Student Organization Risk Management Managing the Risks: Learn. Succeed. Live.

As an officer, you are responsible for presenting this information to your organization. NOTE: There will be a quiz at the conclusion of this presentation.

SGO Where are we located? –Basement of the University Center (UC) Home to 300+ student organizations Website – – –Student Organization Handbook Student Governance & Organizations

Risk Management Managing the Risks: Learn. Succeed. Live.

Risk Management? Risk Management… –considers the potential and perceived risk involved in student events and programs. –includes monitoring organization activities. –Involves taking both proactive action and corrective steps to minimize accidental injury and/or loss. Defined

Risk Management HB2639/SB1138—effective September 1, th Texas Legislature; Texas Education Code § [Mandates risk management education for members and advisors of student organizations registered at postsecondary educational institutions. ] Who? Representatives of registered student organizations Advisors Individuals selected by the University What? Complete a risk management educational program. Legislation

Risk Items Alcohol Hazing Sexual Assault and Harassment Student Travel Fire and Safety Issues Behavior (on or off campus)

Alcohol 21 The minimum age for purchasing and possessing alcohol is 21.

Alcohol 1,825 college students (ages 18 to 24) die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes a 599,000 students (ages of 18 to 24) are unintentionally injured under the influence of alcohol a 400,000 students (ages 18 to 24) had unprotected sex and more than 100,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 report having been too intoxicated to know if they consented to having sex b 25% of college students report academic consequences of their drinking including missing class, falling behind, doing poorly on exams or papers, and receiving lower grades overall c a (Hingson et al., 2009); b (Hingson et al., 2002); c (Engs et al., 1996; Presley et al., 1996a, 1996b; Wechsler et al., 2002) Facts

Alcohol [HOP 3-700] Minimum disciplinary penalty—suspension … for a specified period of time or suspension of rights and privileges, or both, for conduct related to the use, possession, or distribution of drugs that are prohibited by state, federal, or local law. Suspension or expulsion notations become part of your permanent academic transcript. Other penalties include disciplinary probation payment for damage to property suspension of rights and privileges suspension for a specified period of time expulsion, or such other penalty as deemed appropriate under the circumstances of the incident at hand. Policy

Alcohol If your organization gathers as a group in an off campus location that serves alcohol provide the following: Sober designated driver(s) for those that are drinking. Do not participate in “drinking games.” If you suspect severe alcohol impairment, call for help immediately. Follow all University and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) regulations. [ Provide an alcohol education program for your members. Know your campus resources. Managing the Risks

What is HAZING?

Hazing Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them regardless of a person’s willingness to participate. Defined

Hazing 55% of college students involved in clubs, teams, and organizations experience hazing 25% of advisors and coaches were aware of the group’s hazing behaviors 25% of hazing occurs on-campus in public space In more than half of hazing incidents, a member of the offending group posts pictures on a public web space 95% of cases are not reported to campus officials 47% of students come to college having already experienced hazing (Allan & Maddan, 2008) Facts

Hazing [§ Texas Education Code] UT Arlington—ZERO TOLERANCE Neither tolerates excuses nor does it acknowledge different levels of hazing, i.e. “it was just a little hazing”. In an effort to encourage the reporting of hazing incidents, the law grants immunity from civil or criminal liability to any person who reports a specific hazing event and immunizes that person from participation in any judicial proceeding resulting from that report. Failure to report: a fine of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, or both. Penalties for other hazing offenses range from $500 to $10,000 in fines and up to two years confinement. An individual can be personally sued and wages garnished if found guilty. Criminal charges and University sanctions may be applied to both the individual and the student organization for hazing offenses. Policy

Hazing Hazing should not be viewed as a tradition to pass on to new members. If you suspect a task or event is hazing related, report it immediately to the Office of Student Conduct, Fraternity & Sorority Life, or Student Governance & Organizations. Come up with constructive bonding exercises for your group. Ask yourself if your group’s actions can be defended in a court of law. If not, then you need to exercise good judgment and discontinue those actions. Managing the Risks

Sexual Assault & Harassment Sexual Harassment –Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or sexually-oriented conduct that is considered unwanted or offensive by the target of the conduct. Sexual Assault –Includes non-consensual intercourse, non- consensual sexual penetration with an object, and unwanted touching or kissing. Sexual Exploitation –Any form of sexual behavior whereby the result is that one or more individuals gain advantage over another through deliberate deceit or trickery.

