Incident Reporting
Sometime during your program, something may happen involving a student that you did not expect, such as a robbery, broken arm, lost passport, etc. When things like this occur, it is important to notify UNL Education Abroad immediately and document the incident properly using the UNL Education Abroad Incident Report. By notifying us, we can help you and speak with worried family members.
Additionally, depending on the incident, the involvement of other University offices may be necessary. For example, in the case of robbery and loss of program funds, proper paperwork must be filed with the state police. In some cases, the University may be required to report incidents as part of the Clery Act or Title IX. Another example is a student who has disregarded the UNL Student Code of Conduct in some way and it may be necessary to coordinate with the Dean of Students to arrange for a proper due process hearing. By notifying UNL Education Abroad, we can coordinate any necessary communication or paperwork with these other University and State offices.
Not only is it important to notify UNL Education Abroad of an incident, but it is also important to document the incident properly so that you have a record of the events that occurred. By submitting documentation to UNL Education Abroad, you are ensuring an official report of the incident exists that can be used for later reference, if necessary. This this a protection measure for UNL Education Abroad and the University, but more importantly it is a protection measure for you and your department. Without a written report of the details of the incident, in a lawsuit, the only reference you will have is your memory. Additionally, the University will have no written record to use in your defense. While none of us likes to consider the possibility of a court case, legal action is increasingly likely in the aftermath of a serious incident or emergency. Litigation cannot be prevented, but the effects of litigation can be lessened if you demonstrate that you have been reasonable and prudent. Documentation of an incident can often serve as evidence of reasonableness and prudence.