Blogs

Coronavirus Response Resources for Colleges and Universities

To help colleges and universities during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, United Educators (UE) has compiled the following list of links to education-specific resources and federal guidance.
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Coronavirus Response Resources for K-12 Schools

To help K-12 schools during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, United Educators (UE) has compiled the following list of links to education-specific resources and federal guidance.
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Risk Management Guidance for 3D Printing

Many educational institutions are considering using their 3D printing capabilities to help with medical device and supply shortages. This article addresses the risk management issues that schools should keep in mind during each step of the process.

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Manage Faculty Who Resist Disability Accommodations Requests

Guidance on how to respond if a faculty member is reluctant to provide students with approved course accommodations.
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Responding to the Coronavirus Outbreak

Regardless of whether your K-12 school, college, or university has students, faculty, or staff traveling abroad, you are probably deeply concerned about the recent outbreak of the coronavirus. To understand more about the new strain of the virus (COVID-19) and what steps your institution can take to manage the risk both domestically and abroad, read this article.
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Webinar: Workplace Sexual Harassment in Higher Ed: Special Issues

This webinar discusses challenging issues in preventing and addressing sexual harassment in the higher education workplace.

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Protecting Children: Shine a Light Video for Higher Ed

Administrators and educators have a responsibility to protect the well-being of minors. This short video will help to make employees and volunteers at K-12 schools with supervised access to children aware of potential situations of sexual abuse of children or teens in schools.
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Protecting Children: Shine a Light Video for K-12

Administrators and educators have a responsibility to protect the well-being of minors. This short video will help to make employees and volunteers at K-12 schools with supervised access to children aware of potential situations of sexual abuse of children or teens in schools.
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Background Check Fundamentals

This publication helps human resources administrators assess the soundness of their background check screening sources, practices, and policy. More institutions are implementing background checks for all employees, contractors, volunteers, and other individuals affiliated with the school, to protect community members and the institution’s resources, improve the quality of hires, and reduce organizational risk.
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Sexual Abuse Coverage Endorsement FAQs for K-12 Independent and Charter Schools

United Educators (UE) understands the challenge of addressing gaps on campus that enable adults affiliated with the institution to sexually abuse students or minors. Since the release of the supplemental application for sexual abuse liability, we’ve fielded questions from concerned K-12 independent and charter school members working to align school practices with the requirements of UE’s policy changes and underwriting approach.

In response, here are answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) addressing coverage eligibility, organizational change, and policy language.

Sexual Abuse Coverage Endorsement FAQs for Higher Education

United Educators (UE) understands the challenge of addressing gaps on campus that enable adults affiliated with the institution to sexually abuse students or minors. Since the release of the supplemental application for sexual abuse liability, we’ve fielded questions from concerned higher ed members working to align institutional practices with the requirements of UE’s policy changes and underwriting approach.

In response, here are answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) addressing coverage eligibility, organizational change, and policy language.

Developing Your Community College’s Resiliency

Resiliency can ensure your community college’s long-term strength and flexibility as you adapt and bounce back after a crisis.
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K-12 Checklist: Nondiscrimination Policies and Grievance Procedures Relating to Sexual Harassment

This checklist covers items that K-12 schools should consider when creating or revising nondiscrimination policies and grievance procedures related to sexual harassment of employees, students, and other minors. It is based on federal legal requirements and United Educators' recommendations derived from research and claims experience.
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Higher Ed Checklist: Nondiscrimination Policies and Grievance Procedures Relating to Sexual Harassment

This checklist covers items that higher education institutions should consider when creating or revising nondiscrimination policies and grievance procedures related to sexual harassment of employees, students, and minors participating in institution-sponsored programs. It is based on federal legal requirements and United Educators' recommendations derived from research and claims experience.
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Resiliency in the Face of a Crisis

Efforts to safeguard your community college from crises can help prevent — or at least minimize — certain incidents from occurring. But regardless of the work you put into emergency preparedness, there’s always a chance that crises will occur. The ability to bounce back is critical when it comes to reducing the impact of an incident and perhaps even improving your college’s reputation.
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Waivers: Getting One Consent at a Time

Informed consent should be a prerequisite for participation in voluntary activities. This Insights piece provides waiver recommendations and links to UE's resources for drafting releases.
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Best Practices: Investigations of Sexual Violence and Harassment

A checklist highlighting best practices for conducting investigation of student and employee complaints of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, and stalking.
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Fitness Center Safety and Supervision

Fitness centers at K-12 schools and institutions keep students healthy and active, but they can also create the potential for serious injuries. Read this Insights piece for findings from a review of UE's fitness center claims and  safety and supervision best practices.
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Website Accessibility: How Recent Liability Trends May Affect Your Institution

An increasing number of website accessibility lawsuits are targeting colleges. Institutions can use this summary of recent liability trends and UE recommendations to better understand the current legal climate and to improve the accessibility of their websites.
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Take Advantage of EduRisk's New Courses Ahead of Fall Training!

