Insurance & Risk Management

Insurance

Insurance Overview

The University of Alaska is self-insured for major types of coverage (auto, liability, property, workers’ compensation, etc.) through a pool of funds maintained by the System Office of Risk Services.  Self-insurance means that, rather than paying premiums to an insurance company to cover the cost of claims that might arise, the University has decided to retain that risk and to self-fund those claims.  The University has decided what level it feels comfortable and is able to self-insure, and has then purchased insurance coverage for claims that exceed those high self-insured retentions (deductibles).   As a result, we rarely have claims that exceed our self-insured retentions and seldom have to file claims with insurance carriers.  This process of self-insuring saves the University money in the long run.  

Throughout the year, claims are paid from the risk pool, which is replenished annually by assessments to each MAU based on various exposure bases (property values, number of employees and vehicles, etc.) and claims history.  The assessment is taken off the top of the MAUs’ initial budget.  Therefore, a cost increase at a campus results in less trickle-down of funds to the department level.   It is in everyone’s best interest to keep claim costs to a minimum by proactively working to prevent losses.

Request a Certificate of Insurance

TYPE DESCRIPTION DEPARTMENT DEDUCTIBLE
AUTO

Physical damage for UA owned, leased, and rented vehicles up to 10 years old.

 $2,500 Deductible
PROPERTY University owned buildings and permanent structures

University owned property (contents)

$0 Deductible

$1000 Deductible

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY

 Includes student medical malpractice $0 Deductible

CRIME

Employee dishonesty

$1000 Deductible

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICE LIABILITIES

Grievances, lawsuits, settllements, etc.

$5000 Deductible

CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS

UA’s self-insurance does not allow for naming additional insureds nor waive subrogation on contracts.

N/A
PROPERTY
 Personal property of any kind, unless authorized for use by a supervisor or director for University business.

Coverage is not provided to departments where property has been stolen and there is no evidence of forced entry.
Acts outside of the course and scope of University employment Includes the results of criminal behavior.
AUTO Physical damage to personally owned vehicles unless University negligence caused the damage.

Damage to University vehicles (incidental use of owned or use of rental vehicles) during personal use .
Liability arising out of the activities of student clubs, Greek organizations, and other student social groups These organizations are responsible for their own liability exposures arising out of their activities.   University liability for involvement in these activities is covered.

 

For more information regarding specific types of coverages, see the links below. 

General Institutional Coverage

The University of Alaska offers liability and physical damage coverage for all of its owned, leased, and rented vehicles, as well as non-owned vehicles for which the university is contractually liable.

For privately owned vehicles driven on University business, the University provides liability insurance in excess of the private owner's liability insurance. In other words, the University provides coverage when insurance limits have been exhausted. State Law requires all vehicles maintain auto liability insurance. Uninsured vehicles are not allowed to be driven on University business. The University does not cover physical damage to an employee's private vehicle unless there is evidence of negligence by the University and that negligence was the primary cause of the damage.

The State of Alaska law (A.S. 28.22.019) requires that proof of auto liability insurance is carried in all motor vehicles at all times. Because the University of Alaska is self-insured for this coverage, we have developed a Auto Liability Identification Card to serve as the required proof of insurance. A copy of this card should be kept in each UA vehicle for compliance purposes. 

Except for the rental of vans for the transport of athletic teams and equipment or other preapproved circumstances (through the campus risk management offices), employees will not be reimbursed for the purchase of any insurance for rental vehicles (see University Regulation R05.02.06, Part A.4.e.3).

Personal Injury Coverage

Should injury arise out of a motor vehicle accident, coverage is provided as follows, depending on the status of the occupant of the vehicle:

  • UA employee: Workers' Compensation coverage is provided if the employee was in the course and scope of employment.
  • UA student: There is no coverage for personal injury. If the student does not have personal coverage, it is strongly recommended that short term accident coverage, Student Special Risk Insurance, be purchased for the trip through the Fairbanks System Office of Risk Services.
  • Other occupants: There is no coverage for personal injury. The System Office of Risk Services discourages the transportation of non-affiliated passengers in UA vehicles unless the individual has access to personal accident insurance or is entitled to Workers' Compensation coverage through his/her own employer.

Physical Damage Coverage

The System Office of Risk Services provides coverage for physical damage sustained by vehicles up to fifteen years of age during accidents that occur on official university business.  This coverage applies solely when an accident has taken place.  An accident refers to a sudden, unexpected event that is not intentional and is not caused by mechanical failure or normal wear and tear.  University departments are responsible for a deductible for each  accident, and this deductible is retained by the department responsible for the vehicle at the time of the incident.

