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Health Safety Abroad

UTPD 24-Hour Emergency Line: (512) 471-4441. Experience with Emergencies Abroad. Sexual ... In-country Emergency Resources & Onsite Personnel. Generally speaking, faculty members ...

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Health Safety Abroad

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    Slide 1:Health & Safety Abroad Monday, April 25

    AGENDA In-country Emergency Resources & Onsite Personnel On-campus Coordination & Support Online Access to Student Health and Emergency Contact Information Brief Response to Faculty Liability Questions International SOS Resources for Crisis Management & Prevention

    Slide 2:C-GEO & Health and Safety Emergencies Abroad

    Stephen DePaul, J.D. Assistant Director Health & Safety Officer Available 24/7 Contact Information: E-mail: sdepaul@austin.utexas.edu Phone: (512) 471-6490 (office) (512) 797-8710 (mobile) UTPD 24-Hour Emergency Line: (512) 471-4441

    Slide 3:Experience with Emergencies Abroad

    Sexual assaults Students missing from programs Robberies, muggings Theft of Property, Theft or Loss of Travel Documents Serious Injury or Illness--from auto accidents to various tropical illnesses Eating disorders Disciplinary problems Emotional breakdowns abroad Student death abroad

    Slide 4:In-country Emergency Resources & Onsite Personnel

    Different Programs Have Different In-country Resources & Personnel (e.g., China Maymester vs. Berlin Maymester) Scope of Faculty Responsibilities Varies Across Programs Some solely instructors (support personnel stationed in-country) Some “program directors” with broad responsibilities (limited in-country support) Most somewhere in between

    Slide 5:In-country Emergency Resources & Onsite Personnel

    If there is a program provider (e.g. Berlin), inform program staff immediately Program staff will notify Assistant Director Develop local response, utilizing local medical and other resources Consult with student’s parents, insurer, International SOS and other relevant parties as necessary

    Slide 6:In-country Emergency Resources & Onsite Personnel

    If there is no program provider (e.g. China), inform Assistant Director immediately AD will consult with student’s parents, insurer, International SOS and other relevant parties Coordinate campus response with UT CIRT Team, if necessary Assist in identifying local resources and developing in-country response Travel to program to assist, if necessary

    Slide 7:In-country Emergency Resources & Onsite Personnel

    Generally speaking, faculty members participating in study abroad programs always should: Exercise reasonable care in the performance of their official program duties (i.e., use their best judgment in deciding what is appropriate in a given situation). Do careful pre-trip planning and preparation (e.g., investigate local resources in advance). Prepare and disseminate clear written statements as to what is required and expected of participants. Be aware of, and responsive to, problems students may be experiencing. Keep careful and accurate written documentation if a serious incident does occur.

    Slide 8:On-campus Coordination & Support

    The importance of a coordinated response and the importance of the appearance of a coordinated response (Chile) Contacting the Assistant Director The Role of the CIRT Team Public Affairs Dean of Students Health Center Counseling Center Financial Contingency Budget Completion in-absentia to avoid loss of credit Communicating with parents (FERPA considerations) Not losing sight of the rest of the group

    Slide 9:Online Access to Student Health and Emergency Contact Information

    The C-GEO Portal at www.utexas.student/abroad One-click access to student information: Health Report Forms (self-reported info.) Insurance Information Emergency Contact Information Available to all faculty program leaders

    Slide 10:Brief Response to Liability Questions

    Some of you have enquired about liability issues Statutory indemnification plan for state employees State legislature has created a set of laws that, in most cases, provides for: Legal representation by the Office of the Attorney General when lawsuits arise out of discharge of official duties

    Slide 11:Brief Response to Liability Questions

    Statutory indemnification plan for state employees (continued) Indemnification for money damages assessed (up to certain amounts) for negligence (i.e., the failure to act as a reasonably prudent person would under the same or similar circumstances) or the deprivation of a civil right due to discriminatory or retaliatory conduct.

    Slide 12:Brief Response to Liability Questions

    General Conditions of Coverage: Doing the job that you were hired and paid to do (i.e., acting within the course and scope of employment) Performing the duties of that job in an objectively reasonable fashion Acting in good faith in the performance of those duties

    Slide 13:Brief Response to Liability Questions

    Indemnification for Damages Assessed Due to Acts or Omissions of State Employee: Sued in his or her personal capacity for negligence (usually involving motor vehicle accidents or misuse of tangible property) May be indemnified up to $300K per occurrence

    Slide 14:Brief Response to Liability Questions

    It is possible, although not probable, that a judgment could be assessed against a faculty member for an amount in excess of the statutory indemnification limit. Given that there is the possibility of a “gap” in coverage under the state indemnification scheme, it may be advisable to purchase professional liability insurance. The question of whether an employee should purchase insurance that protects against liability that might be incurred while on the job is one that each person must determine based on his or her duties and individual needs. I would be happy to discuss this in more detail on an individual basis.

    Slide 15:International SOS Resources for Crisis Management & Prevention

    Important new services available to all UT students, faculty, and staff at no cost to programs or individuals Learn how services work and their scope to get the most from them Spouses and children can be covered for a fee

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