Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute outings and trips are open to all Northland College students, staff, and faculty who are able to meet the Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC). Accommodations may be made as long as it does not compromise the health or safety of staff members or other participants or significantly alter the fundamental intended outcomes of the program.

Essential Eligibility Criteria are not intended to be exclusionary, but to honestly identify the basic and fundamental elements of outing or trip participation that are integrally tied to safety and risk management considerations. These criteria are the essential skills that each participant is required to perform for safety in each type of program offered and are applied equally to all potential participants.

Please read the EEC requirements.

I agree that images and audio taken during Northland College activities through video and photos may be used and distributed for publication as deemed appropriate by Northland College without any limitation in space or time, and waive any rights of compensation or ownership thereto.

Please be sure to complete the Waiver And Release for Outdoor Activity Participants (adults and minors). All participants under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian complete the form.

Assumption of Risks:
I understand that participation in this volunteer activity, by its very nature, carries with it certain inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid injuries. The specific risks vary from one activity to another, but in each activity the risks range from: 1) minor injuries such as scratches, bruises, and sprains to 2) major injuries such as fractures, internal injuries, joint or back injuries, heart attacks, and concussions to 3) catastrophic injuries including paralysis and death. I understand that the university has advised me to seek the advice of my physician before participating in this activity. I understand that I have been advised to have health and accident insurance in effect and that no such coverage is provided for my by Northland College or the State of Wisconsin. I know, understand, and appreciate the risks that are inherent in the above-listed programs and activities. I hereby assert that my participation is voluntary and that I knowingly assume all such risks.

Hold Harmless, Indemnity and Release:
In consideration of permission for me to voluntarily participate in Northland College programs, I, for myself, my heirs, personal representatives or assigns, agree to defend, hold harmless, indemnify and release the Board of Trustees of Northland College, Northland College, and their officers, employees, agents, and volunteers, from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action of any sort on account of damage to personal property, or personal injury, or death which may result from my participation in the above-listed program. This release includes claims based on the negligence of the Board of Trustees of Northland College, Northland College, and their officers, employees, agents, and volunteers, but expressly does not include claims based on their intentional misconduct or gross negligence. I understand that by agreeing to this clause I am releasing claims and giving up substantial rights, including my right to sue.

Consent for Emergency Treatment:
I authorize Northland College and its designated representatives to consent, on my behalf, to any emergency medical/hospital care or treatment to be rendered upon the advice of any licensed physician. I agree to be responsible for all necessary charges incurred by any hospitalization or treatment rendered pursuant to this authorization.