The University has a variety of aviation exposures including the UAA and UAF Aviation Technology Programs and the Poker Flat Research Range. Aviation insurance is maintained for these programs and university sponsored charters.

Alaska Statute 02.40.010 delineates the air carrier financial responsibility requirements for commercial air carriers to operate in Alaska. ALL University of Alaska charters must meet the minimum requirements of the state statute in addition to the following requirements specific to the University of Alaska:

University of Alaska Insurance Requirements for Charter Aircraft:

1. $150,000 per seat for bodily injury or death in a single occurrence;

2. $100,000 for property damage in a single occurrence;

3. $1,000,000 combined single limit (bodily injury and property damage) for aircraft with nine seats or less; or

4. $5,000,000 combined single limit (bodily injury and property damage) for aircraft with ten or more seats;

5. Add the University of Alaska as an additional insured on the aircraft charter company's liability insurance policy;

6. A certificate of insurance, on a form acceptable to the University, must be furnished to the University campus risk management prior to commencing the charter work and must provide for a 30-day prior notice to the University of cancellation, non-renewal, or material change of the policies.

 With the exception of the university’s aviation schools, piloting of aircraft by employees for university business is not allowed except as specifically approved by the System Office of Risk Services (see University Regulation (05.02.060 3.e.).   Approval is likely to be granted when commercial transportation, including charter aircraft, is not available or research projects require specialized equipment to be installed on aircraft.

Transporting passengers, including other university employees, in employee owned or operated aircraft also requires the prior approval of the System Office of Risk Services. Due to liability issues, transporting non-university employees will rarely be allowed.

Employees authorized to fly on University business are not authorized to conduct any other business for any other interests during that time frame. This includes the hauling of any supplies or freight for others.

Employee pilots continue to be, at all times, subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations governing operation of aircraft.   The aircraft to be used shall not be declared for “Public Use”.  

Employees must agree that the University shall not be liable for any maintenance, repairs, or hull damage incurred during the use of a private aircraft on University business.

Immediate notification must be given to the System Office of Risk Services of all aviation accidents or injuries.

Employees disregarding these regulations will be considered to be functioning outside the course and scope of their employment for any loss reimbursement or liability purposes.   This means that an employee who incurs a loss or a claimed or actual liability as a result of a violation of these regulations will not be entitled to any loss reimbursement or to defense and/or indemnification by the University of Alaska in any action taken against him/her.

To be considered for approved pilot status, university employees must complete the Pilot & Aircraft Request & Agreement to Risk Services. The Pilot & Aircraft Request & Agreement contains the information, criteria, documents and signatures pilots must collect and send to Risk Services. An Agreement must be approved by Risk Services and returned to the employee pilot before private aircraft can be used on university business.

The University maintains a $1,000,000 liability limit for drones/unmanned aircraft under 55lbs. Physical Damage coverage is not provided on any drones/unmanned aircraft, unless requested.

Please contact System Office of Risk Services to insure any drones/unmanned aircraft over 55lbs for liability and any drones/unmanned aircraft for physical damage.

 The major exposure covered by this policy is the university's boiler and power plant at UAF. Any additions, changes, or corrections are reviewed annually and reported to the insurer, as well as, any revenue from units on the UAF campus that would be affected by a failure of the power plant.

The current amount of coverage is $25,000,000. The current deductible is $50,000.

 

The University purchases two types of bonds. A bond is a promise to pay another agency in case a University of Alaska employee embezzles others' funds or commits fraud to illegally bring in goods for the university from foreign countries with improper customs clearance.

Custom Bonds :
We have customs bonds which provide indemnity to an administrative agency should the university import items for which we have exclusions from duty and for which we may inadvertently claim improper exclusion. The Geophysical Institute, the university in general, and agencies at UAA require customs bonds. The bonds range from $60,000 to $100,000.

Postal Bond:
We also have a bond in favor of the United States Postal Service for the postal services that we provide at UAF. The bond amount is determined by the value of the stamp inventory maintained at the UAF Post Office. This amount is evaluated on an annual basis to determine the need to increase or decrease the amount.

Notary Bond: see notary program details below under the "Just for Employees" secion.

 

 

Special insurance is in effect to protect the University in the event of thefts or burglaries involving money. Checks and other negotiable instruments are also covered. However, it is required that the department request replacement checks and negotiable instruments from each person prior to a loss being declared. The departmental deductible for this type of loss is $1,000 per occurrence.

The University of Alaska maintains coverage for claims and litigation arising out of employment related actions such as discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, denial of tenure, etc. 

Our policy covers grievances, lawsuits, settlements, etc.

