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(Confusing) General Provisions for Becoming an Independent Consultant for a Univeristy/Professor

by bectro, Performer

  • Created: January 26, 2010, 4:49 pm
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6 comments

Hi board.

 

I have been working with a researcher at a university on a volunteer basis.  This researcher and I are trying to work out a way I could get paid.  I am not affiliated with the unversity.

 

Do I require some kind of business insurance for such work?  I have a form with a confusing 'general provision', can someone translate for me?  It says:

 

'Before any services and/or work can be performed on University X premises, evidence of insurance in force naming University X as an additional insured must be in the possession of the University X Department of Risk Management, [address].'

 

Thanks!

Message Edited by bectro on 01-26-2010 07:46 PM
Tags: Discuss Popular Topics, Other Business Issues
‹ Liability Conducting businessw ›

ChristineL | Former Moderator | 1/27/2010 - 4:36 am

This post has been moved because of irrelevant content.

BizResearcher | Window Shopper | 1/27/2010 - 11:32 am

Are you performing work to buildings or property of the university or are you performing academic work? If your work is strictly academic, then you shouldn't need insurance. My daughter-in-law works for a university as an independent contractor doing research for their medical school. She had to negotiate a contract with the person overseeing her work. That person then had to have the contract approved by the university's accounting department. Now, she simply sends an invoice each month and they pay it. If you are working in a university lab using the university's equipment, then it is possible you would need liability insurance.

NicoleD | Former Moderator | 1/27/2010 - 1:00 pm

If the university pays for your insurance, it could be seen as an employment benefit, and jeopardize your self-employed status. For details on how to legally become - and stay - self-employed, including tax requirements and special considerations for this business type, please see this recent article from Business.gov. Message Edited by NicoleD on 01-30-2010 10:07 AM

bectro | Performer | 1/28/2010 - 10:17 am

NicoleD, I appreciate your reply. Does this mean I'd have to become a business, like an LLC or self-proprietary? Message Edited by bectro on 01-28-2010 10:17 AM

bectro | Performer | 1/28/2010 - 10:19 am

Thanks BizResearcher. I would be conducting research (that has minimal-to-no harm) involving human subjects, and I am on an IRB application already. I would use university computers and lab areas. Do you know a good place to learn about liability insurance? I don't know what that is. Thanks again! Message Edited by bectro on 01-28-2010 10:20 AM

NicoleD | Former Moderator | 1/30/2010 - 10:13 am

bectro- I apologize, I just re-read your original post and see that you were volunteering your services. If the University is considering payment for your services, but not employment, then operating as an independent contractor (as BizResearcher's daughter does) may be a good option for you. Independent contractors are individuals hired to do a particular job, receiving payment only for work being done. Independent contractors are business owners, and are not their clients' employees. They do not receive employee benefits or the same legal protections as employees, and often responsible for their own expenses. If this is a route you are interested in pursuing, you can read more on Business.gov about How to Become an Independent Contractor. Message Edited by NicoleD on 01-30-2010 10:15 AM