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MJ Insurance Sorority Division

. Risk Management = Sisterhood. Risk Management = Sisterhood. . What would your founders do?. What is risk, and why is managing risk so important??. Risk Management = Sisterhood. . Individual members, the executive board, officers, and the Fraternity/Sorority all can be held liable in the event

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MJ Insurance Sorority Division

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    1. There is risk involved in everything we do. Social events tend to be the most publicized, especially because they often involve alcohol consumption. However, many of the risks are the same in other types of events. For that reason, we thought it would be helpful to share with you some information regarding: 1. What exposes us to risk 2. Our laws and policies regarding risk and 3. What to do when an incident occurs. There is risk involved in everything we do. Social events tend to be the most publicized, especially because they often involve alcohol consumption. However, many of the risks are the same in other types of events. For that reason, we thought it would be helpful to share with you some information regarding: 1. What exposes us to risk 2. Our laws and policies regarding risk and 3. What to do when an incident occurs.

    2. Effective risk management is, at its core, a sisterhood issue. Looking out for one another and acting in each other’s best interests is part of what your fraternity/sorority is all about. It’s no surprise, then, that the right “risk management” answer to a question is almost always also the right “sisterhood” answer to a question. Use your instincts, as well as the principles we will discuss. Effective risk management is, at its core, a sisterhood issue. Looking out for one another and acting in each other’s best interests is part of what your fraternity/sorority is all about. It’s no surprise, then, that the right “risk management” answer to a question is almost always also the right “sisterhood” answer to a question. Use your instincts, as well as the principles we will discuss.

    3. Managing risk is important for two reasons. First and foremost, we care about our sisters and want to look out for their health, safety and welfare. Second, a serious risk management issue can expose officers and the organization to liability. Safety is everyone’s responsibilityManaging risk is important for two reasons. First and foremost, we care about our sisters and want to look out for their health, safety and welfare. Second, a serious risk management issue can expose officers and the organization to liability. Safety is everyone’s responsibility

    4. When confronting any risk issue, you should attempt the following ways of dealing with risk in order of priority: 1. Eliminate risk – if you can eliminate a risk, you should attempt to do so; however, it is often difficult to completely eliminate a risk 2. Reduce/minimize risk – you can minimize risk with risk management policies (e.g. no alcohol in the chapter house, social planning guidelines, etc.) 3. Transfer risk – the most popular way to transfer risk is by purchasing insurance coverage, which transfers the exposure to risk to the insurance company, rather than your organization.When confronting any risk issue, you should attempt the following ways of dealing with risk in order of priority: 1. Eliminate risk – if you can eliminate a risk, you should attempt to do so; however, it is often difficult to completely eliminate a risk 2. Reduce/minimize risk – you can minimize risk with risk management policies (e.g. no alcohol in the chapter house, social planning guidelines, etc.) 3. Transfer risk – the most popular way to transfer risk is by purchasing insurance coverage, which transfers the exposure to risk to the insurance company, rather than your organization.

    5. We often have people ask if they can be held liable for [fill in the blank]. The fact of the matter is that there are so many specifics that go into answering that question that we cannot confidently answer it either “yes” or “no.” This would be a good slide to utilize some claim examples, which can be found on our website under Claims Examples (www.mjsorority.com) to demonstrate how liability/negligence are determined and how subjection that determination can be based on the facts of the case, the attorneys involved, the jurisdiction, etc.We often have people ask if they can be held liable for [fill in the blank]. The fact of the matter is that there are so many specifics that go into answering that question that we cannot confidently answer it either “yes” or “no.” This would be a good slide to utilize some claim examples, which can be found on our website under Claims Examples (www.mjsorority.com) to demonstrate how liability/negligence are determined and how subjection that determination can be based on the facts of the case, the attorneys involved, the jurisdiction, etc.

    6. This slide shows a few statistics reflecting various risk management issues. The ones highlighted in [gold] relate to college life in general. The ones highlighted in [blue] are specific to the Greek system. Remember that the Greek system is a target and we live in a fishbowl. Every incident is an opportunity for criticism and blaming the Greek system for the woes on college campuses today. But we want the Greek system to be safer than college campuses at large.This slide shows a few statistics reflecting various risk management issues. The ones highlighted in [gold] relate to college life in general. The ones highlighted in [blue] are specific to the Greek system. Remember that the Greek system is a target and we live in a fishbowl. Every incident is an opportunity for criticism and blaming the Greek system for the woes on college campuses today. But we want the Greek system to be safer than college campuses at large.

