Volunteer coverage
Volunteers are those persons doing University work under the direction and control of University officials and do not receive payment by anyone for these activities.
The University’s insurance program, administered by the State of Arizona, Risk Management Division covers liability arising from the acts of ‘registered’ volunteers while providing service to the University in an authorized capacity. This coverage will provide legal defense for claims made against the registered volunteer for alleged harm to others or damage to property of others. Settlement of claims and/or payment of court judgments are made by the State of Arizona, Risk Management Division and/or Arizona Attorney General’s Office on behalf of Northern Arizona University. This insurance program is statutory, governed by Arizona Revised Statutes §41-621, et seq.
Registered volunteers
Liability coverage is extended to ‘registered’ volunteers acting at the direction of University officials and within the course and scope of their State-authorized activities (refer to Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-107B and “Who Is Covered” from State Risk Management). Registered volunteers (agents of the University) are provided the same liability protection afforded to University employees. Thus, registered volunteers acting within the course and scope of their State authorized activities would be covered for their liability exposure as agents of the State.
To become a registered volunteer, the volunteer and his/her NAU supervisor must complete and submit a Volunteer Registration Form to Risk Management (P.O. Box 4067). Forms are also available at Risk Management by contacting 928-523-2009; office is located at Contract, Purchasing, and Risk Management services (building 98B).
Volunteers under 18 years of age
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, unless prior written approval is obtained from NAU Human Resources. If a volunteer is under 18 years of age, written approval from Human Resources must be attached to the Volunteer Registration Form and submitted to Risk Management at Contracts, Purchasing, and Risk Management, P.O. Box 4067. In addition, the Parent or Legal Guardian must complete the Minors Consent Form Programs, sign and date, and submit the form to Risk Management prior to commencement of activity. Contact Risk Management at (928) 523-2009 for more information.
Volunteer safety
Departments should plan for the safety of volunteers just as they would regular employees. Volunteers that are appropriately equipped and qualified should be performing tasks that require special training, certification, or equipment. If a volunteer’s duties include driving on University business, the department must verify the volunteer has a valid driver’s license and require the volunteer be van certified if he/she will be driving a 9-12 passenger van on University business.
Workers’ Compensation Coverage
State Risk Management does not cover volunteers for workers’ compensation if injured while participating in this program. Volunteers are strongly encouraged to obtain their own medical insurance before participating in this program.
Accident, Medical, and AD&D Plan
Arizona Department of Administration, Risk Management Division has purchased a small accident, medical, and accidental death and dismemberment plan for NAU volunteers. This plan covers registered volunteers while they participate in NAU authorized volunteer activities. The plan will reimburse for eligible expenses that are not payable by the volunteer’s health care plan or any other insurance plan providing reimbursement for medical expenses.
Safety/Security Sensitive Work
Subject to NAU Human Resources Personnel policy #1.085, NAU positions, including volunteer positions, which are considered safety/security sensitive under the defined criteria are subject to certain background/fingerprinting requirements. The following links will assist you in determining whether the position is Safety/Security Sensitive.
Safety/Security Sensitive Position Identification Tool
Background and Fingerprint Investigation
Volunteers driving University-owned, rented, leased vehicles
All NAU volunteer drivers and their NAU supervisor shall complete and return the Volunteer Registration Form prior to the volunteer driving a University-owned, rented, or leased vehicle on NAU approved business. The signed Volunteer Registration Form must be on file with Risk Management prior to starting any volunteer activity.
For more information on Volunteer Coverage, contact Risk Management at (928) 523-2009.