$5,000 deductible.

Covered individuals include the University of Alaska, members of the Board of Regents, University of Alaska employees, members of University sanctioned advisory councils, and authorized volunteers under the direct supervision of a University of Alaska employee.

The General Counsel Office must be notified of any written demand or notice received from a person who intends to hold the University of Alaska or covered individual responsible for the consequences of an employment action. This includes grievances filed under Board of Regents' policy, lawsuits or complaints filed with a governmental agency, such as the Office of Civil Rights, or a Summons & Complaint through a judicial system.

 The System Office of Risk Services purchases and maintains a foreign liability insurance policy for the purpose of protecting the institution and its employees from liabilities arising out of work in foreign countries. The coverage includes, but is not limited to, personal injury, property damage, and auto liability.

Employees traveling to foreign countries should access the following website for current travel advisories: Travel Warnings & Consular Information Sheets

 

 University employees, regents, and volunteer workers under the direct supervision of a University employee are covered while acting within the course and scope of their employment or service for the University. Accidents or incidents which create a possible liability against the University must be reported promptly to your local Risk Management Office or the System Office of Risk Services.

Types of incidents requiring reporting include, injuries to non-University personnel occurring on University property, damage to property of others resulting from the actions of University personnel or any other situation that you feel may cause a claim to be filed against the University.

IN THE EVENT OF A SERIOUS CASE INVOLVING BODILY INJURY, AN IMMEDIATE ORAL REPORT MUST BE MADE TO THE SYSTEM OFFICE OF RISK SERVICES AT 907-786-1716.

The University is covered by an insurance program for exposures arising out of its marine operations. Coverage includes liability coverage for loss, damage, or injury to others and physical damage to certain scheduled vessels over $25,000 in value.

Acquisition of vessels greater than $25,000 in value must be immediately reported to the System Office of Risk Services to be scheduled for coverage under the marine policy.

The insurance is effective for University vessels within their "trading warranties", which are established at the beginning of each insurance policy period. "Trading Warranties" delineate the sailing area(s) of each vessel. Use of the vessels outside their "trading warranties" requires notification to insurance underwriters through the System Office of Risk Services. There may be a premium charge from insurance underwriters if the change in trading warranty increases the hazards.

Marine Charter

See Procurement Regulations and Procedures Manual, Appendix F-90 to F-93, Special Provisions for Vessel Charter(pdf). 

Over the side / Sub-sea Equipment

 

Physical damage coverage for UA owned sub-sea equipment (i.e. buoys; gliders) is available upon request and it is the department’s responsibility to contact the System Office of Risk Services to request coverage.

 

BUILDINGS
All risk property insurance coverage is carried on University buildings. Losses must be reported within 30 days to System Office of Risk Services.
 
Building Acquisitions: 
University units are to report to the System Office of Risk Services in Anchorage, within 30 days of acceptance, any new building acquisitions including new construction, purchases, or donations.
 
Non-Owned Building Insurance:
If you are requested to provide insurance for a non-owned building, such as in a space use agreement, rental, lease, or lease-purchase agreement, please contact the System Office of Risk Services.  Please provide a copy of the pertinent Agreement(s).
 
BUILDING CONTENTS & EQUIPMENT
 
UA Owned Property:
All risk property insurance coverage is carried on University owned equipment, including scientific equipment that is deployed in the field. Losses must be reported within 30 days to the System Office of Risk Service. Property not replaced is covered at actual cash value. Departments are responsible for a deductible for each loss. Mysterious disappearance of property is not covered.
 
Shipping of Equipment:
We frequently receive questions regarding the procurement of insurance when the university ships owned, leased, or rented equipment. More often than not, the shipper will charge a high premium for a very low coverage limit. For equipment with high value (excess $100,000), departments are advised to review the insurance offered by the shipper. However, if the insurance is not a good value, departments are not required to purchase coverage through the shipper. The equipment will be covered through Risk Services subject to a department deductible. No notification is required.
 
Don’t depend upon insurance alone; the best way to protect your equipment is through loss prevention. It is worth the effort to research and select a reputable shipping company and to ensure the protective packaging is done properly. Documentation with photo images of the condition of the equipment and the quality of packing prior to turning the equipment over to the shipper is effective protection should a dispute arise.
 
When equipment is shipped to the university, the vendor should be required to cover the liability for loss until such time as the equipment is delivered to the university.  Shipments that arrive in damaged condition should not be accepted without the shipper’s acknowledgment of the damage.
 
