Friday, May 28, 2010

Photo by Dr. Charles G. Bailey
André Jones, Burnis Morris, Katie Harper

Greetings:

We’re looking forward to seeing you at the June 21-25 high school journalism workshop at Marshall University. I’ve prepared the following checklist for you to follow in preparing for the workshop.


CHECKLIST

• Use this list of contacts for emergencies:
-- Corley Dennison, Dean –304-696-2809, office; 304-696-2809, cell
-- Burnis Morris, Director -- 304-696-4635, office; 304-638-3322, cell
-- Sandy Savage-York, Assistant Director – 304-696-2273, office; 606-922-1245, cell
-- Katie Harper, Counselor – 304-610-6208, cell
-- Andre Jones, Counselor – 540-226-1809, cell
• I am attaching two releases for you and your parent/guardian to sign in order for you to participate in the workshop (page 2) and use Marshall’s state-of-the-art recreation center (page 4). Bring these signed releases with you on June 21. There are two forms for the signatures.
• If your high school publishes a newspaper, magazine or yearbook, please bring a copy with you to the workshop. Otherwise, bring a copy of a local newspaper or other local publication.
• Housing and meals will be provided by the workshop. You should bring spending money for other items.
• Let us know whether you have any particular diet and/or physical restrictions we need to address.
• Bring comfortable clothing for the classroom and recreation center. Bring a sweater, in case the air conditioning is too cold for you. Bring your cell.
• Arrive by 10 a.m. for registration/room assignments at Towers East. You can find a campus map to direct you to this dormitory at www.marshall.edu.
• Please bring your own pillows, sheets (extra-long, twin), blankets and other personal items (such as toothpaste, tooth brushes and combs.
• Please read the university policies for campus living below (pages 5-7). There is a $50 charge for lost keys.
• Please let us know immediately if your plans change and you are unable to attend the workshop.
• Visit www.unitedhighschoolmedia.blogspot.com for an updated schedule and other information you may need.
• Please contact me for any assistance you may need. (e-mail morrisb@marshall.edu) (phone or text my cell at (304-638-3322).


Sincerely,

Burnis R. Morris
Carter G. Woodson Professor
of Journalism and Mass Communications
Marshall University
morrisb@marshall.edu
304-638-3322

Parental Consent

W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Marshall University
Summer High School Journalism Workshop
June 21-25
Huntington, West Virginia

Parental Consent to Participate in the Workshop
Please write in your student’s name and sign the appropriate line as a parent or guardian. Your signature gives your student permission to attend the High School Journalism Workshop. Your permission gives Marshall University personnel the authority to educate, house and transport your student during the workshop without liability to the university.
PRINTED NAME OF WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT: _______________________________________

Consent and Release on Behalf of Workshop Participant

I am the parent or legal guardian of the above named minor. I agree to be bound by all the terms of the agreement on this and other pages attached to this informational document. I also give my consent to the participation in the activity of the minor.

SIGNATURE: __________________________________________________________________
(Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian Consent and Release on Behalf of the Minor)
DATE: __________________________________________
PRINTED NAME OF Student’s Parent/Guardian ___________________________________

Marshall's Awesome Rec Center Information

Marshall Recreation Center and Campus Recreation
http://www.marshallcampusrec.com/

Assumption of Risk, Waiver, and Release from Liability
In consideration of the use of the property, facilities and/or services of the Marshall Recreation Center, owned by MSH-Marshall, LLC a subsidiary of MSH, Inc., and the Department of Campus Recreation, managed by CENTERS, LLC, including any travel related thereto, the undersigned agrees as follows:
1. RISK FACTORS. The undersigned understands and acknowledges that the use of equipment and facilities provided by the Department of Campus Recreation at Marshall University and participation in Campus Recreation programs (Intramural, Informal, Instructional, Group Fitness, Physical Sports, Weight and Cardiovascular Training, Climbing, Swimming and any other programs and services sponsored by Campus Recreation and/or activities occurring in the building) involves risk including, but not limited to the following: risk of property damage, bodily injury, including, but not limited to permanent disability, paralysis and possibly death. These risks may result from the use of the equipment or facilities, from the activity itself, from the acts of others or the or from the unavailability of emergency medical care.

2. ASSUMPTION OF THE RISK. The undersigned voluntarily assumes all risks described in Section 1 above that may arise out of or result from the use of the equipment or facilities, and/or the services of the Marshall Recreation Center. Exception being any injuries caused by the gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct of any officials, officers, employees, agents, or volunteers of Marshall University, MSH, Inc., MSH-LLC., and CENTERS, LLC

3. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. The undersigned acknowledges reading and knowing all policies and procedures relating to the activities, facilities, and/or equipment and understands that the safe and proper use of facilities, equipment or participation in the activity is dependent upon carefully following such policies and procedures. The undersigned agrees to comply with and abide by all rules and regulations of the Marshall Recreation Center and of Marshall University. The Campus Recreation staff reserves the right to temporarily or permanently revoke or terminate the undersigned’s membership privileges for any violations of the rules and regulations of the Marshall Recreation Center and of Marshall University or for any violations of the policies and procedures relating to the activities, facilities, and/or equipment of the Marshall Recreation Center.

