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Full Membership Training. UT Dallas Student Organizations HB 2639/SB 1138 Risk Management Training Program. Adapted with permission from UT Austin (HB 2639 Risk Management Training). Required Safety Topics.
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Full Membership Training UT Dallas Student Organizations HB 2639/SB 1138 Risk Management Training Program Adapted with permission from UT Austin (HB 2639 Risk Management Training).
Required Safety Topics • Possession and use of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs, including penalties that may be imposed for possession or use; • Hazing; • Sexual assault and harassment; • Fire and other safety issues, including the possession and use of a firearm or other weapon or of an explosive device; • Travel to a destination outside the area in which the institution is located; • Behavior at parties and other events held by a student organization; and • Adoption by a student organization of a risk management policy. NOTE: These topics are primarily discussed within the context of student organizations providing a unique, training program that will help students and student leaders have a safer and more productive extracurricular experience.
Hazing Prevention UT Dallas Student Organizations HB 2639/SB 1138 Risk Management Training Program Adapted with permission from UT Austin (HB 2639 Risk Management Training).
Hazing Defined • Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off 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 pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are or include students at an educational institution.
But what about consent? • Texas Law • Sec. 37.154 states that Consent is Not a Defense: “It is not a defense to prosecution for the offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” • University Policy (Handbook of Operating Procedures Title V, Chapter 49) • “The dean may initiate disciplinary proceedings under Subchapter C against a student who engages in hazing, submits to hazing, or fails to report first-hand knowledge of hazing incidents.”
Myths and Facts about Hazing MYTH: Hazing is only a problem for sororities and fraternities. FACT: Hazing is a societal problem. Hazing incidents occur among athletic teams, marching bands, the military, spirit organizations, religious clubs, professional schools and other types of organizations. MYTH: “Eliminating hazing makes an organization just like any other social club. It will be too easy to become a member.” FACT: Any group can haze new members - that's the easy way out. It takes vision and commitment to run a good, non-hazing program. MYTH: “A little hazing should be okay, as long as there's no mean-spirited or injurious intent.” FACT: Regardless of intent, some group bonding activities designed to be "all in good fun" still may raise some serious safety concerns.
Reporting Obligation According to UTD’s Handbook of Operating Procedures, Title V, Chapter 49: • “Any person with knowledge that a specific hazing incident has occurred on or off campus must report the incident to the dean.” If you become aware of or were subjected to hazing, please report the incident to the Office of the Dean of Students By Phone at: (972) 883-6391
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES • Individual Discipline • The dean of students may initiate disciplinary proceedings against a student accused of engaging in hazing • Organizational Discipline • The dean of students may also initiate disciplinary proceedings against an organization accused of engaging in hazing • Criminal and Civil Liability • Through the criminal process, the District Attorney’s office can investigate and press charges against the organization and the individual(s). Through the civil process, individuals can be sued as an organization and as an individual.
Drug Possession, Use, and Abuse UT Dallas Student Organizations HB 2639/SB 1138 Risk Management Training Program Adapted with permission from UT Austin (HB 2639 Risk Management Training).
Drug Problem Red Flags • Life problems related to the drug use • Setting and exceeding limits • Making promises about use and breaking those promises • Lying about or trying to hide the amount/frequency of drug use • Forgetting or denying things that happened while intoxicated • Behaving very differently when intoxicated than when sober • Avoiding social functions where drugs are not available. • Feeling guilty, embarrassed, or remorseful about things done/said while intoxicated • Very high tolerance
Potential Affected Areas • Health and Well-being • College Education • Graduate School or Employment • Participation in Athletic Activities • Family, Friends, and Peers
Intervening: Taking Action • Talk with a Professional • Student Wellness Center: (972) 883-4275 • Office of the Dean of Students: (972) 883-6391 • UTD Counseling Center: (972) 883-2575 • Conduct an Intervention • Help a peer or friend understand and accept the nature of their relationship with drugs, ask them to address the problem, and lead them to help.
