CURIE is now offering assistance to universities in the area of student event risk management. Through McGregor & Associates, the ‘Student Event Risk Management’ program provides consultative services and resources to assist Student Services/Student Life departments and student groups (e.g. Student Unions/ Associations) in planning events from a risk management perspective.

The relationship between Student Life departments and student organizations varies considerably across Canada. In addition, the level of risk management planning for student-run events also varies from institution to institution. Hence the ‘Student Event Risk Management’ program offered by McGregor & Associates is designed to be flexible, and the overall program can be adjusted and customized to meet specific needs and situations.

The program focuses on a risk assessment process that will be a requirement for all student-run events, and on the major role played by the Primary Event Organizer (PEO). An important element of the campus visitation part of this program is a ‘Train the Trainers’ workshop where key people are trained on how to train the PEO’s.

The program consists of three distinct Stages

Stage 1: Exploring a partnership approach (conducted off-site)

• Data gathering via surveys determines the current situation on campus and the relationship between Student Life and the Student Union(s).

• Analysis provides starting point for risk management planning.

Stage 2: Developing a comprehensive Risk Management approach

Working on-site directly with partners (Student Life and the Student Unions), this Stage involves:

• Review of current policies and procedures related to student events

• Individual meetings with all partners

• Three unique workshops:

Workshop 1: “Implementing an Event Risk Management Process”

(see sample agenda on website www.StudentLifeRisk.com)

- Aimed at everyone on campus (students and administrators) directly or indirectly involved with student events

Workshop 2: “The Primary Event Organizer Process”

- Focuses on the process the Primary Event Organizer is required to follow when organizing an event.

Workshop 3: “Train the Trainer”

- Future Trainers will be trained how to deliver a workshop aimed at all Primary Event Organizers.

• ‘Resource and Planning’ manual provided to university

• Final Report documenting results, plans, recommendations.

Stage 3: Follow-up (occurs after one year)

• Evaluation tool is used to assess impact of procedures and training sessions

• Fine tuning of risk management processes based on implementation results

For more details on the program, visit the McGregor & Associates website:

www.StudentLifeRisk.com

CURIE will fund all McGregor & Associates consultation costs including travel. However CURIE sponsorship of the student event risk management program does not signify CURIE’s intention to re-enter the business of insuring Student Unions and their operations.

Contact John Breen at jbreen@curie.org or call 888-462-8743 if your university is interested in getting involved in this program.