Sexual Assault & Harassment More than 25% of victims are between 18 & 24 years old. a A college with 10,000 students could experience as many as 350 rapes per year. b In 80-90% of cases, victim and assailant know each other; and the more intimate the relationship, the more likely it is for a rape to be completed. b Males make up 10% of all victims. c Fewer than 5% of completed and attempted rapes of college women are reported. b a Rand, M.R. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. (2009). Criminal victimization (NCJ ). Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics b Fisher, B.S., Cullen, F.T., & Turner, M.G. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. (2000). The sexual victimization of college women (NCJ ). Washington DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics. c.U.S. Department of Justice.2005 National Crime Victimization Study Facts

Sexual Assault & Harassment [HOP Procedure 14-1] Every member of the University community, whether they are a student, faculty, staff, administrator, visitor, invitee of the University of Texas at Arlington or participant in a UTA sponsored program should be aware that the University does not tolerate sexual or relationship violence. Sexual Violence/Assault is also prohibited by Federal law, by State Law as listed in the Texas Penal Code Section –Sexual Assault—§ –Aggravated sexual assault—§ –Relationship Violence—Texas Family Code § –Stalking—§ –UTA Student Conduct Code found in the UTA Handbook of Operating Procedures Policy

Sexual Assault & Harassment Promote safety at social events –Do not leave drinks unattended –Have a designated sober person at all events –Use the buddy-system Be a positive bystander –During or after an incident, always seek help UTA Police Department 24-Hour Sexual Assault Advocate Hotline Your advisor Website: 24-Hour Sexual Assault Advocate Hotline: (817) RVSP Coordinator: (817) Managing the Risks

Student Travel Student travel incorporates any travel planned or sponsored by the student organization or its members as part of the organizations’ activities. Defined

Student Travel Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for year-olds. Each year, approximately 19% of the fatalities in the U.S. are related to young-driver crashes. Speeding is a contributing factor in 31% of all fatal crashes. 64% of young drivers in passenger vehicles involved in alcohol-related fatal crashes were not wearing a safety belt. (NHTSA, 2009) Facts

Student Travel [Regents’ Rule 50601; HOP Chapter 6] A Student/Group Travel Form and the University Request for Travel Authorization is required at least 10 days prior to the date of travel for groups that wish to: –Travel more than 25 miles from the University campus –Use University funding (Program Assistance Funds obtained through Student Congress) –Use a vehicle that is owned or leased by the University –Attendance is required by the student organization Please contact The Office of Student Governance & Organizations for assistance with your organizational travel at or Policy

Student Travel [Regents’ Rule 50601; HOP Chapter 6] Seat belts are required for ALL the occupants – it’s the law! Alcohol and other illegal substances are strictly prohibited. Make sure the driver/s are in possession of a valid Drivers License. For trips that are over 2 hours long, it is strongly recommended you have a navigator to assist with the trip. Drivers cannot operate the vehicle for more than 3 hours without a minimum 15 minute break. Managing the Risks

Student Travel [Regents’ Rule 50601; HOP Chapter 6 ] Driving between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. is not allowed without prior approval. Do not text or use the phone while operating the vehicle. If you need to use the phone, use a hands-free device but never attempt to text message while driving. Obey the posted speed limits at all times to ensure safety and always plan ahead for a long trip. Managing the Risks

Fire & Safety State law prohibits the possession of any explosive, firearm, imitation firearm, fireworks, ammunition or hazardous chemicals on University property. Defined

Fire & Safety Since 2000, 146 people have been killed in campus- related fires. In more than half of these cases, consumption of alcohol was a contributing factor. UT Arlington has experienced nine (9) on-campus fires in the past three (3) years, causing thousands of dollars in damage. [ Facts

