Risk Management

  • Risk Management

     

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    The Fraternity is concerned for the health and safety of our members. Our risk management program is designed to help reduce risks, realizing that risk cannot be eliminated; it has to be managed and controlled.

     

     

     
     
    Risk Management Guidelines

    The Risk Management Guidelines of Tau Kappa Epsilon shall apply to all Fraternity entities and all levels of Fraternity membership.

    Alcohol and Drugs
    The possession, sale, use or consumption of alcoholic beverages, while on chapter premises, during a Fraternity event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, or in any event an observer would associate with the Fraternity, must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city and institution of higher education, and must comply with either the B.Y.O.B. or Third Party Vendor Guidelines.

    No alcoholic beverage may be purchased through chapter funds nor may the purchase of same for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of, or on behalf of, the chapter. The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common sources of such alcoholic beverages (i.e. kegs, cases, etc.), is prohibited.

    Open Parties, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the Fraternity, without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, shall be prohibited.

    No members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e., those under legal "drinking age").

    The possession, sale or use of any illegal drugs or controlled substances while on chapter premises or during a Fraternity event or at any event that an observer would associate with the Fraternity is strictly forbidden.

    No chapter may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor, charitable organization or tavern (tavern defined as an establishment generating more than half of annual gross sales from alcohol) where alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise provided to those present.

    No chapter may co-sponsor or co-finance a function where alcohol is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups or organizations.

    All recruitment activities associated with any chapter will be dry recruitment functions.

    No member shall permit, tolerate, encourage, or participate in "drinking games".

    No alcohol shall be present at any candidate (pledge/associate member/novice) program, activity, or ritual of the chapter.

    Hazing
    No chapter, colony, student or alumnus shall conduct or condone hazing activities. Hazing activities are defined as: "Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule." Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution, or applicable state law.


    Sexual Abuse and Harassment
    The Fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental or emotional. This is to include any actions which are demeaning to women or men including but not limited to date rape, gang rape, or verbal harassment.


    Fire, Health and Safety
    All chapter houses should meet all local fire and health codes and standards.

    All chapters should have posted by common phones emergency numbers for fire, police and ambulance and should have posted evacuation routes on the back of the door of each sleeping room.

    All chapters should comply with engineering recommendations as reported by the insurance company.

    The possession and/or use of firearms or explosive devices of any kind within the confines and premises of the chapter house is expressly forbidden.

    Education
    Each member or candidate shall be instructed annually on the Risk Management Guidelines of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. Additionally, all members or candidates should annually receive a copy of these Risk Management Guidelines.

    © 2000-2006 Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. All Rights Reserved.

     
     
    Insurance & Risk Management FAQ's
    What type of insurance do we have?
    The Fraternity purchases liability insurance, which is insurance that protects Tau Kappa Epsilon against claims from legal liability, provides legal defense, and pays sums necessary to settle claims against the Fraternity. Liability insurance is not the same thing as health insurance.

    Who is covered under the insurance policy?
    Active collegiate members (only if they are paid and on the chapter records with the Offices of the Grand Chapter), Chapter Advisor, members of the Board of Advisors, and Fraternity volunteers are all covered. These individuals must be registered with the Offices of the Grand Chapter, and they must be acting in an official capacity. Our insurance does not cover anyone who is acting in a criminal way, or a way that could cause harm to someone else.


    Why do we need insurance coverage?
    Suppose that someone is injured during a chapter event and this claim becomes a nasty lawsuit over negligence. You are named as a defendant. Our insurance will cover you, as well as the Fraternity, as long as you are an active, paid member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, and acting in good faith.


    What is considered a chapter event?
    To understand what may be considered a TKE event, consider the following questions. If the answer to any question is "yes", then regardless of the location (annex, brother's house, apartment), your University, the Fraternity, and a court of law may consider it a TKE event. Therefore, the Risk Management Guidelines need to be followed.


    Was the event pre-planned or pre-meditated?

    Was the event discussed during a chapter meeting or executive committee meeting?

    Was it advertised among the brothers through any means (word of mouth, flyer, email)?

    Were chapter funds used in any way?

    Did chapter officers help plan the event in any way?

    Did the event occur as a result of a Fraternity function (e.g. big brother night, bid night, post-initiation party)?

    Was the property where the gathering occurred owned, rented or leased by a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon?

    Would a third party construe the function as Fraternity related?

    Is our property covered?
    No. Not every chapter needs property insurance, so we leave purchasing property insurance up to your local housing corporation or your Board of Advisors. Our insurance broker does sell property insurance to many TKE chapters.


    What is the Member Accident Protection Plan?
    The Member Accident Protection Program is a benefit of membership. The program is intended to compliment the health insurance program of every collegiate member of the Fraternity for accidents incurred during the college term. All eligible collegiate members are insured for covered injuries that are incurred while the policy is in force and occur while:


    Registered and in good standing with the Fraternity. Membership is verified by the Offices of the Grand Chapter so be sure your membership has been reported and all Candidate, Initiate, Annual Membership Fees, and Risk Management Fees have been paid.

    An enrolled student at an institution of higher learning where there is an collegiate chapter of the Fraternity, except during appropriate holiday or summer breaks. If a covered injury occurs during a holiday or summer break, the eligible member will have had to have been an enrolled student during the prior school term and continuing at an institution of higher learning the following term.

    What do we do if someone is hurt?
    Assist the injured by administering first aid to the best of your ability and call for help (police, fire department, ambulance, 911, etc.) Secure the area to keep others from getting hurt. Every chapter has a red folder labeled Crisis Communication Plan. Get out the folder, follow the instructions, and contact the Offices of the Grand Chapter. Always cooperate with local authorities.


    © 2000-2006 Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. All Rights Reserved.