    7. You may be asking yourself what risk management has to do with your job. Some of you have responsibility for events that may pose risk management issues. Others are in a prime position for issue-spotting and raising issues with other fraternity officers. Use this slide to help chapter members realize that, whatever their position, they have a responsibility for risk managament. Alumnae—events with collegians (such as Founders Day or senior services) Property/Facilities—huge risks associated with facilities, primarily security and physical safety Membership—recruitment activities can involve some degree of risk. Also, recruitment is an opportunity to stop a risk management problem before it happens! Panhellenic and Philanthropy—Greek Week & philanthropies (both ours and others) present whole host of risks. They are just like alcohol-free social events. Finance—What are we paying for?You may be asking yourself what risk management has to do with your job. Some of you have responsibility for events that may pose risk management issues. Others are in a prime position for issue-spotting and raising issues with other fraternity officers. Use this slide to help chapter members realize that, whatever their position, they have a responsibility for risk managament. Alumnae—events with collegians (such as Founders Day or senior services) Property/Facilities—huge risks associated with facilities, primarily security and physical safety Membership—recruitment activities can involve some degree of risk. Also, recruitment is an opportunity to stop a risk management problem before it happens! Panhellenic and Philanthropy—Greek Week & philanthropies (both ours and others) present whole host of risks. They are just like alcohol-free social events. Finance—What are we paying for?

    8. We’re going to play a little game here called Myth Busters. The presenter reads the statement in the blue bubble and then has the participants tell her if it is true or a myth. We’re going to play a little game here called Myth Busters. The presenter reads the statement in the blue bubble and then has the participants tell her if it is true or a myth.

    9. We often use the “duck analogy” when discussing official events - if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and acts like a duck, it’s a duck (i.e. if an event appears to be a fraternity/sorority event, it will be construed as a fraternity/sorority event). Basically, in the event of a claim, you are leaving it up to a judge and jury to determine whether or not it was an official event. Furthermore, if there is a claim involving injury, the fraternity/sorority is seen as having the “deepest pockets,” and the claimant (and the claimant’s family and attorneys) will name the fraternity/sorority in the lawsuit if there is any possible way to draw the organization into the claim. Discuss some recent events that your chapter has participated in and the various risk management concerns at each event. Check www.mjsorority.com for Claims Examples to be used as case studies.We often use the “duck analogy” when discussing official events - if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and acts like a duck, it’s a duck (i.e. if an event appears to be a fraternity/sorority event, it will be construed as a fraternity/sorority event). Basically, in the event of a claim, you are leaving it up to a judge and jury to determine whether or not it was an official event. Furthermore, if there is a claim involving injury, the fraternity/sorority is seen as having the “deepest pockets,” and the claimant (and the claimant’s family and attorneys) will name the fraternity/sorority in the lawsuit if there is any possible way to draw the organization into the claim. Discuss some recent events that your chapter has participated in and the various risk management concerns at each event. Check www.mjsorority.com for Claims Examples to be used as case studies.

    11. Another example of the duck theory. In addition, the individual member in this case is exposing herself (and possibly her parents, depending on who owns/rents the property in question) to tremendous risk. If there is a claim that arises at this event, the fraternity/sorority may be brought into the claim, but the individual member will most certainly be named in the lawsuit.Another example of the duck theory. In addition, the individual member in this case is exposing herself (and possibly her parents, depending on who owns/rents the property in question) to tremendous risk. If there is a claim that arises at this event, the fraternity/sorority may be brought into the claim, but the individual member will most certainly be named in the lawsuit.

