COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
WEWORK ACCESS IN INTERNATIONAL LOCATION
ASSUMPTION OF RISK, WAIVER AND RELEASE
I, the undersigned, wish to have access to WeWork co-working space (the “WeWork Facility”) outside the United States in the country in which I currently reside. I am entering into this Assumption of Risk, Waiver and Release (the “Form”) as a condition to my receipt of membership services and membership access to any WeWork Facility to which I receive membership access, from the date indicated below to December 23, 2020 (the “Access Opportunity”).
I confirm that my participation in the Access Opportunity is wholly voluntary. It is my decision to participate in the Access Opportunity. I understand that Columbia University is sponsoring the Access Opportunity to give students access to study space, but that Columbia does not own, lease, or otherwise control the WeWork Facility, nor does Columbia have employees or representatives present or otherwise have the ability to oversee, supervise or manage the WeWork Facility and related WeWork membership services. I understand that I must be 18 years of age in order to participate in the Access Opportunity. I acknowledge that I am not required to participate in the Access Opportunity as a condition of receiving my degree, nor will I gain credit towards any degree or receive academic instruction as a result of participating in the Access Opportunity, nor is my decision to participate in the Access Opportunity based on any direction or influence of Columbia. This Form confirms my understanding of the following:
1. RISKS OF INTERNATIONAL STUDY: I am aware that the political, cultural, law enforcement, and health and safety environments in the Access Opportunity’s location may differ substantially from those in the United States and Columbia University. I have reviewed the U.S. Consular Information, U.S. Department of State’s Public Announcements, Travel Warnings and other information found at the U.S. Department of State’s website regarding international travel (http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html) and at ISOS, Columbia University’s Global Assistance Access Opportunity site (http://www.internationalsos.com/MasterPortal/default.aspx?membnum=11BSGC000064).
I also acknowledge that in studying, living and/or traveling in cities outside the United States, I may experience problems associated with urban living, including increased crime, pollution, high population density or standards of living and health standards that are not equivalent to life in the United States. I will take every precaution to safeguard my health and to protect my personal belongings from damage or theft. I acknowledge that Columbia recommends that I never travel alone, particularly at night.
I understand that information provided by Columbia regarding the Access Opportunity and conditions in the Access Opportunity’s location is offered as one resource only, and that information does not purport to be complete or comprehensive. For that reason, I have conducted my own research into the Access Opportunity and conditions in the Access Opportunity’s location.
Finally, given the global COVID-19 pandemic, I understand that conditions in the Access Opportunity’s location and the prevalence of COVID-19 and the WeWork and local/national response to COVID-19, may be substantially different than those in the United States and Columbia University. I understand and acknowledge that Columbia has no control over the public health condition or response to such conditions of the Access Opportunity, including the co-working space controlled by WeWork. I have conducted my own thorough research into the Access Opportunity with respect to the global pandemic and understand that, even so, it is a rapidly changing situation.
2. REGISTRATION, ADDITIONAL SAFETY CONCERNS AND HEALTH INSURANCE: I am aware that, during my participation in the Access Opportunity, I must enroll this travel for the Access Opportunity along with any travel within the period of the Access Opportunity through Columbia’s Global Travel portal (http://globaltravel.columbia.edu/content/register-a-trip).
I understand that conditions in location of the Access Opportunity may change rapidly and I will stay informed of current events on a frequent basis. I have been advised that I may obtain updated security and health information by enrolling in the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Access Opportunity (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step/, which also accepts enrollments for non U.S. citizens.
I understand that my participation in the Access Opportunity requires that I will not travel a significant distance to participate in the Access Opportunity, including across a national border.
I carry valid and current medical insurance, and represent that I will remain covered throughout the Access Opportunity by a policy of comprehensive health and accident insurance. This insurance is adequate to cover injuries or illnesses that I may sustain or experience in the course of participating in the Access Opportunity. I have no physical or mental health condition or dietary needs which would present a risk of injury to me through my participation in the Access Opportunity. I understand that limited health information will be provided during the Access Opportunity orientation.
3. STUDENT CONDUCT AND EXPECTATIONS: I recognize that I assume an important personal obligation to conduct myself in a manner compatible with local laws and regulations; with Columbia’s policies, standards, and instructions for student conduct (including but not limited to those set forth as Columbia student policies and standards and in any Access Opportunity-specific materials); and with the policies of WeWork. I agree to act responsibly and will become informed of, and will abide by, all such laws, regulations, policies, and standards, including those related to the global pandemic, including, but not limited to, use of masks or face covering and social distancing. I understand and agree that I may not consume alcoholic beverages at the Access Opportunity (even if I am of legal age to do so and WeWork allows other members to do so). If my conduct violates the standards of conduct described above, I understand that I will lose the ability to participate in the Access Opportunity, in the sole discretion of the University.
4. ACCESS OPPORTUNITY MODIFICATION AND CANCELLATION: I understand that Columbia reserves the right to make changes to or cancel the Access Opportunity.
5. OTHER: I understand that Columbia does not represent or act as an agent for, and cannot control the acts or omissions of WeWork. I understand that Columbia is not responsible for matters that are beyond its control, and that it cannot warrant the safety or convenience of the circumstances at the WeWork facility. I understand that I am solely responsible for my safety and that I must follow the policies and guidance of WeWork and the relevant authorities on issues related to COVID-19 prevention, safety and treatment. I further understand that Columbia does not and cannot endorse, manage, supervise, or otherwise approve the WeWork’s plans or the local/national government’s plans for COVID-19 prevention, safety or treatment.
6. WAIVER, RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK: I hereby waive and release Columbia University (including any trustee, faculty member, officer, employee, or student, whether in their professional or personal capacity or otherwise) from any actions, claims, liabilities, and damages arising from or relating to the Access Opportunity, and all associated activities, including, without limitation, any damages for personal injury, illness, death, or property loss that I may sustain in connection with my travel to or from, or while on location. I hereby assume, knowingly and voluntarily, all risks of my participation, including, but not limited to, those related to the global pandemic. To the fullest extent allowable under law, this waiver, release, and assumption of risks will apply whether or not Columbia University (including any trustee, faculty member, officer, employee, or student, whether in their professional or personal capacity or otherwise) is wholly or partially negligent or otherwise at fault.
I conclude that the risks of participation in the Access Opportunity are acceptable and are outweighed by my desire to participate in the Access Opportunity.
I certify that I am age 18 or older as of the date of signing. On behalf of myself, and my heirs, assigns, and legal representatives, I have read, understand and entered into this document. I consent to the application of the laws of New York to govern, interpret, and enforce this Form, including all rights and obligations arising from or related to this Form, without regard to conflict of law principles. By checking the below box, typing my full name and the date below, and submitting this Form electronically, I understand it is the legal equivalent of executing this Form.