Home Use of University Equipment:
Loss or damage to University equipment taken home by an employee is to be covered first by the employee's homeowner's or renter's insurance. Excess coverage is provided by the University. Employees must obtain supervisory approval to take home any University owned equipment. The following form may be used for this purpose: Agreement for Use of University Equipment/Vehicle(s) .
 
Lock Down Devices:
The university’s loss prevention program allows reimbursement for the purchase of lock down devices for computers and other small pieces of equipment. To obtain the fullest protection available under the University's property program, please participate in the Loss Prevention Program and lock down high value, easily movable equipment.
 
Non-Owned Property:

The University does not provide coverage for the personal property of students, employees, or others. There is no University insurance available for loss or damage to personal art pieces, stereo equipment, furnishings, etc. in the work place. Property coverage can be extended to non-owned equipment, upon approval by the department dean or director, for equipment such as cameras, computers, and other such specialty items that are located on University premises or used in the field for employment purposes. Non-owned property is covered at actual cash value (replacement cost less depreciation).

Please refer to Student Property Insurance under “Just for Students”.

The University is also occasionally asked to cover equipment on loan from another entity or individual. Please process those requests through your local Risk Management/Safety office along with a copy of the pertinent contract or agreement.

 

Workers’ Compensation is a state-mandated program that provides benefits to employees who suffer injuries or occupational disease in the course and scope of employment.

The University of Alaska is self-insured for Workers’ Compensation benefits and claims are handled in-house by System Office of Risk Services claims adjusters in accordance with Title 23 of the Alaska Statutes and Title 8 in the Alaska Administrative Code.

Just for Students

Student accident insurance coverage is available, upon request, to University of Alaska students by direct application to our insurance carrier for this type of coverage. This insurance covers accidental injuries occurring during the insured period but does NOT cover personal health or sickness. The coverage is excess to other insurance available to the student.   In other words, this insurance policy will cover expenses after other policies an injured student may qualify for under the student's personal insurance, spouse's insurance, or parent's insurance have been exhausted.

Coverage is only available for University of Alaska programs that are:

  • University scheduled;
  • University sponsored; and
  • University supervised (by UA staff member)

Print out the Student Accident Insurance Brochure which describes the general terms and conditions of the policy and contact information.  A brochure needs to be given to or made available to all students who have enrolled for coverage .

Effective July 1, 2020, departments will no longer be charged for this insurance, but the application is required in a timely manner.

The Student Accident Insurance Election/Rejection Form can be used by departments and/or campus risk management, particularly when coverage is being required for high risk activities but a participant is declining the coverage. This form is for department use only. File and retain for future reference.

Services 

American International Assistance Services are included in the policy benefits. If assistance is needed while traveling, contact :Call toll free 1-800-626-2427 within the USA or Canada Call collect 0-713-267-2525 if you are outside of the USA

Submitting a Claim

For filing a claim click on the link below for a claim form. For a serious injury contact your Campus Risk Manager immediately Campus Risk Contacts.

Claims must be submitted within 20 days of the ACCIDENT. Get in the habit of submitting claims immediately to avoid denial of claim. Complete the form and submit directly to the insurance carrier.  Since claims must be submitted within 20 days of the ACCIDENT, Risk Services recommends that you FAX your claim form and supporting documents to the insurance carrier. Contact information for the insurance carrier is located on the top left hand corner of the forms. Student Accident Claim Form


Application Form 

(Online form)
COVERAGE WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE FOLLOWING THE ONLINE SUBMISSION OF YOUR ACCEPTABLE APPLICATION. PLEASE PROCESS YOUR REQUEST FOR INSURANCE TO THE SYSTEM OFFICE OF RISK SERVICES IN ADVANCE OF COVERAGE EFFECTIVE DATE. YOUR APPLICATION CANNOT BE PROCESSED OR SUBMITTED UNLESS IT IS COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY. 

 Professional Liability coverage is available upon application for University of Alaska students involved in internship or practicum situations. This coverage is available for a wide variety of specialties, a list of which can be found under the Field of Study drop down list on the application form (see below). This an occurrence policy and it pays up to a total of $1,000,000 per claim and $5,000,000 maximum per policy year. (University of Alaska employees are automatically covered for professional liability and need not apply for this coverage.) 

University of Alaska students may apply for this coverage through their departments. Departments should complete the form below. If you would like insurance coverage for a course that does not appear on the list of specialties on the application form, please contact the System Office of Risk Services.

This program is not available to students training to be physicians, dentists, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, chiropractors, or podiatrists. Also you are not covered for the administration or the operation of motor-driven vehicles. Coverage terminates upon graduation, if graduation occurs before the policy term expires.

