Waiver, Liability, and Indemnification Agreement
I, (“Participant”), hereby acknowledge that I have voluntarily elected to participate in an International Educational Travel Opportunity to be held in and around Paris, France for "Centenary in Paris", (hereinafter referred to as “CiP 2024”), during the days of Monday 5 August 2024 - Friday 17 August 2024. In consideration for being permitted by Centenary College of Louisiana (“COLLEGE”) to participate in the Program, I hereby acknowledge and agree to the following:
ELECTIVE PARTICIPATION. I acknowledge that my participation is elective and voluntary and is not required by the COLLEGE. As a condition of my participation, I hereby grant the COLLEGE the right to use, for promotional purposes only, any photographs of me taken by the COLLEGE, its employees or agents, during my participation in CiP 2024. I further understand and agree that the COLLEGE may use (for marketing purposes) any statements or quotes attributed to me in my evaluation of the Program.
RULES AND REQUIREMENTS. I agree to conduct myself in accordance with COLLEGE policies and procedures, including the policies and procedures which appear in the
Student Handbook located online at www.centenary.edu/handbook . I further agree to abide by all rules and requirements of CiP. I acknowledge that the COLLEGE has the right to terminate my participation in CiP if it is determined that my conduct is detrimental to the best interests of the group; my conduct violates any rule of the Program; or for any other reason in the COLLEGE’S discretion. I understand that in the event my participation in CiP is terminated for violating any rule of the Program, I will be solely responsible for the cost of return travel. I further understand and agree that the COLLEGE is not responsible for any injury or damage that I sustain if I travel independently or am otherwise separated or absent from COLLEGE-sponsored activities. I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for any legal problems I encounter with any foreign nationals or government and the COLLEGE is not responsible for providing any assistance under those circumstances.
INFORMED CONSENT. I have been informed of and understand the various aspects of the Program, including but not limited to the fact that CiP will be held both inside and outside of the United States. I understand that travel outside the United States is potentially dangerous and I accept the risks of such travel. I have received and reviewed the travel itinerary for CiP and understand the risks involved in traveling, to and from class locations, including but not limited to political, legal, social, and economic conditions, language barriers, safety hazards, crime, disease, consumption of food, civil unrest or hostilities, terrorism, war, natural disasters and weather conditions, and negligent first aid operations or medical treatment. I further understand that, as a Participant, I could sustain personal injuries, property damage or loss, or death as a consequence of guided tours, hikes, bus tours, or local transportation. I understand and hereby acknowledge that I have carefully reviewed and fully understand the directives and recommendations, including recommendations concerning immunizations and medicines (hereinafter “recommended immunizations”) for travel to CiP provided by: • The United States State Department, which issues Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts and Country Specific Information at: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go.html • The World Health Organization www.who.int/csr/alertresponse/en and • The Centers for Disease Control, via the International Travelers Hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel. I am aware of and understand the risks and dangers associated with any activities I undertake which are not associated with CiP or sponsored or controlled by the COLLEGE, such as independent travel during free periods or other periods in which I am not participating in Program activities. I certify that I have educated and informed myself about diseases, illnesses, and other health concerns that may result from traveling to and living in international destinations. I understand that I may be at risk for contracting certain diseases including, but not limited to tickborne Encephalitis, Leishmaniasis, variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob, Measles, and Hepatitis A, coronavirus, and other diseases routinely vaccinated for in the United States but which are still common in other parts of the world such as Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus and Polio. I further acknowledge that available medical treatment may not equate with the level of care available in many U.S. hospitals, and that these conditions may subject me to additional risks of injury, disease, death or damage to my personal property; and, that any injuries or damage I do sustain may grow more severe or lead to my premature death due to a variety of factors beyond my control or that of the COLLEGE. I understand that serious personal injuries, illness, property damage, or even death could occur as a consequence of the actions, inactions, negligence or fault of others and that there may be other risks not known to me or not reasonably foreseeable at this time. I further understand and agree that any injury, illness, property damage, disability, or death that I may sustain by any means is my sole responsibility except for those occurrences due to the COLLEGE’S gross negligence or intentional acts.
RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY & INDEMNIFICATION. I, on behalf of myself, my personal representatives, heirs, executors, administrators, agents, and assigns, HEREBY RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE, AND HOLD HARMLESS & AGREE TO INDEMNIFY & DEFEND the COLLEGE, its governing board, directors, officers, employees, agents, volunteers and any students (collectively “Releases”) for any and all liability, including any and all claims, demands, causes of action (known or unknown), suits, or judgments of any and every kind (including attorneys' fees), arising from any injury, property damage or death that I may suffer as a result of my participation in the Program, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE INJURY, DAMAGE OR DEATH IS CAUSED BY RELEASEES, UNLESS THE INJURY DAMAGE OR DEATH IS CAUSED BY THE RELEASEES’ GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR INTENTIONAL ACTS, AND REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE INJURY, DAMAGE, OR DEATH OCCURS WHILE IN, ON, UPON, OR IN TRANSIT TO OR FROM THE PREMISES WHERE THE ACTIVITY, OR ANY ADJUNCT TO THE ACTIVITY, OCCURS OR IS BEING CONDUCTED. I further agree that the Releases are not in any way responsible for any injury or damage that I sustain as a result of my own negligent acts. ASSUMPTION OF RISK: I understand that there are potential dangers incidental to my participation in CiP, some of which may be dangerous and which may expose me to the risk of personal injuries, property damage, or even death. I understand that these potential risks include, but are not limited to: travel to and from CiP destination(s), local transportation to and from CiP destination(s) including but not limited to political, legal, social, and economic conditions, language barriers, safety hazards, crime, disease, consumption of food, civil unrest or hostilities, terrorism, war, natural disasters and weather conditions, negligent first aid operations or medical treatment, and other risks that are unknown at this time. I KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, BOTH KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE ACTS OF THE RELEASEES, UNLESS THEY ARISE FROM THE RELEASEES’ INTENTIONAL OR GROSSLY NEGLIGENT ACTS, and I assume full responsibility for my participation in CiP.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS. I understand and acknowledge that COLLEGE is not responsible for the loss of any personal belongings or property that I sustain during my participation in the Activity, including but not limited to the loss of credit cards, passport, cash, luggage, electronics, and other items.
PERSONAL MEDICAL INSURANCE. If deemed necessary, I agree to purchase (and maintain during the term of the Program) personal medical insurance that is applicable in the United States. I understand that the COLLEGE provides to Centenary College’s international program participants travel (incl. health) insurance through EIIA and EuropAssist, including a medical policy, repatriation, medical evacuation and non-medical assist service (EuropAssist). I have received and reviewed a description of the College’s
International Travel Insurance coverage. I further acknowledge and agree that I am responsible for the cost of any and all additional medical and health services which are not covered under the College’s insurance plan. I understand and agree that it is incumbent on me to purchase any additional health care and travel assistance coverage that I might need for this international program and travel.
CHOICE OF LAW. I hereby agree that this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana. I understand that I may seek legal counsel of my own choosing to fully explain any terms of this Agreement to me before I sign it.
SEVERABILITY. If any term or provision of this Agreement shall be held illegal, unenforceable, or in conflict with any law governing this Agreement the validity of the remaining portions shall not be affected thereby. Any dispute arising with regard to the interpretation of, or otherwise relating to, this Agreement shall be submitted to mediation in Shreveport, Louisiana. If such mediation is not successful, such dispute shall then be submitted to binding arbitration (in Shreveport, Louisiana) in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Same shall serve as the exclusive remedies for redress of any nature sought in relation to this agreement. This agreement when signed by both parties, shall constitute a contract between Centenary College of Louisiana (herein referred to as just Centenary College), Office of Intercultural Engagement (hereinafter included where Centenary College is named), CiP Faculty, and STUDENT (hereinafter referred to as PARTICIPANT) while participating in the Centenary in Paris Program indicated as “CiP”. 1. The official beginning of CiP travel coverage is the group departure from campus and the official termination of travel coverage is the group return to campus. 2. The CiP Program agrees to provide participant the following services as selected by the student in consideration for payment by participant of applicable fees listed below: A. Round-trip coach airline transportation from central location to final destination; B. Lodging accommodations for the entirety of CiP; C. Return airport transfer for PARTICIPANT from Centenary College to departure airport and from the international airport to the final destination abroad; D. Transportation for PARTICIPANT from airport to final destination abroad. 