Legal implications of risk management problems
 

An idea just popped into my head, especially after reading the "Huh?" thread.

Instead of having a party some weekend, spend that money that you would've spent on beer on paying an attorney to come speak to your chapter about the legal implications of hazing and alcohol- what the laws are in your state, what could happen to the chapter and the national org, and to each individual member.

Or heck, instead of some of the useless IFC-Panhel speakers they have, have an all greek event with this sort of speaker. Makes it more cost efficient to.

Do any chapters/campus do this? Not just some random guy giving the same old song and dance, but an actual attorney who can tell you the REAL legal ramifications that could happen?

Hearing what could happen to you individually should be enough to scare some responsibility into people.

Actual, heck, you could probably get a law school student or group of students to do it for free. It's easy for them to look up the state and federal laws/regulations, etc. that could come into play, look up previous court cases, etc.

This is actually giving me an idea of a service project for my law fraternity.

If the cost of those damned premiums doesn't put it bluntly enough I don't know what will!

Great idea though. Most people live in a dreamland where they are the only ones making money when they sue the deep-pocketed and faceless insurance companies.

I'll mention it to some alums.

I think the cost of premiums doesn't speak loudly enough to the collegiate members. Our dues would be SO much less if we didn't have to pay that bill every year! And we didn't even have a house. I couldn't imagine what the fraternity bills are like.

Telling people that they could be individually responsible both in a monetary way and possibly criminal way will usually scare them a bit.

Another good ideas, get some alums to do it for free. Most chapters probably have a few alumni in the area that are attys. Heck, in my 40 or so person Alumnae Associations we have 3 actual attorneys and 3 law school students!

Maybe something that needs done on a semesterly basis? You scare some sense into them, a couple months later they forget all about it, pushing it out of their heads, and back to same old risk management nightmares.

kddani, that is an excellent idea :)

You could also find out if you could get a judge to do it - and give their side of it, whatkind of sentences they would like to hand down and what not.

I don't know about your campuses or individual chapters, but certainly Kappa Sigma and many other nationals have pretty comprehensive Risk Management programs.

Meaning they have a certain body of knowledge that they pas on to the udergraduates.

Most campuses have mandatory risk management meetings where the present the same information ad nauseum talking about both group and individual liability.

I heard the story of a kappa sig president that ended up doing jail time for events that occurred while he was out of the state.

But ultimately these presenters are merely talking heads.

If you really wanted the opportunity to present essentially the same information in a different way, you might want to create a simulation.

Kind of like Mock Trial for all you parasite, excuse me, lawyering types (eeeew). ;)

As some of you know, I created my own college leadership company. The way I present Risk management is usually through simulation and role play.

Its different if you have players acting out the part and you take a normal part of chapter practice, show how it can lead to something bad, and then directly show connsequences. Such as one of the players going to jail. Or having their wages garnished for 20 years.

But a lot of the Risk Management micromanagement that you see from nationals or on this board are silly and futile. ITs like trying to stop lightning from striking.

Some excellent ideas. It would be great if every member understood the possible outcomes of the actions of the "few bad apples" we keep hearing about. Also, instead of just complaining about the cost of dues, etc. (caused to a great extent by climbing insurance rates), it might help to understand the cause and effect.

I think you would want to show that bad things can happen to good people. A lot of people believe that it can't happen to them because they are essentially nice people. But lightning strikes indiscriminately.

ITs not often, and most likely absolutely nothing will happen during someone's college career. But when it does happen. It sucks.

Re: Legal implications of risk management problems
 

Great Idea...now if only campuses would actually do this!

NPC has a program called "Something of Value" that is similar to what you are suggesting. Basically, they put on a mock trial based on a risk management incident. It is a WONDERFUL program for schools to participate in and has really brought reality home to many collegiates.

We also have several attorneys in Alpha Phi who do and write workshops.

NPC Workshop
 

How would we be able to get our hands on that workshop? It sounds very interactive and interesting! Thanks!

Your chapter Panhellenic President or Greek Advisor can contact your area advisor about having Something of Value come to campus. NIC also has a program (I can't remember the name right now), it is similar and also very educational.

Laura