Getting off-campus and into the community can be a great way to foster a unique and meaningful academic experience. While Cornell is excited to have students, faculty, and staff exploring learning opportunities that take place away from campus, it is important that everyone involved understands the inherent risk. The Cornell procedure of filling out a Domestic Travel Release of Liability form is designed to be beneficial to the students, faculty, and staff of Cornell. For more information on Risk Management while participating in an off-campus experience, visit Cornell’s Risk Management and Insurance website.

If you are supporting domestic off-campus student travel, please be advised that Cornell requires all students traveling for University business to fill out the Domestic Travel Release of Liability (sample) prior to departure. 

What constitutes University Business? Here are the primary factors to consider:

1. Who is paying for the travel? It is University business when University funds are paying for the travel arrangements. 
2. Who owns the vehicle? University-owned vehicles are only available to people driving on University business; therefore, if someone is driving a Fleet vehicle or department-owned vehicle they are almost certainly doing so for University business.  Individuals should never use University vehicles for personal business. 
3. Is the travel for academic credit? Students traveling for a field trip, internship etc. for academic credit are considered to be traveling on University business.
4. Is the travel for an official University purpose? Anyone driving as part of their job or internship responsibilities are doing so for University business.

While this form may be slightly customized to meet the particular needs of your program, any significant additions or deletions should be made in consultation with risk_mgmt@cornell.edu.  Changes to college name, locations, and dates do not need Risk Management review.  Please send over other revisions. Please keep the signed document in your records for at least three (3) years and review the Student Field Trip Guidelines for other advice on planning field trips.

Insurance information:

All University-owned vehicles are insured through the University’s Protected Self Insurance program and liability policies purchased through the Office of Risk Management and Insurance.  The student’s Student Health Plan health insurance or private insurance plans cover them during off-campus field trips. Students/faculty/staff do not need to purchase any additional insurance for off-campus domestic field trips.