Planning protocol for student safety begins with Future Problem Solving headquarters staff, under the direction of the Executive Director, meeting with the University campus to review and obtain the specific location safety measures that are in place. Since each campus may have differing protocols and contacts, these will be identified and recorded to best prepare for each year’s International Conference event.
Future Problem Solving staff (Executive Director and Administrative Director) maintain telephone contact information of all adult attendees serving as chaperones, Affiliate Directors, Future Problem Solving leaders of events and competitions, campus security, local health clinics, local non-emergency police, and the closest hospital.
- Students and their parents complete the Future Problem Solving Publication Release/Statement of Authenticity and Competitor Rules & Regulations, which outlines expected student behaviors for safety. Zero tolerance for bullying/harassment is in place. Students will be removed from the event if behaviors violate this agreement.
- Future Problem Solving has an incident process in place. Leaders of events have incident forms to record illness or accidents during an event they are supervising. These reports are returned to the Executive Director so that follow-up can be made with parents and Affiliate Directors.
In the case of a severe/life threatening incident, the leader of each event or activity is instructed to call 911 immediately as the first action. After 911 has responded and professionals are caring for the participant, the Executive Director will be contacted. The Executive Director will contact parents and the Affiliate Director of the student. The Executive Director will then contact the campus coordinator who will alert the campus event director, the facilities contact, and anyone else that needs to be alerted.
Background checks
Background checks are required for all adults registered for the International Conference and must be completed within 12 months prior to the event. All registered adults acknowledge this when registering for the International Conference. Future Problem Solving official staff, volunteers, and directors will complete annual background checks coordinated by the Future Problem Solving Administrative Director through the company Intellicorp.
Chaperone:Student ratio
To ensure adequate supervision of students, the Future Problem Solving chaperone per student ratio is 1:8. Chaperones are required to monitor students at all times.
IU emergency procedures
The event will follow the Emergency Procedures outlined by the University. This information is captured on posters that are posted at locations throughout the campus. Each Future Problem Solving adult leader facilitating student competitions and events will have a copy and review the procedures before the start of each event. These procedures identify and outline: Active Threat/Shooter, Suspicious Behavior, Severe Weather, Chemical Spill, Fire, or Medical.
IU safety resources
Miscellaneous
- Name badges must be visible for entry into Future Problem Solving events. Future Problem Solving leaders will be at the entrance to ensure admittance to events is limited to those who are registered and part of the group.
- Future Problem Solving Insurances are reviewed annually to ensure adequate coverages are in place for General Liability, Cyber Liability, Crime Policy, etc.
- The online conference app is regularly monitored by Future Problem Solving adults to screen inappropriate content.
