A couple of the more befuddling quotations from the release form:
In consideration of the University allowing me to participate in these activities, I hereby assume all risks involved in such activities and voluntarily release, discharge, waive and relinquish any and all actions or causes of action...This is interesting phrasing. "In consideration of the University allowing me to participate in these activities..." How nice that GW is allowing you to volunteer. I didn't know they were in a position to do that.
To the best of my knowledge, I am not aware of any physical disability or health-related reasons or problems which would preclude or restrict my use of the University's facilities. I understand that I am required to have health insurance, and hereby certify that I have such coverage.This one is weird too. God forbid we have people who don't have health insurance doing volunteer work. Is this just another one of GW's subtle preferences for rich kids? If you can't afford health insurance, we don't want your help!
Additionally, by agreeing to this waiver, I grant permission for the University to use my name; any photos, film, or videos of me or my her likeness; and/or any other identifying information about me, and to use the same or portions thereof, including making and using derivative works thereof in any medium, including without limitation, videos, online broadcasts and brochures, for any University purpose...This one is my favorite. If you want to volunteer but are uncomfortable being used in a GW ad campaign, you need not apply. How can you help the community when you won't even let GW turn you into a brochure?
10 comments:
Great points.
OK another pathetic shot at this program by the GW Patriot. When you do ANYTHING there is a risk involved and yes GW needs to cover its behind for liability purposes. You also sign a very similar waiver when you ENROLL at GW in case something happens like you get struck by lightning on campus
And I'm sure if you spoke to GW about using your name or photo they'd be OK omitting you. You also sign a similar waiver when you enroll at GW saying that your mug can be used on admissions material
I understand that GW needs to cover itself.
The passages that I highlighted have absolutely nothing to do with liability claims.
I just don't see the logic in requiring that anyone who uses your community service portal must allow GW to use their "name... likeness... photos of me..."
What does that have to do with community service?
It's about advertising the community service efforts GW students are doing, which should be advertised and highlighted so they can be recognized for their good deeds without having to ask for recognition
But anyone who's uncomfortable with having their picture or videos of them used in an ad campaign (and believe me, lots of those people exist) is being told by this document that it is MORE IMPORTANT to let GW film you than it is for you to serve the community.
"It's about advertising the community service efforts GW students are doing, which should be advertised and highlighted so they can be recognized for their good deeds without having to ask for recognition"
This is exactly the problem with the whole community service initiative GW launched. Instead of doing good deeds for the sake of themselves GW is doing it for recognition. They have tied it to a celebrity (Michelle Obama) and made a spectacle out of it (Freshman Day of Service).
GW is not truly interested in community service, but merely another publicity stunt to promote the university. I wish they would spend a little less time trying to make themselves look good, and a little more time focusing on what community service is really about, the people you are supposed to help.
Good work. I found the whole way that GW is trying push me into reporting my volunteer hours to be annoying and quite frankly none of their business. Some ppl just don't get the idea that if I volunteer my time, maybe it's on behalf of my employer, or maybe my own desire to do good. GW doesn't get to take credit for and shamelessly promote everything I do while enrolled.
Sounds like someone hates Michelle Obama/poor people, Dakotah.
Ha this has nothing to do with political views.. I think that GW encouraging people to volunteer is a great thing, and Michele Obama's challenge might end up having a positive effect on a lot of people.
What I DON'T like is that the main emphasis / obsession seems to be on counting volunteer hours. It turns me off from the whole program. This waiver goes to show even more just how 'commercial' a university can make volunteerism.
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