Event Risk Management
Risk management is the process of managing the uncertainties of an organization’s operations in order to minimize adverse outcomes and optimize positive outcomes. At Virginia Tech, the Office of Risk Management works to accomplish this by protecting human health and the campus environment and by promoting appropriate risk transfer and financing related to campus events.
High-Risk Activities
On-campus events or events sponsored by the University may wish consult with the Office of Risk Management if any of the following activities are being considered; where applicable, links to University resources have been provided. For events held by a third party, including UCSOs and RSOs, please note that it may be difficult to procure insurance for certain high-risk activities, and insurance requirements cannot be waived for high-risk activities, as determined by the Office of Risk Management. This list is not exhaustive.
- Participants under the age of 18
- Food sale or consumption
- Alcohol service
- Rally/demonstration
- Fireworks
- Fire pits/open flames
- Parades/marches
- Road race or other physical or sport competition
- Inflatables
- Climbing walls
- Theatrical set construction
- Use of tents/stages
- Use of weapons
- Sports/physical activity
Do I need insurance for an on-campus event?
Typically, outside entities including third parties, USCOs, RSOs, and affiliates are required to have insurance for on-campus events--the only standard exception to this is for conversational business meetings. Still confused? Try referencing our flow chart.
What if my organization doesn't have standing insurance?
For organizations that do not maintain standing insurance (small associations, families, etc.), a TULIP policy can be procured for events held at Virginia Tech. Please click here to be taken to the TULIP procurement vendor. Note that if you purchase a TULIP policy, VT’s Office of Risk Management is automatically provided evidence of the coverage purchased. Questions about this process can be directed to the Office of Risk Management.
If you are evaluating whether or not TULIP would be appropriate for your event, please reference the list of ineligible activities. If you are going to be conducting an activity on this exclusion list, you will need to pursue alternative means of procuring insurance.