    13. Use the sober sis claim example at www.mjsorority.com (http://tinyurl.com/yl339d2) in order to demonstrate to the chapter members the exposure to both the individual designated driver and the fraternity/sorority from sober sister programs. From an insurance standpoint, MJ Insurance can only support designated driver programs that are held in conjunction with fraternity/sorority-sponsored events. The “sober sis” programs that consist of members signing up for random Friday or Saturday evenings to remain sober for the night are the most concerning. The organization has no control Use the sober sis claim example at www.mjsorority.com (http://tinyurl.com/yl339d2) in order to demonstrate to the chapter members the exposure to both the individual designated driver and the fraternity/sorority from sober sister programs. From an insurance standpoint, MJ Insurance can only support designated driver programs that are held in conjunction with fraternity/sorority-sponsored events. The “sober sis” programs that consist of members signing up for random Friday or Saturday evenings to remain sober for the night are the most concerning. The organization has no control

    15. Check out the claim example that describes a co-sponsored event for more information on this myth (http://tinyurl.com/yzyylhp). Check out the claim example that describes a co-sponsored event for more information on this myth (http://tinyurl.com/yzyylhp).

    17. We have seen cases in which a chapter member is prosecuted criminally and civilly for hazing incidents. In some cases, the judgment has garnered the chapter member’s future wages. It is important that chapter members realize that their actions could impact their future, as well as that of their parent’s since they are still technically under their care.We have seen cases in which a chapter member is prosecuted criminally and civilly for hazing incidents. In some cases, the judgment has garnered the chapter member’s future wages. It is important that chapter members realize that their actions could impact their future, as well as that of their parent’s since they are still technically under their care.

    19. FIPG provides risk management guidelines and educational resources to help member fraternities and sororities be more effective in their risk management policies and educational efforts. The FIPG policy has become synonymous with risk management policy at more than 45 national Greek men’s and women’s groups.

    20. Windows Do not leave windows open or unlocked if accessible from outside. Protect yourself and your sisters from fall hazards… there are many cases where members have fallen from windows, especially in dormitories. Physical security issues are critical. Fraternities/sororities are just like any other “premises owner” when it comes to providing for the security of their tenants and guests. It is important that the house corporation volunteers take reasonable steps to protect physical security. Access to the facility is a huge issue. We list on this slide several tips that can be used in dealing with chapters and raising their awareness as to both access and, on a related note, lighting of the facility.Physical security issues are critical. Fraternities/sororities are just like any other “premises owner” when it comes to providing for the security of their tenants and guests. It is important that the house corporation volunteers take reasonable steps to protect physical security. Access to the facility is a huge issue. We list on this slide several tips that can be used in dealing with chapters and raising their awareness as to both access and, on a related note, lighting of the facility.

    21. Fires Check to see that electrical cords are secured and not frayed. Do not use extension cords- use power strips, preferably with power surge protection. Candles are not allowed in chapter members’ rooms. Check that the fire alarm is working and functioning properly. Do an education session on fire safety, and have a fire drill at least once a semester. Make sure fire extinguishers are readily available throughout the house, and be sure to have them checked and serviced regularly. Use Chapter House Self-Inspection Checklist which can be found at www.mjsorority.com. The same thing applies to safety issues. We have all heard tragic stories about fires at Greek facilities. It’s important to recognize everyday living hazards, as well. Again, it is the house corporation’s responsibility to protect the physical safety of our tenants and guests. This is not a traditionally well-publicized area of risk management, but it does comprise a significant number of claims made against the organization. The same thing applies to safety issues. We have all heard tragic stories about fires at Greek facilities. It’s important to recognize everyday living hazards, as well. Again, it is the house corporation’s responsibility to protect the physical safety of our tenants and guests. This is not a traditionally well-publicized area of risk management, but it does comprise a significant number of claims made against the organization.

    22. A means to subject a person to an activity which endangers or is likely to endanger the physical health or safety of a member or which tends to humiliate, embarrass, or cause personal discomfort regardless of one’s willingness to participate in such activity. Any activity that creates division or distinction among member classes or promotes hierarchy among members. The definition of hazing is far more far-reaching than what you may have thought.The definition of hazing is far more far-reaching than what you may have thought.

    23. Hazing, in any form, is not tolerated. Failure to uphold this expectation is not only against [Fraternity/Sorority name] Bylaws, but also violates FIPG and MJ Insurance policies, and is subject to legal consequences. Hazing is a severe risk management concern. Risk management means more than keeping members safe at social events; it means maintaining safety throughout all aspects of chapter membership. [Fraternity/Sorority name] promotes an environment that is physically and emotionally safe at all times.