Discipline and Criminal Laws • UTD Disciplinary Rules • http://www.utdallas.edu/judicialaffairs/documents/UT-Dallas-Title-V-Chapter-49.pdf • Texas State Law • http://www.utdallas.edu/thatguy/penalties/
Alcohol Use and Abuse UT Dallas Student Organizations HB 2639/SB 1138 Risk Management Training Program Adapted with permission from UT Austin (HB 2639 Risk Management Training).
Alcohol Overdose Critical medical situation if: • Passed out and cannot be awakened or is semi-conscious but incoherent • Vomiting without awakening • Shallow, irregular breathing • Cold, clammy, pale, bluish skin • Seizures, convulsion, or rigid spasms What to do • Call 911 IMMEDIATELY • Put the person in the recovery positions (Bacchus Maneuver) • Stay with the person until help arrives
University Policy • Clearly prohibits underage drinking and other violations consistent with state law • Student(s) subject to discipline whether conduct takes place on or off campus or whether civil or criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct • Ignorance of the policy does not protect from disciplinary action • Important to become familiar with UTD policies • Go to http://www.utdallas.edu/judicialaffairs/documents/UT-Dallas-Title-V-Chapter-49.pdf
State Law Issues • Many students familiar with state laws • Underage, excessive drinking, and alcohol-influenced behavior most common violations • Impaired driving commonly problematic • Many students fail to discourage drinking and driving • Find least drunk person for designated driving instead of sticking to sober driving instead • Many unfamiliar with Affirmative Link • For more information on state laws go to http://www.utdallas.edu/thatguy/penalties/
Protect Yourself Reasonable Efforts: • Prevent service of alcohol to minors (check IDs) • Have food & non-alcoholic beverages available • Avoid drinking games • Call for help (fights, injury, or alcohol overdose) • Provide all guests a safe ride home • How to Party Smart at http://www.utdallas.edu/thatguy/partysmart/
Reducing Risk of Sexual Assault UT Dallas Student Organizations HB 2639/SB 1138 Risk Management Training Program Adapted with permission from UT Austin (HB 2639 Risk Management Training).
Definition of Sexual Assault Sexual Assault occurs when a sexual act is directed against another person when that person has not consented, is incapable of consenting, or when the act is forced.
Consent Is… Is not… • Based on choice • Active, not passive • Only possible when there is equal power • Giving one’s permission by actively saying, “Yes” • Negotiable at each stage of intimacy: saying yes to one sexual act does not indicate yes to everything • Giving in because of fear or coercion • Based on manipulation, deception, or lying • Possible when one person has more power • Clear when alcohol and drugs are involved…Substances impair our ability to consent as well as our ability to read another’s signals/body language
Predatory Drugs • Alcohol is the most frequently used drug to facilitate sexual assault. • Other drugs include GHB, Rohipnol, and Ketamine which often affect memory and the ability to control one’s limbs/body. • These can be easily slipped into someone’s individual drink or into a group drink that is not being monitored. • The use of these drugs to facilitate sex with someone without their knowledge constitutes sexual assault.
How can we lessen our organization’s risk? • Have someone designated to monitor and control the distribution of alcohol. • Establish an organizational culture that does not tolerate sexually predatory behaviors and holds the offenders of such behavior accountable with tangible consequences. • Intervene when you observe coercive or questionable behavior.
How can we lessen our organization’s risk? • Attend functions, parties, etc. with at least one other person that you trust. Arrive together and leave together. Look out for each other while at the function. • If you choose to drink, maintain control of your particular drink. If you set it down or it is out of your control for any period of time, throw it out and get a new one. • Begin and continue dialogues about these issues. • Have resources available for the ongoing education of your organization’s members.
Sexual Harassment/Misconduct UT Dallas Student Organizations HB 2639/SB 1138 Risk Management Training Program Adapted with permission from UT Austin (HB 2639 Risk Management Training).
Sexual Harassment/Misconduct • Sexual Harassment is a form of sex discrimination that involves the imposition of an unwanted condition or requirement on the continued employment or education of the victim. Two forms of sexual harassment: • Quid pro quo harassment • Hostile environment harassment • Sexual Misconduct is conduct of a sexual nature that, although not so serious or pervasive that it rises to the level of sexual harassment, is unprofessional and/or inappropriate for the educational and working environment.
