Overnight Host Programs

The highlight of the recruiting year, Senior Weekend is an annual three-day, two-night event in April where over 400 recently admitted high school seniors come to UC Berkeley to get a taste of what it's like to attend college here.

From a risk perspective this is the most complicated bridges activity of all!

How to Prepare for Senior Weekend/Overnight Stay Programs

1. The invitation to Senior Weekend sent out via MyCalApp should include the following disclaimer so parents/guardians understand who will be responsible for their child:

   The University has asked us to include the following: the bridges Multicultural Resource Center and the RRCs are student groups acting independently of the University of California. The student groups are the hosts of Senior Weekend and take full responsibility for their guests.

2. Complete the steps below:

   For bridges Senior Weekend and other events that include overnight stays on or near campus, field trips, tours, and other activities that take hostees away from home, bridges should:

   1. Obtain elective/voluntary waivers from the hostee (or the hostee's parent/guardian if the hostee is under 19). See sample Bridges waiver.

      Reason: The form transfers liability from the above-named groups to the hostee, but it does not provide absolute immunity so care should still be taken when working with hostees.

      The covered parties on the waiver form should be "bridges Multicultural Resource Center, its member Recruitment and Retention Centers, and The Regents of the University of California, its officers, employees, and agents."

      The University's waivers can be found online:

      • In English
      • In Spanish
   2. Hostees under 18 should have their parent/guardian fill out an Authorization to Consent to Treatment of Minor Form. See sample authorization.

      Reason: This form lets you know if the underage hostee has any medical conditions you should be aware of and gives bridges and the University permission to check the hostee into the hospital in the event of an emergency.

      The University's Form can be found online.

   3. Hosts and hostees should be required to sign a liability agreement that spells out the behavior expected of them.

REMINDER - Unless hostees return signed waivers, Authorization to Consent to Treat Minor forms (if under age 18), and liability agreements, they should NOT be allowed to participate in Senior Weekend or other recruitment events.

Senior Weekend Risk Prevention

Medical emergency

In the event of a medical emergency, the host should immediately determine whether the injury is life-threatening (loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, etc.). The default is to assume the injury is life threatening.

Here are local emergency call numbers effective February 2016:

Emotional/psychological emergency

A guest may suffer a panic attack or go wild beyond your control. Or, worse, a guest may exhibit bipolar, bizarre, or perhaps threatening behavior.

Here are local contact numbers for emotional crises:

Family conflicts

A guest may tell you about ongoing abuse, neglect, or molestation in their life. Do not personally intervene. If you suspect abuse or neglect of a minor, you have a legal responsibility to report what you have been told. By making an official report, you gain legal immunity even if the allegations are proven false.

Alcohol or narcotics

No one under the age of 21 should be offered alcohol. Hosts over 21 should not consume alcohol in the presence of guests. Narcotics should not be used under any circumstances. Hosts who have alcohol or narcotics in their home should lock their stash in a sturdy, secure place and not tell anyone about it.

Sexual harassment

Even if the attraction is mutual, sexual relations with a guest under 18 may be a criminal act. Minimize one-on-one time. To protect yourself from harassment allegations, meet at a cafe or other area where many people are around and can vouch for what went on. If you have to meet in a room or office, keep doors open and window blinds up to increase the likelihood of witnesses to any he-said-she-said dispute. Do not lead somebody on by saying or doing things that suggest you're interested in a relationship.

Theft

Keep your valuables secure. Encourage guests to secure their own valuables. If you have to take responsibility for a guest's valuables, place the valuables behind locked doors and windows and keep them hidden from view of potential thieves.