4. PREREQUISITE SKILLS AND TRAINING. The undersigned acknowledges that he or she has the requisite skills, qualifications, physical ability and training necessary to properly and safely use the equipment, facilities, and to participate in programs and activities developed by Campus Recreation. The undersigned agrees that if he or she has any questions as to what skills, qualifications, or training is necessary to properly use the equipment, facility, or participate in such programs and activities, then he or she shall direct such questions to the appropriate Campus Recreation staff member on site.

5. WAIVER. The undersigned waives the protection afforded by any statute or law in any jurisdiction whose purpose, substance and/or effect is to provide that a general release shall not extend to claims, material or otherwise which the person giving the release does not know or suspect to exist at the time of executing the release. This means, in part, that the undersigned is releasing unknown future claims.

6. INDEMNIFY AND DEFEND. The undersigned hereby releases, waives, indemnifies and holds Marshall University, Department of Campus Recreation, CENTERS, LLC, MSH, Inc., MSH-Marshall, LLC, and all of their officers, trustees, directors, employees, and agents (hereinafter jointly referred to as “indemnitee”) harmless from any and all claims, causes of action, suits, liability, losses, or damages for any property damage, property loss or theft, personal injury, death or other loss arising from or relating to the undersigned’s use of the property, facilities, and/or services of the Marshall Recreation Center.

7. PAY. The undersigned agrees to pay for any and all damages to any property or indemnitee caused by the undersigned negligently, willfully or otherwise.

8. REPRESENTATIVES. The undersigned enters into this agreement for him/herself, his/her heirs, assigns and legal representatives.

9. CONSENT FOR EMERGENCY TREATMENT. The undersigned, as a participant in the subject activity, hereby consents to medical treatment in a medical emergency where the undersigned is unable to consent to such treatment.

10. INSURANCE. The undersigned understands the Campus Recreation does not carry participant insurance and that the undersigned will be solely responsible for any medical, health or personal injury costs relating to undersigned’s use of the property, facilities and/or services of the Marshall Recreation Center. The undersigned is encouraged to have a medical physical examination and purchase health insurance prior to any and all participation.

11. This Assumption of Risk, Waiver, and Release from Liability Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of West Virginia. The parties agree to use the State of West Virginia for Jurisdiction and the County of Cabell as Venue for any disputes between the parties.

12. If any term, clause, or provision of this Assumption of Risk, Waiver, and Release from Liability Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall to any extent be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present or future laws effective during the term hereof or of any provisions hereof which survive termination, then and in any such event, it is the express intention of the parties that the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such term, clause or provision other than to those as to which it is held illegal, invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each term, clause or provision of this Assumption of Risk, Waiver, and Release from Liability Agreement and the application thereof shall be legal, valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

13. ACKNOWLEDGMENT. The undersigned has read and fully understands this agreement and realizes it relates to surrendering and releasing valuable legal rights and does so freely and voluntarily.

PRINTED NAME: __________________________________________
SIGNATURE: __________________________________________
DATE: __________________________________________
Consent and Release on Behalf of Minor
I am the parent or legal guardian of the above named minor. I have read and understand the agreement and realize it relates to surrendering valuable legal rights of the minor and myself. I agree to be bound by all the terms of the agreement. I also give my consent to the participation in the activity of the minor.
SIGNATURE: __________________________________________________________________
(Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian Consent and Release on Behalf of the Minor)
DATE: __________________________________________

Workshop rules

GUIDELINES FOR YOUTH CONFERENCES

The following guidelines are to assist conference directors/coordinators in administering their summer on campus programs. These guidelines primarily deal with the safety and conduct of the youth participants while they are being housed in University residence hall facilities. Our residence halls are designed for adult usage, and our facilities are not childproof. The University has a special concern for those participants who are under the age of eighteen. Because they are not legally adults, special procedures need to be followed while they are on campus.

We hope you enjoy your stay. As guests, you are expected to follow the same rules and regulations as students. Please read the guidelines carefully. Failure to follow these rules could result in your being asked to leave early. We appreciate your cooperation

Adult chaperones will advise each attendee of University rules and regulations, act as liaison between University staff and the attendees in the event of discipline problems, and be responsible at all time for their conduct.

Please note that in addition to the following regulations, all youth participants are expected to adhere to all state laws. The University reserves the right to dismiss any youth participant who does not comply with the policies and regulations stated.

