Risk Management Guidelines

The Risk Management Guidelines of Tau Kappa Epsilon shall apply to all Fraternity entities and all levels of Fraternity membership.

Alcohol and Drugs
The possession, sale, use or consumption of alcoholic beverages, while on chapter premises, 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, and must comply with either the B.Y.O.B. or Third Party Vendor Guidelines.

  1. No alcoholic beverage 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. The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common sources of such alcoholic beverages (i.e. kegs, cases, etc.), is prohibited.

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

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

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

  5. 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. This includes any event held in, at or on the property of a tavern as defined above for purposes of fundraising. However, a chapter may rent or use a room or area in a tavern as defined above for a closed event held within the provisions of these guidelines, including the use of a third party vendor and guest list.

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

  7. All recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter will be nonalcoholic. No recruitment or rush activities associated with any chapter may be held at or in conjunction with a tavern, alcohol distributor or charitable organization as defined in these guidelines.

  8. No member, new member, or candidate shall permit, tolerate, encourage, or participate in "drinking games". No alcohol shall be present at any candidate (pledge/associate member/novice) program, activity, or ritual of the chapter. This includes but is not limited to activities associated with "bid night", "big brother/big sister night" and initiation.

Hazing
No chapter, colony, student or alumnus shall conduct or condone hazing activities. Hazing activities are defined as: "Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule." Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities, and any other activities which are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution, or applicable state law.

Sexual Abuse and Harassment
The Fraternity will not tolerate or condone any form of sexist or sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members, whether physical, mental or emotional. This is to include any actions which are demeaning to women or men, ranging from but not limited to verbal harassment to sexual assault by individuals or members acting together.

Fire, Health and Safety

  1. All chapter houses should meet all local fire and health codes and standards.

  2. All chapters should have posted by common phones emergency numbers for fire, police and ambulance and should have posted evacuation routes on the back of the door of each sleeping room.

  3. All chapters should comply with engineering recommendations as reported by the insurance company.

  4. The possession and/or use of firearms or explosive devices of any kind within the confines and premises of the chapter house is expressly forbidden.

Education
Each member or candidate shall be instructed annually on the Risk Management Guidelines of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. Additionally, all members or candidates should annually receive a copy of these Risk Management Guidelines.