The Office of Risk Management participates in SMU's event risk review processes. We also review many of the contracts associated with campus events.
While each event is unique, there are several key risk management concerns that always must be addressed.
Some events may require a Special Event Emergency Plan (SEEP). This is a formal, written plan developed by the event organizers that identifies potential emergency conditions at the event site and prescribes the procedures to be followed to minimize risk and prevent loss of life and property.
Every SEEP must be tailored to site-specific conditions and to the requirements of the agency/organization that owns or regulates the site of the event. Event planners should consider the scope of the event, the risks to spectators and participants, community impact, and the support (including personnel and logistics) required.
Event organizers should SMU Emergency Management for guidance prior to their event date.
Food safety is an integral part of many SMU events. The SMU Food Safety Program will highlight the appropriate food handling and preparation procedures.
The guidelines apply to any individuals and/or companies (i.e. SMU students, faculty, and employees or third party entities) that prepare and/or serve food at any university-related events. It is the responsibility of the event organizer to ensure their staff understands and follows the Food Safety Program. Copies of the Food Safety Program should be made available to the event staff.
SMU requires evidence of insurance for all third party vendors and contractors that want to operate in a special event on campus. The third-party is responsible for obtaining evidence of insurance (i.e. a Certificate of Insurance) and presenting it to the Office of Risk Management at least (3) days prior to the event taking place.
All special events are not organized in the same way, nor do they carry the same risks; this can lead to confusion about who should insure what. As a rule of thumb, if a third party is providing goods or services, or if a contract or purchase order is needed, that third party likely needs to demonstrate that they have insurance to cover their business. If there is a middleman involved, such as a promoter, they may also be required to carry insurance.
Risk Management should be consulted early in the process of event organization to clarify any insurance-related questions, particularly if a unique third party is utilized (such as an alligator handler).
Some events require a special event permit from the City of University Park, even if it is held on-campus.
A special event, defined by the City, is a temporary event or gathering, using either private or public property, including a circus, carnival, fair, parade or other event, display or sale of objects or art, and/or performance of music or celebration of event on a political, religious, or social issue which involves specific activities.
Visit the University Park Special Event Permits page for more details.
Permits are required for some tents and other membrane like structures through the City of University Park Fire Marshal’s Office (Tents are any temporary membrane structure or canopy). Permits are required for a tent larger than 400 sq. ft. (i.e. – special events, carnivals, business promotions). The City will collect a $50 fee for each permit. Most SMU preferred tent vendors will take care of obtaining these permits on their own. However, if they do not, you will need to ensure the proper permits are obtained prior to the event. Please submit copies of all tent permits to Risk.Management@smu.edu.
To obtain a tent permit, please visit the University Park Fire Marshal’s website.