Application Form Instructions

Please fill out the following application for Student Professional Liability Insurance. All blocks are mandatory! Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Separate applications must be submitted for each field of study. Applications cannot have coverage dates prior to the submission date.

(Online form)

COVERAGE WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE FOLLOWING THE ONLINE SUBMISSION OF YOUR ACCEPTABLE APPLICATION. PLEASE PROCESS YOUR REQUEST FOR INSURANCE TO THE SYSTEM OFFICE OF RISK SERVICES IN ADVANCE OF COVERAGE EFFECTIVE DATE. YOUR APPLICATION CANNOT BE PROCESSED OR SUBMITTED UNLESS IT IS COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY. 

The University does not provide coverage for student’s personal property, but students may insure their valuables through a parent or guardian's home owners insurance or a renter's policy. If this is not available to the student, insurance can be purchased through URMIA Student Property. This provides personal property insurance to students worldwide. A one-time premium provides 12 month protection (even after graduation).

Coverage details and instant quote available online on the URIMA website. 

Choosing Travel Insurance

DISCLAIMER: University of Alaska provides this information as a matter of convenience only, and makes no recommendation regarding these resources. Travelers are encouraged to make their own decisions about their trip insurance needs.

 

What’s trip insurance?

Travel insurance, or trip insurance, really is for emergencies that you might encounter on a trip. Trip insurance is intended to step in and provide you with combinations of money and services you need to help you with that emergency. You decide which emergencies you want to cover, and at what limits. Typical types of emergencies may include: medical (providing help finding doctors, providing translation, funds for medical care, flights home); political unrest (information about the situation; hotel costs, extraction, flight home); natural disasters (information about the situation; hotel costs, extraction, flight home). 

Who can use this information?

Students, faculty and staff might be interested in trip insurance in situations that include but are not limited to the following:

 
No Insurance If you have no travel insurance, you should consider purchasing coverage. Premiums vary, but you can choose a premium you can afford for some level of protection while you travel.
Limited Insurance You may have insurance from your tour or program, but when you review the coverage, find that coverage or limits are not adequate for you. The coverage may exclude something, including but not limited to mental health, repatriation, evacuation, pre-existing conditions, high-risk activities – which may be important to you and your trip. You may need to seek coverage from another insurer.
Before/After Tour Tour insurance does not typically extend if you are traveling on your own before and after a tour. Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover these periods.
Personal Medical Benefits While you have personal medical benefits in the United States, your health card will not be acceptable at overseas hospitals. Will you be able to pay for medical services overseas, and then be reimbursed when you return home?
Workers Compensation/Travelers Services While the University of Alaska provides Workers Compensation for injuries that arise from your employment overseas, medical bills must be paid to the overseas hospital and then reimbursed after your return. The University of Alaska arranges with an insurance company for travelers services to help, but you must arrange in advance to make sure you have the contact information and that limits and services are adequate for your activities.
Employee Personal Travel Employee personal travel is not covered. Employees who are extending work duties with personal travel should consider a travel policy to cover the personal travel.

 

What is covered by a purchased trip insurance policy?

Travel insurance may be very limited, or it can cover many different types of services and incidents. Trips can cover both academic and leisure travel, although be sure to check for any exclusions. Some companies may exclude leisure travel. If you are planning a combined trip, be sure to either add coverage for both, or buy both kinds of policies. Travel insurance is not just for medical coverage. Coverage can and should include getting you back home no matter what emergency occurs: medical, political, natural disasters.  Check coverages, limits and terms carefully.

Duration of coverage

Typically the policies start when you depart your home country and end when you arrive back at your home country on specified dates. Check the policy carefully, and check the dates carefully when enrolling.

Cost of coverage

The cost, or premium, may be quoted to you as a daily, monthly, per trip, or annual cost. Cost / premium will vary with how many types of coverages you choose, and at how high a limit. Make the choice based on how long you will be traveling, and what is the best value (not necessarily the cheapest) for you. What is the best mix of coverage, limits and services for you? Compare packages to get the best value for yourself and what you need.

Students receive substantial discounts for “study abroad” insurance, but must provide proof that they are enrolled students as a condition of coverage. 

Access to coverage and service

As part of enrollment in travel insurance, insureds receive access to a 24 hour toll free number that can be called to access services when traveling, in order to report a claim or access help. Carry a copy of your policy with you. If you have more than one policy, understand which is primary, and which is secondary. Be sure to carry both.

 

 All University of Alaska fraternities and sororities are required to purchase, and maintain in place at all times, $1,000,000 in general liability insurance. The University of Alaska is to be named as an "Additional Insured". A certificate of insurance is to be issued at least annually, at least 30 days prior to expiration of policy, and mailed to the appropriate campus risk management/health and safety office.

