Use smart event planning

In this risk management case study, we take a look at how not following proper event planning procedures can affect your chapter, and how you can avoid this from happening. SigEp provides multiple resources to help chapters plan their events according to risk management guidelines.

A SigEp chapter in California hosted a party with a total disregard for risk management. The party was open with no guest list and no process in place for checking IDs. Alcohol was provided to underage members and guests. An underage guest consumed alcohol during the night and an alleged sexual assault occurred. This chapter was in good standing on campus and had many members who served as campus leaders. However, this one night changed everything when these poor decisions ultimately cost the chapter its charter.

Members and chapters in violation of risk management policies will lose insurance protection. Review these policies and procedures with your chapter so you don’t jeopardize your coverage. One way to get started is to review our Statement on Chapter & Individual Responsibility and Smart Event Planning resources. Review is helpful for everyone and essential for new executive board members and new members.

Discouraging risky behavior is one way the Fraternity can provide a safe experience for all of our members and guests. Please talk to your chapter about these resources before you begin planning social events and new member activities.

Sign the Commitment to Promote Chapter and Individual Responsibility form at CLA. The president, vice president of programming, vice president of member development and vice president of recruitment must sign this form each year. One chapter volunteer must sign each form as well. Forms will be available at your regional Carlson Leadership Academy.

Use licensed vendors. As you return to campus, please remember the importance of using licensed vendors for all SigEp merchandise. Here is a quick refresher from Affinity.

Get the alcohol education rebate. It’s not too late to save five percent on your chapter’s 2013 liability insurance bill by participating in a risk management/alcohol education workshop. The chapter can receive valuable information and save money, too. Take attendance (90 percent chapter participation is required), provide a summary of the program and send it to Risk Management Director Kathy Johnston.