Off-campus activity that includes students: the Risk Assessment

University policy says that a risk assessment must be completed for any off-campus activity involving students. The result of the assessment indicates what approvals and specific actions are required for the activity. (If you are part of a Registered Student Group, you can go directly to Bears Den.)

First, determine the level of risk 

The University divides risk into four levels: "extreme," "high," "medium" and "low." Use the questions below to determine the level of risk for the off-campus activity under consideration.

Select "Yes" or leave as "No" for each question, then select "Next."

Will students be engaged in extremely hazardous activities where there is a high probability of serious injury or death?

(This includes only the most dangerous activities such as entering a war zone or a serious contagious disease "hot spot.")

Is it a location where Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) Canada Travel Reports indicate “avoid all travel?”

Determine this at the DFAIT website.

Based on your answers to the previous questions the risk level is considered “Extreme.”

Please refer to the requirements of University policy regarding extreme risk.

Will students be engaged in activities that may expose them to hazards that are significantly greater than those encountered in their everyday lives but which can be minimized through planning, training, standard operating procedures, etc.?

(Examples include travel or work in extremely isolated locations.)

Is it a location where Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) Canada Travel Reports indicate “avoid non-essential travel?”

Determine this at the DFAIT website.

Based on your answers to the previous questions the risk level is considered “High.”

Please refer to the requirements of University policy regarding high risk.

Will students be engaged in activities that entail a higher level of risk than they would encounter in their daily lives but which can easily be mitigated?

(This would include most field research activities, off road vehicle use, sharps use, for example)

Is it a location where Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) Canada Travel Reports indicate “exercise high degree of caution?”

Determine this at the DFAIT website.

Will graduate students not engaged in research or undergraduate students be participating in the activity?

Based on your answers to the previous questions the risk level is considered “Medium.”

Please refer to the requirements of University policy regarding medium risk.

Will students be engaged in activities that may expose them to hazards no greater than those encountered in their everyday lives?

(Examples include meetings and conferences)

Is it a location where Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) Canada Travel Reports indicate “exercise normal security precautions?”

(Travel within Canada is typically low risk. Natural disasters and public health issues should be taken into consideration, however, in determining whether the risk level should increase.) Determine this at the DFAIT website.

Will the activity include graduate students engaged in research?

Based on your answers to the previous questions the risk level is considered “Low.”

Please refer to the requirements of University policy regarding low risk.

It is not possible for all check boxes to be "no." Please review the selections again. Start over.

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