As the risks faced by educational institutions evolve, EduRisk continues to develop learning programs to help keep your community safe and informed.
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Powerpoint Summary of Safeguarding Our Schools From Sexual Predators: What Public and Charter School Leaders Should Ask

This powerpoint summarizes the key questions detailed in UE's publication Safeguarding Our Schools From Sexual Predators: What Public and Charter School Leaders Should Ask
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Safeguarding Our Schools From Sexual Predators: What Public and Charter School Leaders Should Ask

Investigations by schools have revealed decades of educator sexual abuse involving scores of victims. Read this publication for key questions principals, district superintendents, and school board members should ask and suggestions for creating a culture of prevention and reporting.
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Checklist for Camps on Campus

This checklist provides camp directors step-by-step guidance to help minimize risks and increase the likelihood of a safe experience for campers.
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Golf Carts on Campus

Educational institutions use golf carts to transport students and visitors, patrol the campus grounds, and perform campus maintenance activities. A United Educators (UE) claims review found that between 2012 to 2016 golf cart accidents on campuses resulted in over $1.6 million in losses. Implementing a few key practices can help educational institutions avoid or reduce such costly claims.
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Action Guide for Improving Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response Efforts: K-12

This guide is intended to help United Educators (UE) members strengthen their efforts to prevent and respond to sexual abuse.
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Action Guide for Improving Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response Efforts: Higher Education

This guide is intended to help higher ed United Educators (UE) members strengthen their efforts to prevent and respond to sexual abuse.
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Safeguarding Our Schools From Sexual Predators: What Independent School Heads and Trustees Should Ask

Recent historical investigations by schools have uncovered decades of educator sexual abuse to scores of victims. Read this publication for key questions school leaders should ask and suggestions for creating a culture of prevention and reporting.
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Addressing Sexual Violence in MOUs Between Campuses and Law Enforcement

Building strong partnerships between administrators and local law enforcement agencies should be a key component of every institution’s plan to reduce the risk of sexual violence. In this piece, UE provides recommendations for addressing sexual violence in a general campus safety memorandum of understanding.
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Responding to the Measles Outbreak

The 2019 measles outbreak infected at least 500 people in 20 states, including students at schools and colleges. Read this Insights piece for measles prevention recommendations and tips to develop an effective crisis response plan.
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Reducing Heat Illness in College and High School Sports

A review of United Educators claims arising from heat-related illnesses in athletes reveals that the primary cause of liability is poor planning for reduction of and response to this risk.
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VAWA-Campus SaVE Act Training Requirements for Employees

Most higher education institutions are subject to VAWA—also known as the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination (SaVE) Act—which requires institutions to train employees on sexual violence issues. This resource explains the training mandates and provides UE’s recommendations and suggestions to help institutions meet them.
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Safe Use of Drones on College and School Campuses

Schools and colleges regularly use drones for education, campus security, and promotional videography, but the increased presence of drones on campus adds to the potential for liability. Learn how to register drones and create comprehensive campus drones policies.
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Webinar: Proposed Title IX Regulations

This webinar discusses how the proposed regulatory changes to Title IX will affect higher education institutions. Listen in for insights on any necessary institutional policy revisions, and best practices for responding to allegations and conducting investigations.

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K-12 Public Schools Large Loss Report 2019

The K-12 Public Schools Large Loss Report 2019 summarizes major damage awards and settlements of $250,000 or more that affected public K-12 schools in 2017 and 2018. The cases include a $36.1 million jury award in a school bus incident, a $15.7 million settlement in a sex abuse lawsuit, and a $1.1 million award for an athletic injury.
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Independent K-12 Schools Large Loss Report 2019

The Independent K-12 Schools Large Loss Report 2019 summarizes major damage awards and settlements of more than $250,000 that affected independent schools from 2011 to 2018. It can help schools assess their risk management practices and insurance coverage. The cases include a $25.3 million award in a sexual molestation case, a $16.5 million settlement of more than 400 claims of sex abuse, an $8 million child abuse settlement with 88 former students, a $5.87 million award for an athletics injury, and a $4 million wrongful termination lawsuit.
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Workplace Harassment in Higher Ed: Tips: Training Faculty on Workplace Sexual Harassment

Many institutions find it difficult to educate faculty about workplace sexual harassment, but UE’s claims experience shows this training is critical. Discover recommended actions that can help schools reach faculty and some administrators.