3. PARTICIPANT understands and agrees: A. To have in his/her possession a valid passport and required visa(s) to travel to all destinations on the CiP itinerary; B. To stay in the specific lodging assigned by CiP Coordinators. i. PARTICIPANT’s behavior in the hotel lobby, hallways and in hotel room should always reflect well on CiP Faculty, Centenary College, and PARTICIPANT. ii. Alcohol shall not be consumed ANYWHERE in lodging facilities, as lodging falls under campus residence hall rules of conduct. iii. Theft of any item from a hotel (including towels, pillows, blankets, etc.) is theft, is no different from stealing university property, and will be dealt with accordingly. iv. For safety reasons, only CiP Program staff or hotel staff are allowed to enter student rooms. This includes, but is not limited to, persons you met during the Program. v. Under university policy, Program hotels are equal to residence halls; all campus residence hall rules apply. C. To abide by all rules and regulations as contained in the Centenary College Student Handbook and all rules and regulations established by CiP Faculty and Administrators. i. PARTICIPANT understands and agrees that the consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited for all students under 21 years of age. ii. PARTICIPANT understands that engaging in illegal activity or consumption of illegal substances is prohibited. iii. Any violations by PARTICIPANT will be subject to disciplinary action upon return to Centenary College. E. To abide by all local, state, federal, or international laws and understand that any subsequent legal action taken against PARTICIPANT is the sole responsibility of the PARTICIPANT. i. PARTICIPANT must ensure that all prescription medication is 1. Legal within the Program country; and 2. Keep proof of prescription with any medication(s) with which they travel, including in flight carry-on and during Program excursions. ii. Centenary College does not condone consumption of alcohol. PARTICIPANT must act responsibly and note that all behavior reflects upon them. PARTICIPANT must abide by all Louisiana and US laws while abroad. iii. Any alcohol/substance use/abuse will be dealt with as a disciplinary case in an appropriate manner by the CiP trip leaders and could potentially be brought to Student Conduct or the Conduct Review Committee. This behavior may lead to expulsion from the program and immediate return to the U.S. at PARTICIPANT’s own expense. F. To settle all debts incurred by the PARTICIPANT which are not included in the terms of this agreement. Such expenses include, but are not limited to, telephone calls, food and beverages, or other purchases charged by PARTICIPANT. PARTICIPANTS will also be responsible for any charges incurred to their assigned room including, but not limited to, in-room pay-per-view movies, direct dial telephone charges, business center charges, dry cleaning/laundry, room service, or dining charges in hotel facilities. PARTICIPANTS must present a credit card to the hotel to secure any charges. Centenary College will not be responsible for any charges of this type and these hotel amenities are not included in previously paid fees. G. Centenary and CiP Faculty and Administrators assume no responsibility for failure of PARTICIPANT to meet scheduled departure times or failure to use goods, admissions, services of, facilities, provided through the program. No refunds will be made for partial or unused transportation, admissions, goods or other services and no reimbursement for use of alternate goods, services not supplied through the program. H. Additional guidelines are as follows: i. Check-in will occur each morning prior to departing the hostel for the day. Times are listed on the itinerary. PARTICIPANT should ensure that they are on-time to prevent a delay in schedule for the rest of the group. We will depart from the hotel for the day, so PARTICIPANT will need to be dressed and be ready to depart. ii. Any PARTICIPANT who is late (according to the trip leader’s watch) for a scheduled meeting/appointment/check-in, etc. will be penalized. Any student who is habitually late for appointments and/or bus departures may be expelled from CiP and returned home at PARTICIPANT’S expense. Students who miss scheduled trips and transportation are responsible for all additional costs involved in catching up to the group. iii. PARTICIPANT will not explore on their own; students must be in groups of at least 3 and will notify trip leaders when departing from group. iv. PARTICIPANT will keep passports, tickets, and money in secure location both in and outside of lodging. v. iPods and other MP3 players prevent PARTICIPANT from being completely aware and should be used on a limited basis and at the discretion of CiP leaders. vi. PARTICIPANT agrees to uphold the Honor Code. vii. PARTICIPANT will only travel in college approved modes of transportation to include transport from the college to the hostel (and return), vans from the airport to the hostel (and return), tour buses to the scheduled points of interest, and airline. PARTICIPANT will not be transported by individuals or by cabs except as part of the detailed itinerary or in exceptional circumstances. viii. PARTICIPANT will not carry weapons (or anything which may be considered a weapon).