Off-campus event liability waiver

[qnotary]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California


Is it legal to make students sign a waiver of liability for an off campus school sponsored event and use it for the purposes of grade related attendance?

I am a choir member. As a part of our grade, as laid out in our syllabus, we are required to perform "x" number of times in a semester. Previously we were never required to sign a waiver of liability for required off-campus performances, however, last night we were presented with such a waiver by students assigned to keep attendance records who said "Your attendance grade is dependent on signing this waiver of liability." I emailed my prof and awaiting reply for verification.

Should my grade be lowered based on refusing to sign this waiver of liability for a required off-campus performance, will I have any legal standing when I will have to petition to have my grade changed?

 

[Just Blue]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California


Is it legal to make students sign a waiver of liability for an off campus school sponsored event and use it for the purposes of grade related attendance?

I am a choir member. As a part of our grade, as laid out in our syllabus, we are required to perform "x" number of times in a semester. Previously we were never required to sign a waiver of liability for required off-campus performances, however, last night we were presented with such a waiver by students assigned to keep attendance records who said "Your attendance grade is dependent on signing this waiver of liability." I emailed my prof and awaiting reply for verification.

Should my grade be lowered based on refusing to sign this waiver of liability for a required off-campus performance, will I have any legal standing when I will have to petition to have my grade changed?

Is this a college or high school?

 

[ecmst12]

If you don't sign the waiver, you can't go on the trips. If you don't go on the trips, your attendance grade will suffer. Logic.

 

[Humusluvr]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California


Is it legal to make students sign a waiver of liability for an off campus school sponsored event and use it for the purposes of grade related attendance?

I am a choir member. As a part of our grade, as laid out in our syllabus, we are required to perform "x" number of times in a semester. Previously we were never required to sign a waiver of liability for required off-campus performances, however, last night we were presented with such a waiver by students assigned to keep attendance records who said "Your attendance grade is dependent on signing this waiver of liability." I emailed my prof and awaiting reply for verification.

Should my grade be lowered based on refusing to sign this waiver of liability for a required off-campus performance, will I have any legal standing when I will have to petition to have my grade changed?

Why are you refusing to sign the waiver?

And, if you're required to perform off campus, and you can't because of a waiver issue, why don't you drop the class, since you know your grade will suffer?

 

[davew128]

Glee stinks anyway.

 

[CdwJava]

Is it legal to make students sign a waiver of liability for an off campus school sponsored event and use it for the purposes of grade related attendance?

Yes. You do no thave to take band, choir, or a number of such courses. If you do not want to abide by the rules and conditions, then do not participate in the class.

I am a choir member. As a part of our grade, as laid out in our syllabus, we are required to perform "x" number of times in a semester. Previously we were never required to sign a waiver of liability for required off-campus performances, however, last night we were presented with such a waiver by students assigned to keep attendance records who said "Your attendance grade is dependent on signing this waiver of liability." I emailed my prof and awaiting reply for verification.

Apparently the school or someone wants to make sure they mitigate their liability should something happen at the venue you are to attend. You can always choose NOT to attend that particular performance.

Is there some reason you do not want to sign the waiver?

Should my grade be lowered based on refusing to sign this waiver of liability for a required off-campus performance, will I have any legal standing when I will have to petition to have my grade changed?

I doubt your grade will be lowered for not signing the waiver. But, you may not be permitted to perform or attend with the group if you do not sign the waiver. And it will likely be that non-performance that will effect the grade.

Once upon a time I was in band, orchestra, etc. in high school and college. I had to sign waivers for events where we traveled by bus (even in college) or performed in major events - the Rose Parade, half time shows at away games where overnight stays were required, trips to Hawaii, etc. If I didn't sign, I didn't perform. If I didn't perform, I lost a good chunk of my grade.

Yes, clarify the issue with your professor, but don't be too surprised if the waiver is required in order to participate. This is one consequence of living in a litigious society where people get sued for looking wrong at another person - waivers are required for a great many things that seem silly on their face, but are quite practical for some who face the potential of liability.