TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR MSC MEMBERS

Waiver of Liability

This Release and Waiver of Liability (the "Release") executed on the date of which the “MSC Associate Form” or “MSC Senior Associate Form” was completed, by the individual whom is seeking membership of the organization (the "Volunteer") in favor of the Maryland Student Coalition, an advocacy organization, and its directors, officers, associates, affiliates and other positions that are officially recognized in the MSC.

The Volunteer desires to work as a volunteer associate for the Maryland Student Coalition (hereafter referred to as “the MSC”) and engage in the activities related to being a volunteer for advocacy efforts in various governmental and non-governmental bodies (the "Activities"). The Volunteer understands that the Activities may include televised or recorded testimony before various county level boards, commissions, councils and various state boards, commissions, General Assembly bodies and other associated public forums.

The Volunteer hereby freely, voluntarily, and without duress executes this Release under the following terms:

1. Release and Waiver. Volunteer does hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless the MSC and its successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, that arise or may hereafter arise from Volunteer's Activities with the MSC.

VOLUNTEER UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS RELEASE DISCHARGES THE MSC FROM ANY LIABILITY OR CLAIM THAT THE VOLUNTEER MAY HAVE AGAINST THE MSC WITH RESPECT TO ANY BODILY INJURY, PERSONAL INJURY, ILLNESS, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE THAT MAY RESULT FROM VOLUNTEER'S ACTIVITIES WITH THE MSC, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE MSC OR ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, ASSOCIATES, AFFILIATES OR OTHERWISE. VOLUNTEER ALSO UNDERSTANDS THAT THE MSC DOES NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR OR OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OR OTHER ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO MEDICAL, HEALTH, OR DISABILITY INSURANCE IN THE EVENT OF INJURY OR ILLNESS. 

2. Medical Treatment. Volunteer does hereby release and forever discharge the MSC from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid, treatment, or service rendered in connection with the Volunteer's Activities with the MSC.

3. Assumption of the Risk. The Volunteer hereby expressly and specifically assumes the risk of injury or harm in the Activities, and releases the MSC from all liability for injury, illness, death, or property damage resulting from the Activities.

4. Insurance. The Volunteer understands that, except as otherwise agreed to by the MSC in writing, the MSC does not carry or maintain health, medical, or disability insurance coverage for any Volunteer. Each Volunteer is expected and encouraged to obtain their own medical or health insurance coverage.

5. Photographic Release. Volunteer does hereby grant and convey unto the MSC all right, title, and interest in any and all photographic images and video or audio recordings made by the MSC during the Volunteer's Activities with the MSC, including, but not limited to, any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits derived from such photographs or recordings. If the Volunteer wishes to have themselves removed from an MSC affiliated image, they can provide a request to the Leadership Team, although, there is no guarantee such request will be granted. 

6. Other. Volunteer expressly agrees that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of Maryland, and that this Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland. Volunteer also agrees that in the event that any clause or provision of this Release shall be held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining provisions of this Release which shall continue to be enforceable.

7. Reimbursement. The MSC is not liable for providing any reimbursement for any expenses relating to an Activity the Volunteer agrees to participate in. 

By signing (through digital or non-digital means) the “MSC Associate Form” or “MSC Senior Associate Form”, Volunteer has executed this Release as of the recorded receipt of the signature by the MSC.

Ethics Agreement

The Maryland Student Coalition (hereafter referred to as “the MSC”) has adopted the following Code of Conduct that all directors, officers, associates, affiliates and other positions that are officially recognized in the MSC (hereafter referred to as “member”), agree to adhere to by signing below:

1. Prohibition Against Private Inurement and Procedures for Managing Conflicts of Interest. No member shall derive any personal profit or gain, directly or indirectly, by reason of his or her service as a member with the MSC.  Members shall conduct their personal affairs in such a manner as to avoid any possible conflict of interest with their duties and responsibilities as members.  Nevertheless, conflicts may arise from time to time. 

a)    When there is a decision to be made or an action to be approved that will result in a conflict between the best interests of the MSC and the member’s personal interests, the member has a duty to immediately disclose the conflict of interest so that the rest of the organization’s decision making will be informed about the conflict.