Just for Employees

Protection for University of Alaska employees, agents, officers, and board members for claims and litigation arising out of acts taken within the course and scope of their duties is provided both under Alaska Statute and under Board of Regents Policy:

ALASKA STATUTE:

Sec. 14.40.175. Indemnification.

The Board of Regents shall insure or indemnify and protect the Board of Regents, any member of the Board of Regents, or any agent or employee of the University of Alaska or of the Board of Regents against financial loss and expense, including reasonable legal fees and costs arising out of any claim, demand, suit, or judgment by reason of alleged negligence, alleged violation of civil rights, or alleged wrongful act resulting in death or bodily injury to any person or accidental damage to or destruction of property, inside or outside the university premises, if the Board of Regents member, agent or employee, at the time of the occurrence, was acting under the direction of the Board of Regents within the course or scope of the duties of the member, agent, or employee.

Link to AS 14.40.175:

BOARD OF REGENTS POLICY:

P01.01.08 - Indemnification

The board will defend, indemnify, and hold harmless board members and officers, university officers and employees, and members of advisory bodies and councils established by Regents' Policy or University Regulation, from any and all liability or damage arising out of acts on behalf of the board and the university performed within the course or scope of their official duties.

Link to Policy number 01.01 :

Through an arrangement with the Lieutenant Governor's Office, University of Alaska employees may obtain notary public commissions at no cost. However, it is the responsibility of the notary's department to purchase the log and seal for their notary. These commissions are limited to University of Alaska employees and are to be used for official university business only. Once approved as a notary public for the university, your name will be placed in a public directory, to aid others in locating you for this service.

Each applicant must read the Alaska Notary Handbook and forward the completed Notary Test, Alaska Notary Commission Application form and Employer Approval form to the System Office of Risk Services.  The System Office of Risk Services will review and approve the application form, and if appropriate, forward it to the Lieutenant Governor's office for completion. The State of Alaska requires original signatures and notary seals, no copies please. The Lieutenant Governor's office will forward approved Notary Certificates to the qualifying employees. Please provide a copy of your certificate to the System Office of Risk Services to be kept on file.

Notary Certificates issued through this process are valid as long as employees are in active employment status at the University of Alaska. The commission dates are open ended commissions. When performing notarizations, you will indicate your commission expires "with office". Upon terminating employment with the university, your notary commission will automatically expire and you are required to turn in your logs, seals and notary certificates to the System Office of Risk Services. If a University employee switches departments you may update your information on the Alaska Notary Commissions Website.  Also you leave the University please email the notary@alaska.gov that you are no longer a University employee.

This policy provides worldwide coverage for University employees and eligible volunteers in travel status on University of Alaska business outside a 100-mile radius from home or regular place of employment.

The following coverage summary is intended to provide a general description of the coverage and does not include all the terms and conditions of the policy. Contact this office if you have specific coverage questions.

Coverage Summary:

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefits

Assistance Services - Call 1-800-626-2427 inside the U.S. or collect 0-713-267-2525 if outside the U.S.:

Pre-Travel Assistance

  • Advice on required and recommended immunizations
  • Health information and precautions for medically remote or under-served areas
  • Information for handicapped or disabled travelers
  • Help in arranging special medical services needed while traveling

Medical Emergency Services

  • Worldwide, 24-hour medical location service
  • Medical case monitoring, arrange communication between patient, family, physicians, employer, consulate, etc.
  • Medical transportation arrangements
  • Emergency message service for medical situations

Legal Assistance

  • Arranging contact with a local English-speaking attorney
  • Worldwide, 24-hour contact for non-criminal legal emergencies
  • Legal referral to help you locate a consular official or attorney

Travel Assistance

  • Worldwide, 24-hour telephone contact for advice on handling losses and delays
  • Help with lost passports, tickets and documents
  • Advice on filing travel-related claims
  • Arrange shipments of forgotten, lost or stolen items
  • Relay emergency messages

Emergency Evacuation

Repatriation of Remains

Coverage is automatic conditioned upon the appropriate authorization for University of Alaska travel.

 

Other Special Risk Coverage

All student, faculty, and staff art work to be placed in an approved University of Alaska art exhibition must be reported to the System Office of Risk Services in Anchorage prior to being displayed on University of Alaska premises.

The report should contain:

  • Title of the work
  • Artist's name and contact number
  • Appraised value of the work
  • Location of display
  • Dates of display

Complete and return the Art Exhibit Record form provided by the System Office of Risk Services in Anchorage.  An approved art exhibit is an exhibit that has been organized, managed, and supervised by a UA faculty or staff member with department head approval. Departments holding exhibits are responsible for a per occurrence property loss deductible. Please contact your campus risk management office for assistance on contracts and insurance if you are coordinating an art exhibit with another institution.