    24. Hazing or mock initiation of any kind is strictly forbidden This slide highlights the fact that hazing is against both state law in virtually all states and Fraternity/Sorority bylaws. A recent example: Last month four fraternity men were charged with hazing – two of them felonies for causing death – at California Poly Tech after forcing an 18-year-old new member of SAE to drink a bag full of alcoholic beverage. The autopsy revealed that this young man had a blood-alcohol level between .39% and .44%. This is one of the more traditional forms of hazing with which we are all familiar. Your organization is not immune. The slide also discusses other examples of activities that are considered to be hazing because they tend to cause humiliation or embarrassment or because they create division or distinction among members. Finally, the slide lists some good resources for addressing hazing. This slide highlights the fact that hazing is against both state law in virtually all states and Fraternity/Sorority bylaws. A recent example: Last month four fraternity men were charged with hazing – two of them felonies for causing death – at California Poly Tech after forcing an 18-year-old new member of SAE to drink a bag full of alcoholic beverage. The autopsy revealed that this young man had a blood-alcohol level between .39% and .44%. This is one of the more traditional forms of hazing with which we are all familiar. Your organization is not immune. The slide also discusses other examples of activities that are considered to be hazing because they tend to cause humiliation or embarrassment or because they create division or distinction among members. Finally, the slide lists some good resources for addressing hazing.

    25. Hazing Hotline… Not every NPC organization has opted to participate in the National Hazing Hotline, so you may want to check with your organization before using this slide. If your specific organization has a hazing hotline, you will want to add that information to this slide, as well.Not every NPC organization has opted to participate in the National Hazing Hotline, so you may want to check with your organization before using this slide. If your specific organization has a hazing hotline, you will want to add that information to this slide, as well.

    27. Discuss some specific examples from your own experience here.Discuss some specific examples from your own experience here.

    29. We have seen a resurgence of drinking games this year, with “Keg Races” being the most prominent. We have seen a resurgence of drinking games this year, with “Keg Races” being the most prominent.

    33. Review who is in charge in an emergency. Note always to err on the side of getting someone help if they need it. It is far better to face someone the next morning who is upset about being taken to the hospital than to have something tragic happen and have to ask “Why didn’t someone do something?” Most of our members are adults with rights to privacy. Contacting parents can be a delicate situation. Other sensitive areas are contact with university and media. Review who is in charge in an emergency. Note always to err on the side of getting someone help if they need it. It is far better to face someone the next morning who is upset about being taken to the hospital than to have something tragic happen and have to ask “Why didn’t someone do something?” Most of our members are adults with rights to privacy. Contacting parents can be a delicate situation. Other sensitive areas are contact with university and media.

    36. It is important to educate chapters on risk management, as well as the liability and consequences associated with managing risk poorly. An effective risk management program will keep members safe and decrease possible liability to the chapter, its officers and the [insert Fraternity/Sorority name]. This results from a clear and unambiguous commitment to risk management demonstrated by the chapter leadership and risk management team. We’ve discussed how important it is to remember that risk management is not all about social events. It’s a way of life and something that is everyone’s responsibility.We’ve discussed how important it is to remember that risk management is not all about social events. It’s a way of life and something that is everyone’s responsibility.

    37. To be liable is to be held responsible for some act or event that causes harm or damage to another. If you are found liable, you may have to pay the damages that are a result of the act or event. Damages usually are in dollar amounts and compensate for: Property damage or destruction Physical injury; emotional pain; rehabilitation Legal expenses Claims arising out of Criminal Liability will NOT be covered by your insurance policy. Claims arising out of Civil Liability may be covered by your insurance policy.Claims arising out of Criminal Liability will NOT be covered by your insurance policy. Claims arising out of Civil Liability may be covered by your insurance policy.

    38. The three most common types of liability our clients encounter are:

    39. If a member or guest is injured, gets sick, has to be hospitalized or dies as a result of attending a chapter sponsored or co-sponsored event, your chapter and its officers can be found responsible and liable.

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