Managing Risk - Establishing a Strong Offense

Greg Halloran
Compliance Specialist

INDIANAPOLIS - It has been said that the best defense is a good offense. Typically, this saying is used in sports, but Tau Kappa Epsilon is using this approach when it comes to Risk Management. This year, TKE is challenging every group to ask themselves one question:

When it comes to recruitment and social events, does your group have a weak or strong Risk Management Offense?

Weak Risk Management Offense:

• Groups do a poor job planning ahead and are forced to be reactive rather than proactive.
• Expectations for members and guests have not been clearly outlined.
• Members are unaware or unsure of the Risk Management Guidelines.
• The role of Pylortes is misconstrued and his responsibilities are reduced.

As a result of a weak Risk Management Offense, groups will spend most of their time on defense. They will constantly put themselves, as well as others, in danger. Consequentially, these groups will have to react to incidents that could have been avoided.

Strong Risk Management Offense:

• Groups layout their events in advance and are open to share plans with advisors for feedback.
• Members and guests are communicated with and mindful of expectations.
• All members are educated on Risk Management Guidelines, seeking clarification if they are unsure.
• The Pylortes is thought of as an important figure and is responsible with his duties to minimize, avoid or transfer all risk.

Groups who practice strong risk management will feel more in control and will act as a team to do what is best for the fraternity. They will be able to look ahead to avoid possible risks and have open communication about improvements to be made.

This year, your chapter can strengthen your Risk Management Offense. As the school year begins, think about how your chapter can up its game. Below are some simple ideas to get you started.

PLAN - All events should be planned ahead. Your group should have a set start and end time, a printed guest list that is followed and selected members who are in charge of carrying out the plan. Planning ahead also means looking at the potential risks and how you can avoid them.

COMMUNICATE - After planning your event, discuss it with your members, advisors and other organizations who will be in attendance. Expectations should be outlined and discussed prior to the event.

EDUCATE - At the start of every semester, the Pylortes should educate the members on the Risk Management Guidelines provided by Tau Kappa Epsilon International Fraternity. Risk management should be an ongoing topic of discussion at all chapter meetings, and mandatory workshops should be scheduled throughout the year.

ASK - If you have questions, or are in need of safe event ideas, contact a TKE Professional Staff Member by clicking HERE.

For more information, or to discuss your Risk Management plan, please contact:

Greg Halloran
Compliance Specialist
317.872.6533 Ext. 267
GHalloran@tke.org