Did you guys know I'm an SAE at UT?

Me too. I pledged SAE at UT because saetex had such a great influence on my rushing experience. He is everything I believe a fraternity man should be, and I will try my hardest to be just like him.

I just like other dudes.

...no

No, I'm talking about a Sigma Nu chapter. In the early 90's, it was generally top-tier. They had an incident and the alums came in and removed all but 12 members. They haven't really recovered, but who knows? Those alums may have saved a life. They may have saved the chapter from becoming so out of control that HQ had to shut them down.

Alums' interests and responsibilities are not the same as those of actives. We're concerened with the success and existance of the chapter from now 'til infinity. Actives generally speaking cannot see beyond the end of the current semester. Most of the time, the concerns are the same -- finances, grades, recruitment. Oftentimes, they are not. Risk management is at the top of the list of times where those interests are in competition.

agree totally

how offensive to both artists

LMAO....

the only thing offensive is the size of Jay Z's lips......sorry I had no choice

^^LOL!!! Sorry but that was funny.

This may have been answered elsewhere but I can't find it. :( Does national incorporation protect individual chapters or is that what insurance is for?

Chapters are insured through their nationals, usually. But hazing (or breaking any laws) typically nullifies that insurance.

Ahhhhhh! I see.

I'm not a lawyer, but was on a House Association which became incorporated to reduce our personal financial liability. It was my understanding at that time, that it was to protect our personal assets should the House Association run into financial difficulties. For instance, we were renting a house from a landlord and the chapter rented it from us. If the chapter was delinquent in paying rent and we, in turn, could not pay the landlord, we wouldn't be personally responsible because the HA was incorporated. If a HA takes out a mortgage and is not incorporated, then the people who signed those closing papers could be personally responsible for paying that mortgage. Incorporation protected us from losing our own house, credit rating, etc. because of problems with the House Association.

In a civil law suit, individuals can be named and therefore, if you are in a position of authority, you should consider a personal liability rider on your home owners insurance. And yes, the Fraternity's liability insurance only covers you if you're following all the rules. If a totally sober person falls down a flight of your stairs in your house, you're covered. If a minor who your chapter provided alcohol to falls down the stairs in your house, you're not.

No
 

Parents are not generally liable for the torts of their children, unless the tort results from the parents negligent supervision of the child.

Additionally, once you're 18, you're independant and parents will not be liable.

Brian Glass
MSU Law