NCAA site - student-athlete insurance

For additional information about our intercollegiate athletic coverage, please contact the System Office of Risk Service.

The UA Early Childhood Development Lab policy is an accident policy covering death and dismemberment, medical expense, and disability policy with a catastrophic benefit. This insurance covers accidental injuries while participating in UA Early Childhood Development Lab School of Career & Continuing Education sponsored, scheduled and supervised activities, but does NOT cover personal health or sickness. This policy covers the following insured persons while he or she is participating in activities at the UA Early Childhood Development Lab School.

Who is covered:

  • All registered students and teachers of the University of Alaska Early Childhood Development Lab School.

Benefits:

  • $15,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • $50,000 Excess Accident Medical Expense
  • $35,000 Catastrophe Benefit
  • $0 Deductible 

Tenant Users Liability Insurance Policy (TULIP)

The University of Alaska offers Special Event Insurance for a wide variety of special events. This coverage is made available to non-university affiliated entities (Event Holders) that request use of University of Alaska facilities but are not able to meet the University of Alaska's insurance requirements.

To access the program, please visit the TUILP website. 

Enter the actual facility code:

Code 4632 AK - Univ of Alaska Anchorage

Code 4633 AK - Univ of Alaska Fairbanks

Code 4634 AK - Univ of Alaska Southeast

Once you have made a selection, please verify you have the correct location before proceeding to the next step.

Continue to follow the steps to obtain your quote and purchase coverage if desired.

 

This policy provides physical damage coverage for emergency and other high value vehicles, such as road maintenance and snow removal equipment, that the campus does not want to self-insure. The policy provides both comprehensive and collision for these vehicles. 

If you have any questions regarding this coverage, or if you would like to add vehicles to this insurance policy, please contact the System Office of Risk Services

Eligibility:

The following International Travel plans are available to non-U.S. citizens while participating in exchange activities - business, academic, research, cultural, training - in the United States.

These plans offer accident and medical expenses, medical evacuation and repatriation, and accidental death and dismemberment. The Plans also features important medical and travel assistance services.

Gateway USA

International Student Protection

ISO Med Platinum/Gold/Silver: 

The University provides medical malpractice insurance in conjunction with its general liability program. The medical malpractice insurance covers University of Alaska employees only. It follows the principle of the general liability coverage in that coverage is effective only if the University medical practitioner is acting within the course and scope of his/her employment. 

Sports camp insurance is an accident and sickness policy which covers the participants in the University of Alaska sports camps and recreational clinics held by the athletic departments. A brief description of the coverage, premiums, and procedures for obtaining coverage follows:

Sports Camp insurance is insurance which camp participants purchase as part of their camp fee. It is important to note that the sports camp insurance is excess to other insurance policies available to the student. In other words, the insurance picks up expenses after other coverage an injured student may qualify for under the student's personal insurance policy or parent's insurance have been exhausted.

 The athletic departments are required to report the number of camps and campers plus a description of each camp to the System Office of Risk Services. Camp Audit forms will be provided to the departments on a monthly basis. Each camp participant should receive a copy of a Sports Camp Insurance brochure(pdf).

UA extends two types of insurance to qualified volunteers. (See definition of a Volunteer below.)

  • Liability
  • Workers Comp

The University does not insure loss or physical damage to its employees' personal vehicles, equipment, or other personal property nor will the University provide property insurance coverage for loss or physical damage to any Volunteers' personal vehicles, equipment, or other personal property.

The University agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless those it determines to be qualified Volunteers in the same manner and to the same extent the University protects its other agents and employees from any claim, demand, suit for property damages or personal injury including death allegedly caused by the Volunteer's activities if the Volunteer: a) at the time of the occurrence was acting in good faith within the course and scope of his/her volunteer duties in accordance with the directions of the Supervisor; b) provides immediate notice to the University of any claim; and c) cooperates in the prosecution or defense of such claim and does not stipulate to any judgment or settlement without the University's approval.

Individuals who are qualified to receive this protection through volunteer work must meet specific criteria. The System Office of Risk Services and/or the General Counsel Office will determine eligibility for defense or indemnification based, in part, on the guidelines listed in the definition of a volunteer.

The University's obligation applies only to claims of third parties who are not related to the Volunteer nor members of the Volunteer's household. The University does not insure loss or physical damage to its employees' personal vehicles, equipment, or other personal or real property nor will the University provide property insurance coverage for loss or physical damage to any Volunteers' personal vehicles, equipment, or other personal or real property nor to property of the Volunteer's relatives or household members.