Fire & Safety It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to provide the safest possible environment for our students, faculty, staff and visitors. Each member of our academic community is urged to accept the challenge of maintaining an accident-free environment. Tampering with or destroying fire safety equipment can lead to possible sanctions from law enforcement authorities and the Office of Student Conduct. In the event that there is an injury or death, there can also be criminal and civil charges filed against you and/or your organization. Policy

Event space –Make sure the venue is large enough to handle the expected attendance. Do not block/obstruct entrances & exits No candles or incense Grilling –Self-starting/matchless charcoal ONLY –Lighter fluid is prohibited –Cannot provide your own propane. Contact Environmental Health & Safety to borrow a free propane tank. –Do not grill within 10 feet of a walkway, balcony, canopy, or overhang. –Distinguish coals immediately with water. No theatrical smoke or hazers Model Rockets –For use, please contact Environmental Health & Safety Fire & Safety Managing the Risks

Be careful with extension cords & power strips –Tape down to prevent tripping –Don’t overload circuits –Don’t use damaged cords –Always use a surge protector NEVER IGNORE A FIRE ALARM – “Oh it’s just another drill”. If you suspect or know of anyone who may be in possession of any illegal weapons on campus, please report it immediately to UTA Police at or call 911. Fire & Safety Managing the Risks

Behavior YOU represent: –Your student organization –UT Arlington Negative actions like fighting, vandalism, arrests, etc. will invariably reflect poorly on your record as well as possibly tarnishing the reputation of your organization.

Behavior As a UT Arlington student and member of a student organization, you are expected to abide by the provisions set forth in the Regents’ Rules and Regulations. Some of the prohibited behaviors that can be sanctioned include disorderly conduct, misrepresentation of self, destruction of University property and other violations of the Handbook of Operating Procedures. UT Arlington may impose University sanctions for inappropriate behaviors occurring off campus. Policy

Behavior Abide by all University policies. Act responsibly and respectfully. Remember that your organization can place sanctions on you in cases where behavior has become an issue. Managing the Risks

More Information For questions, more information, or to create your organization’s own Risk Management Plan, please contact the Office of Student Governance & Organizations at (817) or at

References Allan, E.J., & Maddan, M. (2008). Hazing in view: college students at risk. National Study of Student Hazing, Retrieved from Engs RC, Diebold BA, Hansen DJ. The drinking patterns and problems of a national sample of college students, Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education 41(3):13-33, Fisher, B.S., Cullen, F.T., & Turner, M.G. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. (2000). The sexual victimization of college women (NCJ ). Washington DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics. Hingson, R. et al. Magnitude of Alcohol-Related Mortality and Morbidity Among U.S. College Students Ages 18-24: Changes from 1998 to Annual Review of Public Health, vol. 26, ; 2005 Hingson RW, Howland J. Comprehensive community interventions to promote health: Implications for college-age drinking problems. Journal of Studies on Alcohol Supplement 14: , NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, (2009). Fatal crashes involving young drivers. Traffic Safety Facts, Retrieved from nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/ pdf Presley CA, Meilman PW, Cashin JR. Alcohol and Drugs on American College Campuses: Use, Consequences, and Perceptions of the Campus Environment, Vol. IV: Carbondale, IL: Core Institute, Southern Illinois University, 1996a.

References Presley CA, Meilman PW, Cashin JR, Lyerla R. Alcohol and Drugs on American College Campuses: Use, Consequences, and Perceptions of the Campus Environment, Vol. III: Carbondale, IL: Core Institute, Southern Illinois University, 1996b. Rand, M.R. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. (2009). Criminal victimization (NCJ ). Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics U.S. Department of Justice.2005 National Crime Victimization Study Wechsler H, Kuo M, Lee H, Dowdall GW. Environmental correlates of underage alcohol use and related problems of college students. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 19(1):24-29, 2000a.

Conclusion Thank you for participating in this session! We want your involvement in co-curricular life to be safe and successful for you and your organization. For more information on resources or if you have questions about any part of this presentation, please do not hesitate to contact: Student Governance & Organizations at or