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b)  It is every member’s obligation, in accordance with this policy, to ensure that decisions made by the organization reflect independent thinking. Consequently, in the event that any member receives compensation from the MSC such compensation will be determined by and approved by the appropriate leadership structure in advance.

c)     Any conflicts of interest, including, but not limited to financial interests, on the part of any Member, shall be disclosed to the appropriate leadership structure when the matter that reflects a conflict of interest becomes a matter of organization action, and through an annual procedure for all members to disclose conflicts of interest.

d)   Any Member having a conflict of interest shall not vote or use their personal influence to address the matter, and he or she shall not be counted in determining the quorum for the meeting. 

e)     All conflicts disclosed to the organization will be made a matter of record in the most appropriate location, which shall also note that the member with a conflict abstained from the vote [and was not present for any discussion, as applicable] and was not included in the count for the quorum for that meeting. 

f)      Any new member will be advised of this policy during orientation and all members will be reminded of the Ethics Agreement and of the procedures for disclosure of conflicts and for managing conflicts on a regular basis, at least once a year.

g)      This policy shall also apply to any person acting on the member’s behalf.

2.  Prohibition Against Bullying and Harassment. The MSC strives to maintain a workplace that is free from inappropriate and illegal discrimination and harassment. While all forms of harassment are prohibited, it is the organization’s policy to emphasize that Bullying and Harassment is specifically prohibited. Any member who engages in discriminatory or harassing conduct towards is subject to removal from the organization. Complaints alleging misconduct on the part of members will be investigated promptly and as confidentially as possible by the appropriate independent structure. If appropriate, the organization will inform local or state Human Rights (or similar) authorities of the situation.

3.  Prohibition Against Sexual Harassment. The MSC strives to maintain a workplace that is free from inappropriate and illegal discrimination and harassment. While all forms of harassment are prohibited, it is the organization’s policy to emphasize that sexual harassment is specifically prohibited. Any member who engages in discriminatory or harassing conduct towards is subject to removal from the organization. Complaints alleging misconduct on the part of members will be investigated promptly and as confidentially as possible by the appropriate independent structure. If appropriate, the organization will inform local or state Human Rights (or similar) authorities of the situation.

4. Confidentiality. Members are reminded that confidential financial, personnel and other matters concerning the organization, donors, staff or clients/consumers may be included in organization materials or discussed from time to time. Members should not disclose such confidential information to anyone.

5. Active Participation. Members are expected to exercise the duties and responsibilities of their positions with integrity, collegiality, and care. This includes (but is not limited to):

- Making attendance at all meetings of the organization a high priority.

- Being prepared to discuss the issues and business on the agenda, and having read all background material relevant to the topics at hand.

- Cooperating with and respecting the opinions of fellow members, and leaving personal prejudices out of all discussions, as well as supporting actions of the organization even when the member personally did not support the action taken.

- Putting the interests of the organization above personal interests.

- Representing the organization in a positive and supportive manner at all times and in all places.

- Showing respect and courteous conduct in all meetings.

- Refraining from intruding on administrative issues that are the responsibility of management, except to monitor the results and ensure that procedures are consistent with organization policy.

- Observing established lines of communication and directing requests for information or assistance to the director.

By signing (through digital or non-digital means) the “MSC Associate Form” or “MSC Senior Associate Form”, I am undertaking in serving as a member of the Maryland Student Coalition (“MSC”), hereby pledge to carry out in a trustworthy and diligent manner the duties and obligations associated with my role as a member and abide by this Code of Conduct.  

I understand that failure to abide by this Code of Conduct may result in my removal as a member, pursuant to the requirements and processes provided in the organization’s governing documents.