RISK MANAGEMENT

Phi Delta Psi Inc. has instituted this risk management policy in an effort to reduce its exposure by instituting a number of guidelines that are designed to reduce the risk of negligent behavior and actions. A number of people both within the organization as well as relevant professional were consulted in the drafting of this policy.

Phi Delta Psi is a social organization that brings together students and alumni with a common interest. This Fraternity as part of commitment to its members has taken the initiative to address the multitude of societal concerns that face our membership in a proactive manner. As an organization we feel that it is imperative for us to evaluate our actions in each of the areas outlined below and be prepared to take positive and responsible actions to prevent negligence. This policy is not a substitute for individual responsibility by all members of Phi Delta Psi.

This revised Risk Management Policy supersedes all previous policy statements in these areas and applies to all areas of Fraternity of Phi Delta Psi Inc., including collegiate and alumni chapters. All pledge activities must be in compliance with this policy. Additional detail and explanatory material is included in the “Risk Management Informational Document” available on the National Board web site (www.PhiDeltaPsiFraternity.org).

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

The possession, sale, use, or consumption of alcoholic beverages, while on chapter premises or during a Fraternity event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, or in any event an observer would associate with the Fraternity, must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city, and institution of higher education.

No alcoholic beverages may be purchased through chapter funds nor may the purchase of same for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of or on behalf of the chapter or the Fraternity.

Open parties, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the Fraternity, without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, shall be prohibited.

No members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e., those under legal “drinking age”).

The possession, sale, or use of any illegal drugs or controlled substances while on chapter premises or during any Fraternity sponsored event, or at any event that an observer would associate with the Fraternity, is strictly prohibited.

No chapter may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor, charitable organization, or tavern (tavern defined as an establishment generating more than half of annual gross sales from alcohol) where alcohol is given away, sold, or otherwise provided to those present.

Chapters, Interest Groups and Petitioning Groups of Phi Delta Psi Fraternity Inc. shall not use or condone the use of alcoholic beverages as part of their membership recruitment “rush” or pledge education programs, or ritual of the chapter.

No chapter may co-sponsor or co-finance a function where alcohol is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups, or organizations.

A violation of this policy shall be deemed a violation of the membership policies of Phi Delta Psi
Fraternity Inc.

HAZING

The National Board of Directors wants to reiterate that engaging in hazing during the pledge education or initiation process in strictly prohibited and will not be condoned.

Phi Delta Psi Inc. is committed to pursuing a pledge education program and initiation that will empower our pledges and stay true to the founding principles of our Fraternity as a non-hazing organization.

Hazing is defined as an abusive, often humiliating form of initiation into or affiliation with a group, including:

• 1. Any willful action taken or situation created which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of another.
• 2. Any willful act by any person alone or acting with others in striking, beating, bruising, or maiming; or seriously offering, threatening, or attempting to strike, beat, bruise, or maim, or to do or seriously offer, threaten, or attempt to do physical violence to another made for the purpose of committing any of the act Hazing in broad term encompasses any action or activity which does not contribute to the positive development of a person; which inflicts or intends to cause physical or mental harm or anxieties; and/or which demeans, degrades, or disgraces any person regardless of locations, intent or consent of participants.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT / ABUSE / DISCRIMINATION

The Fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of abusive or discriminatory behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental or emotional in respect to sex, race, ethnicity, physical or emotional handicap, age, marital status. This shall include any actions which are deemed to be demeaning to all and is not limited to physical or verbal harassment.

CONTRACTUAL & FINANCIAL ISSUES

No chapter, alumni association, section, or region shall enter into a contract or financial agreements using the specific name of Phi Delta Psi Inc. Qualifying statements as to which chapter, alumni association, section, or region must accompany all agreements entered into for the purposes of supporting Fraternity functions. This includes, but is not limited to, such agreements as leases, contracts, hold harmless agreements, liability releases, account agreements, purchase orders, and hotel or banquet contracts.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Use of personal property for Fraternity activities shall be strictly voluntary and the sole responsibility of the owner. Phi Delta Psi shall not assume liability for personal property used in conjunction with Fraternity activities, nor for any damages resulting from said use.

TRANSPORTATION ISSUES

Any individual who drives or otherwise provides transportation in conjunction with Phi Delta Psi activities shall obey all applicable motor vehicle laws, including, but not limited to, those concerning vehicle safety, vehicle operation, insurance, and the transportation and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Operators will ensure that vehicles are not overloaded and are driven in a safe manner. Rental vehicles shall be operated in accordance with rental contracts. Use of personal vehicles shall be strictly voluntary and the sole responsibility of the vehicle owner/operator. Phi Delta Psi shall not assume liability for personal vehicles used in conjunction with Fraternity activities, nor for any damages resulting from said use.

GENERAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

All activities planned in conjunction with Phi Delta Psi shall take into account the health and safety of all participants. Planning of Phi Delta Psi projects and activities will include appropriate personal safety equipment (ear plugs, eye protection, gloves, etc.), training (use of tools and equipment), and supervision. All equipment to be used in conjunction with Phi Delta Psi activities will be in good working condition and will be used in a safe manner.

ADVISORS

Advisors and alumni serving Phi Delta Psi on behalf of their employer or respective volunteer agency (educational institution, youth service organization, etc.) will do so in accordance with the policies of said entity, including but not limited to risk management and personal liability. Advisors and alumni shall adhere to the provisions of this and all applicable policies of the Fraternity when engaging in Fraternity-related activities. Advisors and alumni shall recognize the appropriate authority of elected or appointed officers, representatives or employees of the Fraternity in questions of policy and shall not engage in activities designed to circumvent Fraternity policies.

EDUCATION

All reasonable efforts will be made to insure each student member, pledge, associate member, advisor, alumnus, and honorary member shall be instructed on the Risk Management Policies annually. Active Chapters, alumni associations, and sectional, regional, and national volunteers will indicate their understanding of and compliance with the Risk Management Policy statement on an annual basis. Organizers of Fraternity events will reasonably inform guests (including non- members, alumni, advisors and visiting members) of applicable policies.