Where can Sexual Harassment Occur? • Sexual Harassment can occur anywhere on or off campus. • Not confined to particular location • The number of incidents at a location reflects the amount of time students spend there • Among students who have been harassed: • 39% were in a dorm or student housing • 37% were outside on campus grounds • 24% were in common areas of campus buildings • 20% were in classrooms • 27% were “someplace else” • 12% were unsure where they were harassed
Sexual Harassment Dynamics • Almost one-fifth of students (18%) report that faculty and staff often or occasionally sexually harass students • 68% of students say that peer harassment happens often or occasionally at their college • 80% of students who experienced sexual harassment have been harassed by a student or a former student
If You Have Been Subjected to Sexual Harassment/Misconduct • Confront the Offender • Explain that the conduct is offensive or makes you feel intimidated or uncomfortable • Ask that it stop. • Make sure that your message to the individual is clear • If previously mentioned action is not feasible, successful, or if a student feels uncomfortable taking the above approach: • Report it to a university official directly • University officials will address any reports situation immediately
How to Report Sexual Harassment • Any student who believes that he or she may have been subjected to sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual misconduct by a member of the faculty or staff of the University, fellow student, or visitor or contractor to the University campus is encouraged to consult with or report such conduct immediately to any of the following persons : • Dr. Gene Fitch • Dean of Students • (972) 883-6391 • Kecia Baker • Assistant Dean of Students • (972) 883-2946
Fire and Life Safety UT Dallas Student Organizations HB 2639/SB 1138 Risk Management Training Program Adapted with permission from UT Austin (HB 2639 Risk Management Training)
How to respond to a crisis at your event • Call for help. • Stay calm. • Be prepared to give as much information possible to 911 and the responding emergency personnel. • Contact the Office of the Dean of Student as soon as possible to get assistance with how to address media, if necessary, and see what resources they can offer. Call (972) 883-6391
Crime Prevention • Use the blue light call boxes on campus if you need assistance. • Use the buddy system and walk in well lit areas. • Use UTD PD to provide security for on-campus events. • Keep your valuables out of sight in your car and don’t forget to lock your doors. • Take a R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) program class • Visit UTD PD website at www. Utdallas.edu/police/
My friend is acting strange… • Behavior Assessment and Intervention Team (BAIT) • For concerns about a member of the UTD community • Visit the website at http://cs.utd.edu/judicialaffairs/bait/ • Or call the office of the Dean of Students at 972-883-6391
If you see it…report it. • Slippery floors • Water leaks • Broken glass • Strange odors (gas leak, fire, chemical, etc.) • Lights out • Broken doors and/or locks • Emergency equipment missing or not working • A person who doesn’t belong in a particular area
Weapons • It is a violation of Section 49.37 of the Handbook of Operating Procedures Title V, Chapter 49 to • “possesses or uses any type of explosive, firearm, imitation firearm, ammunition, hazardous chemical or weapon as defined by state or federal law while on campus or on any property or in any building owned or controlled by the System or the university. • Both student’s and student organizations who wish to bring a weapon or facsimile weapon onto the UTD campus must have advance permission for the Office of the Dean of Students at (972) 883-6391
Student Organization Travel UT Dallas Student Organizations HB 2639/SB 1138 Risk Management Training Program Adapted with permission from UT Austin (HB 2639 Risk Management Training)
UTD Policy • The UT Dallas Student Travel Policy governs any group/organization travel as part of a trip planned and/or funded by UT Dallas and is more than 25 miles away from campus. • For more information on the Student Travel Policy, please refer to utdallas.edu/deanofstudents/travel. • Please contact the Center for Student Involvement for assistance with your organizational travel at (972) 883-6449
University Travel Policies (What are we required to do?) Registered Student Organization Travel Policy Must obtain prior approval from appropriate UTD administrator and: • Have and Responsible University Official (RUO) • Conduct a travel assessment • Conduct a Pre-Trip Orientation that includes an Emergency Response Plan and the Participant Responsibility form • Complete the forms for student travel located at http://www.utdallas.edu/businessaffairs/risk/travel.php5 • Complete the medical insurance forms
General Car Travel Tips • Occupants of motor vehicles shall use seat belts or other approved safety restraint devices required by law or regulation at all times when the vehicle is in operation • Occupants of motor vehicles should never possess, consume or transport any alcoholic beverages or illegal substances • The total number of passengers in any vehicle, at anytime it is in operation, shall not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended capacity, or the number specified by University Policy, or federal or state law or regulations, whichever is lowest. • Make sure all drivers have valid drivers licenses and proof of insurance. Also ensure each vehicle has a current registration and emissions sticker.