Workplace Harassment in Higher Ed: Scenarios: Workplace Sexual Harassment and Assault Claims

Left unchecked, sexual harassment and sexual assault in the higher education workplace violate federal and state law, damage employee morale and productivity, and can seriously injure an institution’s reputation. Review common issues that arose in the 102 claims UE studied.

Workplace Harassment in Higher Ed: Key Findings: Losses and Lessons From Workplace Sexual Harassment and Assault Claims

Of the 102 claims UE analyzed, 87 percent alleged sexual harassment, and 49 percent included retaliation claims. Nearly a quarter (21 percent) involved serial perpetrators, and 13 percent alleged sexual assault. View other highlights from these claims and see UE’s recommendations for mitigating similar risks.

Are You Sacrificing Your Reputation to Protect Sacred Cows?

What are the sacred cows at your institution? Every college or university has programs and people that are a great source of alumni and student pride. But while they are an important part of the campus experience, these revered traditions or people can present risks when boards turn a blind eye to any issues that their existence raises.
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Avoiding Pitfalls When Resolving Discrimination Claims

Educational employers routinely use settlement and severance agreements to end employment relationships or resolve employment-related disputes, sometimes using templates drafted years ago. Recently, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has brought enforcement actions challenging common provisions in such agreements.
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Concussion Awareness Learning Program_legacy

Responding appropriately to concussions has become a critical component of keeping athletes safe. This learning program is designed to educate coaches, staff, and students on recognizing and responding to the symptoms of concussions.
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Campus Sexual Violence Elimination (SaVE) Act Learning Program

A new federal law affects students and anyone who works for a college or university. This learning program examines the new law:  what it is, why it's needed, how it affects you, and ways to get help for yourself or others.

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Youth Athletics Learning Program_legacy

Keep athletes safe by recognizing and responding to common hazards in sports programs including concussions and heat illness.

Guideposts for Teachers to Maintain Healthy Relationships with Students

Are teachers at your school properly prepared to maintain healthy relationships with students? In addition to institutional rules and regulations, are they alert to roles, boundaries, power, and accountability in their relationships with students? This guide provides practical guidelines for maintaining appropriate relationships with students.

Preventing Genetic Discrimination in Employment

A relatively new form of discrimination, genetic discrimination occurs when a person with a gene that causes or increases the risk of a disease or condition is treated differently. Many individuals fear that employers will attempt to reduce health care costs by terminating employees with genetic markers for costly disorders. Since a person's genes are unchangeable, and everyone is at risk of being a victim, the public favors remedies for victims of genetic discrimination.
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Coronavirus FAQs: What Educational Institutions Need to Know

United Educators (UE) understands that the coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing unprecedented challenges for schools, colleges, and universities. As schools face both short- and long-term challenges related to students being away from school, staff adapting to online instruction, and revered traditions unable to continue, we’re here to help. Here are UE’s answers to some of the most common member questions about managing the risks associated with COVID-19.

Red Flags: Preventing Identify Theft

The Federal Trade Commission’s Red Flags Rule requires all institutions to implement a identity theft prevention program to detect the “red flags” of identity theft, take steps to prevent the crime, and mitigate damage. This course will help students, faculty, and staff comply with and understand the rule.

Trust Betrayed: Safeguarding Your Students from Sexual Predators

In recent years, several universities have faced sexual predator scandals, some involving scores of victims. Designed for you to share with faculty and staff, this short video explores reasons serial sexual abuse can remain unexposed, how to recognize the warning signs of sexual abuse, and concrete steps for reporting incidents or suspicions

Accommodating Students With Disabilities

This course addresses several topics related to students with disabilities, including how accommodations change for students when transitioning between K-12 and higher ed, types of disabilities and common accommodations, how professors should engage and accommodate students with disabilities, and accommodating students outside the classroom.

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Educator Sexual Misconduct at K-12 Schools

This page features a claims study, checklist series, learning program, and other resources related to employee-on-student sexual misconduct.