Student Groups

Registered Student Groups are subject to compliance with the rules and regulations of the Office of the Dean of Students and the policies and procedures of the University (e.g. UAPPOL Student Groups Procedure, UAPPOL Alcohol Policy). Individuals within registered student groups are also subject to the Code of Student Behaviour. 

The University’s insurance programs do not provide coverage for student groups, except in circumstances where a recognized student group is hosting an approved event that is directly tied to the University’s core academic mission, the event is supported by the group’s Faculty Dean, and the University is able to obtain written verification from the University’s insurer that the specific event falls within the scope of the policy.  Student groups will not be covered by the University's insurance in any way while acting in protest against the university or for any intentional or illegal act.

The student group must purchase its own annual insurance if it:

  • is an incorporated or limited society/association that is required to file annual documents with the government, regardless if it is for profit or non-profit
  • is a fraternity or sorority
  • organizes or teaches lessons in physical activity (e.g. dancing, yoga, etc.) on a regular basis
  • organizes or provides instruction/mentorship to minors who are not students at the University of Alberta on a regular basis
  • enters directly into a contract/agreement with a third party (student groups cannot enter into or sign a contract on behalf of the University)
  • owns any personal property and/or equipment
  • provides consulting and/or advisory services to third parties, whether under contract or not
  • has a bank account and/or assets which are more than $5,000

The student group must purchase its own event insurance if it:

  • hosts/organizes on and/or off-campus alcohol related events - one day or reoccurring event coverage (Event Insurance must be purchased for these types of events)
  • hosts/organizes a major function on campus involving over 150 people - one day or reoccurring event coverage (Event Insurance must be purchased for these types of events)
  • hosts/organizes an event including physical activities (which is considered outside of core academic activities), including but not limited to, sport, outdoor recreational activities, and fitness classes where an individual is providing instruction
  • hosts/organizes an event for which it enters directly into a contract/agreement with a third party (student groups cannot enter into or sign a contract on behalf of the University)
  • hosts/organizes an event where it provides consulting and/or advisory services to third parties, whether under contract or not
  • hosts/organizes an event where minors who are not students at the University of Alberta will be in attendance

Student groups may host events where insurance is recommended, but not required.  See below for more information to help your group assess your risks and understand what insurance products may mitigate your risks.

Insurance Coverage Requirements

In the event of a worst case scenario, insurance is intended to backstop the ‘insurable’ financial risk that can arise from  student group activities including one day events. This includes litigation and settlement costs that typically will exceed the amount of cash in a student groups bank account.

Insurance can be purchased through a broker licensed to transact insurance business in Alberta. Depending on the student group activity, insurance policies can be purchased for a 12 month period and/or for single day event that may or may not include alcohol. 

The Student Group is ultimately responsible for determining its insurance coverage and limit requirements. 

  1. Comprehensive General Liability in the amount of not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) inclusive per occurrence against third party claims for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage arising out of the ownership, use of all premises and/or business activities/operations of the student group. Such insurance shall include, but not be limited to, blanket contractual liability, tenants legal liability, non-owned automobile liability, cross liability and severability of interest as between the U of A and the named insured. Such insurance shall add "The Governors of the University of Alberta" as additional insured.
    • Mandatory if group is an incorporated or limited society/association and required to file annual documents with the government, regardless if it is for profit or non-profit.

     

  2. All Risks Property Insurance covering the property owned or leased by the student group (if applicable). This policy shall waive all rights of subrogation against "The Governors of the University of Alberta." This coverage must be purchased through a licensed insurance broker.
    • Optional depending on the group's structure and needs.

     

  3. Host Liquor Liability for alcohol related activities in the amount of not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) inclusive per occurrence against third party claims for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage as a result of providing alcoholic beverages to any person or persons at an event hosted by the student group. Such insurance shall add "The Governors of the University of Alberta" as additional insured.
    • Mandatory for all groups organizing events on and/or off campus where alcohol is served (e.g. Beer Gardens). All alcohol events must be approved by the Dean of Students in advance of the event.

     

  4. Errors and Omissions/Professional Liability in the amount of not less than $1,000,000 inclusive per claim arising from wrongful acts in the course of providing consulting and/or advisory services. This coverage must be purchased through a licensed insurance broker.
    • Mandatory for all groups that provide consulting/advisory services to third parties. 

     

  5. Crime / Fiduciary Liability in an amount that will sufficiently protect the student groups financial interest should a fraud event occur. It is strongly recommended that the student group incorporate financial controls that will appropriately protect the financial interests and funds of the group.  This coverage must be purchased through a licensed insurance broker.