The University of Alaska extends the protection of workers' compensation coverage to individuals requested by an authorized representative of the University to give time and efforts that provide an ultimate benefit to the University. Individuals who qualify to receive this protection through volunteer work are treated as employees for purposes related to on the job injuries. Treatment in this manner means the exclusive remedy provision of the Alaska Workers' Compensation law also applies. Thus, individuals entitled to workers' compensation are not entitled to sue for damages for injuries, illness, or death. The System Office of Risk Services will determine eligibility for workers' compensation benefits based, in part, on the guidelines listed in the definition of a volunteer.

In consideration of the benefits received by the University from the Volunteer's participation in University programs, the University agrees to provide the Volunteer all medical benefits and compensation afforded to its employees under the Alaska Workers' Compensation Act in the event the Volunteer suffers injury, illness, disease or death arising out of the performance of his/her services while acting in good faith within the course and scope of his/her volunteer duties in accordance with the directions of the Supervisor. The weekly compensation or medical benefits will be based on the minimum rate of compensation under AS 23.30.175. Compensation or medical benefits will not be provided when the Volunteer is eligible for workers' compensation coverage from any other employer or from any other medical or disability policy. Disputes regarding payment of compensation and medical benefits will be decided by the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board.

In consideration of the benefits received from participation in the work of the program and the protection offered by the University, the Volunteer 1) will provide immediate notice to the University of any injury or illness; 2) accepts the remedy provided by the Alaska Workers' Compensation Act as his/her sole legal remedy from the University if the Volunteer suffers a work-related injury, illness, disease or death while acting in good faith within the course and scope of his/her volunteer duties in accordance with the directions of the Supervisor; 3) transfers his/her right to recover from others who may be responsible for the injury, illness, disease or death to the University and/or its assigns; and 4) agrees to cooperate and to do everything necessary to enable the University and/or its assigns to enforce the right to recover from others.

The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) allows public agencies, such as the University of Alaska, to use the services of volunteers under the following circumstances:

  • The Volunteer cannot perform the same type of services that he or she performs as a university employee or perform services during normal working hours (if the Volunteers is employed by UA in any capacity) (See Note Below)
  • The Volunteer must offer their services freely and without coercion, direct or implied, from the university.
  • The Volunteer must perform service without promise, expectation, or receipt of compensation for their services.  (In some circumstances, volunteers can receive reimbursement for expenses, benefits, or a nominal fee; contract HR for more information)

If any of the above criteria are not met, the services performed may constitute compensable time under the FLSA and require payment of minimum wages and overtime. 

In addition to the above criteria, other laws and university policy require the following:

  • Volunteers must be US citizens or otherwise eligible for unrestricted employment in the US unless they are performing a service that on one within the University of Alaska is paid to do.
  • Volunteers who will be in contact with minors (under age 18) must be approved by Human Resources and Risk Management and may be subject to a criminal background check.
  • Volunteers may not transport groups, students, minors, or non-UA affiliated persons on UA business or UA sponsored events and activities.  Exceptions may be made only with prior approval of Risk Management.
  • For Volunteers under the age of 18, written permission must be received from Risk Management and from a parent or legal guardian.
  • Volunteers must be under the direct supervision of a paid University of Alaska employee.  Supervision by a University employee means that the Volunteer is given the means and direction for the performance of the work. 
  • A Volunteer is performing work where there is a legitimate need for services.  The work for which the Volunteer is being recruited should be productive work for which payment would normally be made. 
  • Volunteers must be engaged in activities related to the business or operations of the University of Alaska.  Such activities are defined as work that furthers the goals and missions of the university in education, research, or community service.
  • Volunteers must have the skills necessary to perform the work.  Volunteers must be engaged in activities related to the business or operations of the University of Alaska. Such activities are defined as work that furthers the goals and missions of the university in education, research, or community service.
  • The person authorizing the volunteer services is not a family member or co-habitant of the volunteer.

EXAMPLES OF QUALIFIED/UNQUALIFIED VOLUNTEERS

Some examples of qualified Volunteers:

Some activities where an individual is not qualified as a Volunteer:

Docents

Employees from other universities or organizations doing joint research with the University of Alaska

Flower planting or gardening on campus grounds

Students in practicum, internship, or work study programs.

Models in Art classes

Students on class field trips

Coaches

Spouses, friends, or family members traveling with a UA employee

Recreational assistants

Performers in theatre, music, dance, or other productions

Student registration assistants

Participants in club activities