WHY IS THE VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT IMPORTANT?
The Volunteer Agreement ensures clarity on responsibilities, legal protections, risk management, confidentiality, and adherence to organizational standards while safeguarding Sigma Alpha Epsilon, limiting liability, and establishing clear terms for the volunteer relationship.
HOW DOES THE VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT BENEFIT ME?
Federal and state volunteer acts provide limited immunity from civil liability for volunteers of nonprofit organizations and governmental entities. They aim to encourage volunteerism by reducing the potential for claims and lawsuits against volunteers, so long as the volunteer is objectively acting within the scope of their volunteering activities. Volunteer agreements, which define, in detail, the scope of a volunteer’s activities, provide an objective basis for a volunteer to claim that, based upon the activity they were involved in, the volunteer was acting within the scope of their volunteering activities. Thus, a detailed volunteer agreement is beneficial for the volunteer.
HOW IS THIS VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT DIFFERENT THAN THE SCOPE OF ASSOCIATION I MAY HAVE SIGNED LAST FALL?
The Scope of Association you may have signed during the fall was the collegian Scope of Association. This agreement is specifically for our volunteers.
WHAT IS THE “TERM” OF THE VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT?
The volunteer is volunteering solely for his/her own benefit. Volunteer agrees and acknowledges that the volunteer service in the Activity and this Agreement will be effective so long as the Volunteer is involved in an Activity (“Term”). At the end of the Term, the Volunteer agrees and acknowledges that participation in the volunteer Activity will cease and the Volunteer will no longer be a Volunteer in such capacity.
WHAT AM I ACKNOWLEDGING BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT?
By signing, you acknowledge understanding the terms of the Volunteer Agreement, your responsibilities, and the consequences of failing to meet the standards and expectations outlined. Breaches of the agreement may result in termination of your volunteer status.
HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT?
Volunteers will be required to recommit to the agreement by signing it every academic year.
CAN I TERMINATE MY VOLUNTEER ROLE AT ANY TIME?
Yes, volunteers may choose to terminate their participation at any time.
WHAT RISKS AM I ASSUMING AS A VOLUNTEER?
By volunteering, you accept responsibility for any risks and dangers associated with the activity. Volunteer knowingly and voluntarily accepts and assumes responsibility for all risks and dangers that could arise out of, or occur during, Volunteer’s participation in the Activity.
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WHAT POLICIES AND LAWS MUST I COMPLY WITH AS A VOLUNTEER?
Volunteers must comply with Volunteer shall comply with all SAE Fraternity Laws and relevant Bylaws, policies, rules, and regulations applicable to Volunteer Activity and/or Volunteer’s presence at any educational institution where SAE maintains a collegiate chapter. Where not precluded by or otherwise set forth in the Fraternity Laws, the Volunteer shall follow the guidance of the Eminent Supreme Recorder (“ESR”), the CEO of SAE, or their authorized designee in the Volunteer’s participation in the Activity. The volunteer shall follow and, where applicable, shall timely implement, enforce, and comply with any Fraternity Law governing the Volunteer’s Activity.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I EXPERIENCE AN INJURY OR ACCIDENT DURING VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES?
SAE does not provide accident or medical insurance for volunteers. You are responsible for your medical expenses, and SAE is not liable for accidents during volunteer activities.
DOES SAE PROVIDE LIABILITY COVERAGE?
SAE maintains a Comprehensive General Liability policy (CGL), which could provide coverage for claims against you while acting within the scope of your volunteer duties. Deviations from assigned duties may nullify this coverage.
CAN I REPRESENT SAE OR SIGN CONTRACTS ON ITS BEHALF?
No, volunteers cannot bind or represent SAE to third parties unless explicitly authorized in writing by the ESR/CEO or their designee.
WHAT IS “CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION,” AND HOW SHOULD I HANDLE IT?
Confidential information includes student academic/ disciplinary records and SAE proprietary information not publicly known. Volunteers must protect this information and may only disclose it with SAE’s authorization or as required by law.