It is necessary that any conference with youth members provide their own chaperones. Guests under the age of 18 must be supervised by live-in chaperones of the same sex. You must have one adult chaperone (over the age of 18) per 10 campers. Chaperones must be assigned evenly throughout the floors with campers. A list of chaperones that are responsible for handling emergencies, discipline, etc., must be provided to the Conference Manager or the front desk of the residence hall on the first night of occupancy.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: University policy prohibits alcohol in all University residence halls.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT: All youth participants are expected to act in a courteous and respectful manner at all times. It is expected that all guests will comply with requests from University officials. Harassment and/or verbal abuse will not be tolerated. “Rough-housing” is prohibited in the residence halls. Please inform campers not to play Frisbee, throw balls, etc. in the building. Excessive noise, rowdiness, water fights or other disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

DRUGS: No participant shall distribute or possess any illegal drugs while present at the University. Anyone identified doing so will be subject to arrest.

ELEVATORS: elevators are intended for normal use and anyone found tampering or defacing them will be removed from campus. For your safety, DO NO OVERLOAD the elevators. Weight capacity is 2,500 lbs., or no more than 10 people. DO NOT PULL STOP SWITCH, and DO NOT FORCE THE DOORS OPEN while the elevator is moving. The elevator doors cannot be held open for longer than 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, the elevators will automatically shut down. Chaperones are required to monitor the camper’s use of the elevators. If campers are observed misusing elevators, chaperones are responsible for disciplining abusers.

FIRE EQUIPMENT: Tampering with or misuse of fire equipment is prohibited. Anyone caught pulling an alarm when there is not a fire will be removed from campus immediately. Tampering with fire equipment could result in removal from the residence hall and jeopardize your resident privileges in the future.

SMOKING: Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings.

UNIVERSITY FACILITIES: Youth participants are encouraged to visit the Memorial Student Center bookstore, recreation area (located in the basement), and eat in the cafeteria. We encourage the chaperones to accompany the participants. Participants who are disruptive to other groups will be dismissed.

VANDALISM: Participants who engage in acts of vandalism will be removed immediately from University housing. The sponsoring organization will be billed for any damages to rooms, halls, lounges, fire extinguishers, lost linens, and excessive cleaning charges. Using thumbtacks, nails, tape, or other adhesives to mount things on the walls are strictly prohibited. Remind campers that they will be billed if damage is incurred through the use of such products.

WINDOWS: objects may not be placed on windowsills or ledges. DO NOT OPEN windows. Participants throwing objects, hanging, waving or dropping anything from windows, exits or stairwells will be removed immediately.

The University reserves the right to enter a room, after knocking, in the performance of their administrative duties. Such entries may be, but are not limited to, those made to inspect for damages, to verify occupancy, to inspect for cleanliness, unauthorized persons, hazardous objects, or to repair or maintain University facilities.


RESPONSIBILITIES OF YOUTH CAMP DIRECTORS AND CHAPERONES


• Directors/Chaperones are responsible for insuring that all youth participants are informed of the policies stated above.
• If assistance is required to deal with an emergency, the Director or chaperone should contact the conference manager, the conference staff, or Public Safety( 696-4357 HELP).
• We suggest that youth camp participants be requested not to leave campus for any reason without written permission from a parent.
• Directors and chaperones of youth participants are expected to establish and enforce curfew hours each evening. The conference manager will need to be informed of the curfew at check-in.
• Directors must ensure the safety of youth participants by providing adequate supervision. One chaperone per ten youths is required. Chaperones must be 18 years of age or older. Chaperones are at all times responsible for the supervision, proper conduct and safety of their campers, and at no time may campers be left in residence halls without supervision. Misbehavior of guest may result in immediate eviction.
• Directors/coordinators should send this statement of policies and procedures to each participant as part of their registration material.
• Directors or chaperones are responsible to report to the conference staff any safety hazards or repairs needed in facilities where campers are housed.
• All youth camps will be billed for any damages that occur to their residence halls or any other facilities. We recommend that directors accompany the conference manager on the pre-check and the post-check inspection of the residence hall.
• Director/coordinators are responsible for ensuring that chaperones provide instructions to camp participants on fire evacuation procedures at the beginning of their stay. The conference staff is trained in these procedures and is available to assist you or your chaperones.
• Chaperones are expected to require that campers leave their rooms and public areas reasonable clean, and that trash be emptied into garbage cans on each hall or into the dumpsters. If special cleaning is required, these charges will be added to the final bill for the group.
• Maximum occupancy per room is two people. Each room is furnished with two twin beds, mattresses, desks, chairs, dressers, and closets.

Message from Katie

Campers,

Camp is almost here, and I am looking forward to meeting each and every one of you. Part of my job as a counselor is helping to fill the void between classes and sleep. Therefore, I'm trying to put together some social events for the evenings and would appreciate some feedback on what you'd like to see/do. Your week at Marshall will be a great opportunity to get a taste of college life, see what the MU School of Journalism and Mass Communications has to offer you, make great friends and have FUN! Feel free to email me with questions or comments.

Katie Harper