General Air Travel Tips • Always carry a current U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID • Follow all rules related to what you can and can’t carry on an airplane • Review the list of prohibited items • Place your name, home address, itinerary, and destination inside each bag • Always book a place to stay before you leave • Keep your small expensive items and other small personal items in your carry-on bag • Learn what the weather conditions are like in the place you are planning to visit • Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with a trusted friend or family member, so you can be contacted in case of an emergency • Bring only as much luggage as airline rules permit • Arrive early at the airport • Know where emergency exits are located!
General Emergency Procedures If you are involved in an accident: • Stop immediately and call 911 or local police • Assess the situation and render aid as appropriate • Fill out a police report • Obtain the names and addresses of all witnesses • Contact your advisor • Contact the Office of the Dean of Students • (972) 883-6391
Behavior at Parties and Other Organization Events UT Dallas Student Organizations HB 2639/SB 1138 Risk Management Training Program Adapted with permission from UT Austin (HB 2639 Risk Management Training)
Planning Tips to Remember When planning an event make sure to: • Choose events that reflect the values and beliefs of our organization and members. • Invite people and groups we know. • Appoint or designate “event monitors” to handle emergencies and other event details. • Appoint “designated drivers” if hosting an event where alcohol will be served. • Confront inappropriate behavior quickly and firmly. • Have an emergency/crisis management plan in place and review it with all of members prior to the event. • Remember that the types of events we host are a reflection of our organization’s values.
Theme Parties • Why this theme? • Is it about a living culture? • Is it about a current subculture? • Have you consulted either people from that community or with recognized “experts” (community leaders or faculty) about the theme? • Are the people whose culture is being represented adequately empowered in society? • Think and talk about what you are planning to do!
Factors to consider before planning a “Date” or “Slave” Auction • Involves “bidding” on a human being • The process devalues a human being • This country’s real and tragic history • Safety concerns For ALL of these reasons, student organizations are encouraged to engage in more imaginative and feasible alternatives to these activities.
The Event Planner(s) • Student organization events can be quite complex to manage (budgets, schedules, seating arrangements, training for volunteers, etc.). • Select an officer, other organization member, or committee/team to take the lead (i.e., the event planners) • Qualities of good event planners (or event planning teams) include: • experience within the organization; • excellent organizational, communication and time management skills; • ability to handle stressful, fast-paced situations; and • passion and a strategic vision.
Prohibited Student Conduct • Engages in harassment or discrimination against another student or University employee • Damages, defaces, destroys, alters, or takes UTD property without authorization of the University • Impedes or interferes with an authorized University function (e.g., teaching, research, or disciplinary) • Endangers the health or safety of another student or University employee • Failure to identify oneself/provides false information to an institutional representative • Unauthorized entry into university buildings or fountains • Engages in conduct that violates federal; state; and or local laws (e.g., theft, hazing, DWI, underage drinking)
Tips for Etiquette at Professional Events • Show up on time, do not leave early! • Do not use laptops or cell phones • Ask appropriate questions • Dress appropriately • Let each person have a chance to speak • Eat and drink in moderation • Do not monopolize people’s time – know what the purpose of the event is and come prepared
Summary and Conclusion UT Dallas Student Organizations HB 2639/SB 1138 Risk Management Training Program Adapted with permission from UT Austin (HB 2639 Risk Management Training)