehicle they must:
• Complete a driver information form;
• Be insured for business coverage; and
• ICBC must be their primary vehicle insurance coverage provider
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy

Thompson Rivers University collects and maintains personal information used for the purpose of admission, registration and other activities related to being a member of the TRU community.   In signing an student application for admission, all applicants are advised that both (i) personal the information they provide and (ii) any other information placed into their student record will be protected and used in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

Please be advised that students’ rights to privacy are covered under FIPPA.  Parents are not entitled to access to student information from TRU including requesting information from professors/instructors without the written consent of the student.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call Laurel Wale in the Office of the Vice-President, Administration and Finance at 828-5012 or by email at lwale@tru.ca.