Sigma Phi Lambda National Risk Management Policy

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Sigma Phi Lambda National Risk Management Policy

Purpose The Sigma Phi Lambda Board of Directors encourages responsible activities by our members. This policy has been designed to promote safe and responsible social activities and allow Sigma Phi Lambda chapters to self-govern their activities. All Sigma Phi Lambda chapters are to adhere to the Sigma Phi Lambda National Risk Management Policy as well as the Risk Management Policy of their local University.

Travel Ideally, Sigma Phi Lambda chapter events should be held no more than 30 miles from campus. All events more than this distance from campus must have the approval of the chapter’s Regional Director.

Fire Prevention and Awareness Basic fire safety should be adhered to at all Phi Lamb events. Ask yourself the following questions when planning or attending an event: • • •

What is the occupancy limit of the location where the event is being held? Do not exceed this limit. Ensure that smoke detectors are not covered in any way. Do you know where to exit in the event of a fire? Prior to the event, determine appropriate evacuation routes for that location.

Alcohol and Drugs 1. The possession, sale, and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages during an official Sigma Phi Lambda event, any situation sponsored or endorsed by Sigma Phi Lambda (i.e., philanthropy events, joint parties etc.), or at any event an observer would associate with Sigma Phi Lambda, is not allowed. 2. Alcoholic beverages CANNOT be purchased with a Sigma Phi Lambda funds and/or Chapter Treasurer nor may any member in the name of, or on behalf of Sigma Phi Lambda purchase alcohol for members or guests. This prohibition includes the purchase of bulk quantities of alcohol, kegs of beer, or any common source container of alcohol.

3. No initiated members or new members, collectively or individually, should purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e., individuals under the legal “drinking age”). 4. The possession, sale, or use of any Illegal Drugs or Controlled Substances during a Sigma Phi Lambda event or at any event that an observer would associate with Sigma Phi Lambda is strictly forbidden. Any violation will be grounds for the immediate expulsion from Sigma Phi Lambda of those involved. 5. No Sigma Phi Lambda chapter may co-sponsor an event with alcohol distributor, charitable organization, or tavern (tavern is defined as an establishment generating more then half of annual gross sales from alcohol) where alcohol is given away, sold, or otherwise provided. 6. No Sigma Phi Lambda chapter may co-sponsor or co-finance a function where alcohol is purchased by any groups or organizations.

Violence Sigma Phi Lambda members will not threaten or endanger the health, safety or well-being of members of the university community. Faculty, staff, and students comprise the university community. Prohibited acts include: • • • • •

Physical assault or abuse Sexual assault or abuse Threats with a weapon (display of a weapon accompanied by statements or actions which cause justifiable fear of apprehension). Verbal or other threats of physical or sexual assault. Damage or destruction to another’s private property.

Hazing "Hazing" means any intentional, knowing (or having an idea of what is likely to happen), or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of becoming a new member, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are students at an educational institution. The term includes but is not limited to: 1. any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity; 2. any type of physical activity, such as sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, kidnapping or abduction, or other activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk or harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student; 3. any activity involving consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance which subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm (alcoholic or not) or which adversely effects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;

4. any activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism that subjects the student to extreme mental stress, shame, or humiliation, or that adversely effects the student from entering or remaining registered in an educational institution, or that may reasonably be expected to cause a student to leave the organization or the institution rather than submit to acts described in this subsection; 5. any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task which involves a violation of the Penal Code. Sec. 4.52. No chapter, student, or alumna shall conduct or condone hazing activities. A person can commit a hazing offense not only by engaging in a hazing activity, but also by soliciting, directing, encouraging, aiding or attempting to aid another in hazing; by intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly allowing hazing to occur; or by failing to report in writing to the dean of students firsthand knowledge that a hazing incident is planned or has occurred. The fact that a person consented to or acquiesced in a hazing activity is not a defense to prosecution for hazing under the law.

Sexual Harassment and Assault A chapter 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 that ate demeaning to men or women but not limited to date rape, gang rape, or verbal harassment. A chapter will not sponsor or participate in any activity, including competitive games and philanthropic endeavors that are abusive or demeaning to human beings. Sexual harassment is defined as the unwelcome, unreciprocated imposition of sexual attention, usually in the context of a relationship of unequal power. Rape is defined, as an act of sexual penetration with a person against his or her will. Both of these actions fall under the definition of sexual abuse. Physical abuse consists of: inappropriate touching, pinching, or patting; brushing against someone else’s body; coerced sexual intercourse; and assault.

Grievance Reporting Any member of Sigma Phi Lambda may file a grievance report with the Executive Director.

Violations and Sanctions When a violation of the Risk Management Policy occurs at a Phi Lamb event, all officers will be held accountable. When a violation of the Risk Management Policy occurs outside of a Phi Lamb event, where one member has perceived or actual authority over another member, all members with authority will be held accountable.

Sanctions may include, but are not limited to the following: individual and/or chapter fines, educational programs, probation, social suspension, or intramural suspension. Past offenses of the Risk Management Policy may be considered in sanctioning. General Crisis Response Plan It is important to proactively plan how to respond in the event a crisis occurs. Intentional development of a crisis response plan prior to an event or activity will empower the chapter to effectively respond. As a Phi Lamb officer, it is important to understand that crisis can happen to you and your organization. If this happens, know that you are not alone. Reach out to the staff in the Office of the Dean of Students (or comparable administrator on campus) and to the Sigma Phi Lambda Executive Director to assist you. It is important to be aware of your own feelings, perceptions, and issues so that you can monitor your ability to cope with the difficult situation. General Crisis Response Plan 1. Develop a crisis response strategy for your organization prior to your event or program. Create a step-by-step process for what to do in case of a crisis. Review your crisis response plan on a regular basis and update plan as needed. 2. Designate organizational officers and crisis team who can take charge of a crisis situation. 3. If medical attention is needed, attend to those needs before doing anything else. 4. Contact 911 or get appropriate help if you are on campus. 5. Consult the medical release form (if available) for any special needs of victims. 6. Contact the appropriate authorities • Notify the campus police department. • Notify the Sigma Phi Lambda Executive Director, who will inform the Board of Directors and your Regional Director. • Notify your advisor if she was not part of the activity. • Notify all organization members in a meeting. § Work with your Regional Director and Alumnae Council to prepare for this meeting. • Notify the Office of the Dean of Students in the event of a serious injury or death. § In the case of student death, do not contact family. This is best done by the appropriate authorities. Statements about the incident Following the incident, empathize with victims/families but avoid saying anything other than “We sympathize for those affected by this. The situation is under investigation and more information will be shared when it is available.” When more information does become available to you, the Sigma Phi Lambda Executive Director will decide in conjunction with the Board of Directors what information will be released.

Post-Incident Work with the Executive Director, your Regional Director, Faculty Advisor to determine appropriate steps after any incident.

Education Each member shall be instructed annually on both Sigma Phi Lambda’s National Risk Management Policy and the University Risk Management Policy.

Policy Coverage No policy can cover all the possible situations, which may arise. When this policy is not specific in a certain point, chapters are to conduct their activities in the spirit of social responsibility embodied in the resolution. Chapters, officers and members in violation of the policy’s intent will be subject to review by the Sigma Phi Lambda governing bodies.