Code of Conduct - Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why do I have to sign this?

A1. Every Frater has the right to be safe and free from any form of abuse. The Code of Conduct provides awareness and accountability for the actions of each individual. If followed the Code of Conduct protects Fraters and the Fraternity. In essence, the Code of Conduct is an acknowledgement that you support and promote a safe and healthy environment for Fraters and their guests.

 

The Code of Conduct is reconfirming the original membership agreement candidates signed when they registered on tke.org. The three documents we are asking members to sign add more definition and substance to this original agreement but again, it is merely reconfirming the membership agreement signed by an incoming candidate. We are asking for this to be done on a yearly basis to serve as a constant reminder and increase awareness of the policies associated with TKE Fraternity.

 

 

Remember, this initiative is about saving lives, providing education, making individuals accountable, reducing the costs for Tekes and improving TKE’s image on campus and internationally. We are helping to build strong resumes so you can get the job you want. We aren’t saying you can’t have fun rather we encourage it but do it safely. Every Teke has the right to a safe environment. 

 

Q3. Where can I get a copy of the Code of Conduct for students and volunteer alumni officers.

A3. A copy can be found here.

 

Q4. We know that if a member breaks the law (hazing, providing alcohol to minors, etc.) they will not be covered by insurance. However, there are a wide array of situations that are in the TKE Guidelines (and university guidelines) that are not against the law.  What if a member violates a guideline or TKE policy? If they sign the code of conduct, and they violate a guideline (but don’t break the law), will they NOT be covered?

A4. Each situation is different.  In the event of an incident, the insurance carrier will conduct a claim investigation to determine whether the individual or entity involved in the incident is afforded coverage under the liability insurance program of the Fraternity. As a general rule, any individual who is directly involved in an activity which is illegal, excluded within the terms of the liability policies of the organization or that violate the risk management policies of the Fraternity, are typically not afforded protection under the insurance program of TKE.  

 

Q5. Could I have the qualifications for each LOW, MEDIUM and HIGH risk category? 

A5. Yes, the matrix is available here. Note that this scale should be used by the Chapter to assess the level of risk prior to the event. It should always be used to make sure you have taken the right precautions to limit risk. Using it after the event makes sure we use the same scale and not a different tool. 

 

The other factors mentioned above go into the determination of whether the chapter is low, medium or high risk. 

 

TKE created the levels of risk to reward good behavior of the chapters.  It also penalizes those chapters who engage in activities or behavior which increases the exposure of the organization. 

 

TKE has been rating chapters as low, medium, and high for several years. This rating has been, and continues to be done, through a review of the chapter’s finances, proactive education (including attendance at TKE programs) in risk reduction known by the regional team, and a review of the chapter's incident history for that year by the standards department. The difference this year is:

1. We shared this information with everyone. 
2. Put a scale in place to better evaluate the event that led to the incident occurring as a low, medium, or high risk event. 
Before the process was much more subjective than objective and with the current scale we have to measure an event, it allows for a more defined and accurately assigned risk rating of incidents reported which provides a less subjective overall chapter rating.  

 

Q6. Why should all of the Fraters pay for the actions of a few? 

A6. We currently have 33 chapters paying a higher premium for their high risk. All of the rest of the chapters/colonies are paying less today than they did last year. Our objective is to reduce our risk across the board to minimize the probability that incidents occur to keep Fraters safe and improve the loss history of the organization, which ultimately will allow the organization to reduce the overall risk transfer cost of our insurance program. Based on the recent Fraternity Executives Association (FEA) report, TKE pays the second highest insurance premium of all fraternities. We need to reduce this high cost and the only way to do it is to significantly reduce our risk.

 

Q7. Will each chapter be reviewed yearly? 

A7. Yes, each chapter will be reviewed annually. This rating is done through a review of the chapters finances with the finance department, proactive education in risk reduction known by the regional team, and a review of the chapter's incident history for that year by the standards department.

 

Q8. Is there a hearing conducted? Who makes the decision? 

A8. This rating has is done through a review of the chapters finances with the finance department, proactive education in risk reduction known by the regional team, and a review of the chapter's incident history for that year by the standards department

 

Q9. Is there an appeal process?

A9. Yes, the chapter may appeal to the CEO. The objective is to educate and protect our Fraters.  If the chapter engages in activities and behavior that result in a major incident(s)and claims which increase the overall insurance cost of the organization, they should not expect to be levied a low risk assessment. 

 

Q10. How many years without an incident will move a chapter from category to category? 

A10. There are different categories besides an incident reported to our office that determines the risk rating of a chapter. All factors determined, there is no timeline set for moving from one category to another.

 

However, if there are no high risk incidents as determined by the risk matrix, the chapter participates in regular risk reduction education and they are current on their financial obligations then they could move from high risk to medium risk in 12-18 months. 

 

Q11.  If a chapter does not pay their insurance bills, are they considered a higher risk than those that are? 

A11.  Yes, even if the said chapter hasn’t had an incident in the past 2 years. If they haven’t paid their bill then they are a risk. 

 

Q12.  What if a chapter is regularly having “medium” risk activities but nothing that is considered “high risk,” will they still move down from high to low even if they continue to get in trouble, just not a catastrophic/critical sort of trouble?

A12.  Each situation is different and the team will determine the risk. 

 

Q13. Our chapter has had six years of exemplary risk management until this one incident this past year. Is any of that taken into account? 

A13. Yes, depending on the incident we will take that into consideration. We will be less tolerant for incidents involving hazing or sexual assault.

 

Q14. What percent of active members signing the code of conduct in your chapter will move you from High to Medium? If ONE member doesn't sign, does that automatically place you in High?

A14. 90% signature is the minimum expectation. Not signing the Code of Conduct does not release you from any individual actions.

 

Q15. What are the insurance costs for each category? 

A15. There is a formula utilized that is similar to your chapter fees and depends on the number of collegiates in your chapter at the end of the previous year. However, on an average the individual cost in a low risk chapter is $208, medium risk chapter is $238 and high risk is $278. 

 

Q16. What about the chapter? If the chapter breaks a TKE guideline or university policy, will the individuals be covered?

A16. Each situation is different. In the event of an incident, the insurance carrier will conduct a claim investigation to determine whether the individual or chapter involved in the incident is afforded coverage under the liability insurance program of the Fraternity. As a general rule, any individual who is directly involved in an activity which is illegal, excluded within the terms of the liability policies of the organization or that violate the risk management policies of the organization, are typically not afforded protection under the insurance program of TKE.  

 

Q17. If an individual breaks a TKE guideline or university policy, will the chapter be covered?

A17. It depends on the specific circumstances of the incident. However, if an individual or chapter violates the Risk Management Policies of the Fraternity which results in an incident, the possibility exists that the individuals and chapter directly involved in these activities/behavior will not be afforded protection or coverage under the insurance program of the organization. In other words, the chapter and/or individuals may be personally liable for the defense of the claim and/or any judgment or settlement.