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Safety tips for students serving in the community

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Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Students should review the following safety standards, and bring any questions to their instructor and community partner. Instructors and community partners should review this safety information with students.

Communicate

  • Ask your site supervisor for tips on staying safe
  • Tell someone your destination and your tentative return time
  • Ask for help from your supervisor or another staff member when in doubt
  • Tell your instructor if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe with your current site

Plan Ahead

  • Plan ahead for “what ifs” (what if the car breaks down, what if I can’t find the site address, etc.)
  • Wear appropriate, modest, easy-to-move in clothing, consistent with the site’s policy. Wear sturdy shoes
  • Don’t engage in activities beyond the scope of your class or your student/agency agreement
  • Plan to go in pairs if visiting people in private homes
Service learning with elementary students

Transportation

  • Drive carefully; the university is not liable for risks involved in students getting to and from their service sites.
  • Do not give a client a ride in a personal vehicle. Note: the agency cannot require you to drive as a part of your service.

Children Serving With You

  • If you would like to take your children with you, make sure you get prior permission from the agency.

    NOTE: BSU liability insurance does not cover students’ children. For that reason, BSU recommends you do not take your children with you.

Boundaries

  • ONCE AGAIN: Even if asked, don’t give a client a ride in a personal vehicle.
  • DON’T give or loan clients money or other personal belongings.
  • DON’T share too much personal information (phone number, address, etc)
  • DON’T tolerate talk or behavior of a sexual nature. If you feel harassed, tell your supervisor or instructor.
  • DON’T engage in any type of business with clients during the term of your service
  • DON’T enter into a personal relationship with a client during the term of your service.

Home VisitsService learning out in nature

  • Get information about the client, cultural norms, and their situation prior to the home visit
  • ONCE AGAIN: Go in pairs when possible
  • Try not to be alone with clients without adequate supervision
  • Consider meeting at a neutral place (at the agency or at a public building) or going with another student
  • Keep your agency informed of your plans and itinerary and check in by phone on a prearranged schedule.
  • Trust your intuition; if something does not feel right, leave. Talk to your agency supervisor about your concerns and ask to switch clients

Injuries

Protect yourself: carry your own health insurance.

** If you are injured at the agency, you have the right to file a Workers’ Compensation claim against the agency or Boise State University. Most agencies working with Service-Learning students are required to carry liability insurance that covers Service-Learning students. Some exceptions apply; contact the Service-Learning Director at 208-426-2380 for further information.

If Something Happens:

  • If it is a life threatening injury, call 911 or get transported to the nearest emergency room.
  • If it is not life threatening, follow-up with your primary care provider, Health Service, or St. Luke’s Occupational Health Clinic.
  • As soon as possible, contact the instructor, the agency supervisor, and the Service-Learning Director at 208-426-2380. The Service-Learning Director will complete accident forms and work with BSU Risk Management.