Beta Theta Pi Fraternity / Beta Theta Pi—Beta Omega Chapter
1617 NE 47th Street
Seattle, WA 98105
Phone 206 526 7311
Beta Omega Chapter of Beta Theta Pi Risk Management Program
An initiative by the beta omega chapter to reduce risk and effectively manage emergencies
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Section / Drug & Alcohol Abuse1
Beta Omega’s Response to Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Chapter Drug & Alcohol Policy
The Beta Omega chapter encourages responsible use of alcohol and has a zero tolerance policy with regards to illegal drug use. In college settings alcohol and other drugs are all too common. It is the responsibility of every college student to decide when it is appropriate to drink. As a fraternity, we must work together to develop a social environment that is not centered on alcohol. We have a responsibility to make every effort to keep our members and guests safe from the risks associated with alcohol. As a way to educate our members we mandate annual seminars on the subject of alcohol and other drug use as well as risks associated with use and driving under the influence.
Drug & Alcohol Education
Each year the chapter participates in seminars regarding alcohol use and date rape. In addition to this system-wide training, we have quarterly workshops with our alumni association. With membership ranging from Attorneys to Treatment Professionals, we feel they offer insight that is invaluable to our members as they make lifestyle choices. We believe that being under the influence is not an excuse for ones actions and that an individual must be held accountable. At Beta Omega, we also recognize alcoholism and drug addition as a disease and will make every effort to support a brother requesting help. This is the charge of the house ~kai~ Committee, which develops consequences from precedent, as well as plan to help a brother if warranted.
Long Term Commitment to a Drug Free Environment
With the risks involved with alcohol and other drug use, we at Beta Omega feel it is imperative to take a proactive approach with our members. We must lead the way not only in the Greek system, but also the campus, in developing an environment where individuals make responsible choices and enjoy building the foundation for their future.
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Section / Party Procedures2
Guidelines for All Official Chapter Sponsored Social Functions
As Amended by Chapter Bylaws (See Appendix)
General Rules
Beta Omega Chapter Door Duty will monitor all Parties hosted at the Beta House.
A third party security company must patrol all functions hosted by more than two fraternities, including Beta Theta Pi.
At functions hosted by 2 or more houses, including Betas, no alcohol will be tolerated below the first floor.
All participating houses must present our Risk Manager or Social Chairman with their member/guest list by 5 pm, the night of the function.
Rules for Guests & Members
Invitees must be on the guest list to enter our party.
No alcohol may be brought into our party
We reserve the right to cut you off and/or ask you to leave.
No Guests are permitted above the first floor.
No Glass! Bottles must be poured into plastic cups.
Smoking is ONLY permitted on the basketball court.
**Clarification on Guests: The allowance of guests at a party is up to the discretion of the Social Chair and requires endorsement from the Chapter President or his designee (Risk Manager or Vice-President.)
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Section / Crisis Management3
Emergency Protocol
Examples of a Crisis
Examples of a crisis situation includes but is not limited to:
Death or serious injury of a member or guest
Fire in the chapter house
Any injury or incident involving alcohol or social events
Any injury or incident involving a member and/or a non-member at, or during, a chapter event or on chapter property
Some chapters already may have similar crisis management procedures, which have been developed by the house corporation or the chapter itself. This section supplements those procedures by providing names and telephone numbers of General Fraternity contact people who can be of assistance.
Crisis Education
The entire pledge class should review Crisis Management Procedures and be familiar with important concepts of handling a crisis. Every officer should have a copy of the Crisis Management Plan as well.
Be certain that all members of the chapter know that the president is in charge of every emergency situation. The president should consult with other members who possess more expertise or insight. The final decision, however, rests with the president.
In the event that the president is absent, the next ranking officer assumes control. Chapters should define officer rankings and include them in the chapter bylaws and Crisis Management Plan. If the ranking is not in place, the following can be utilized: president, vice president, risk manager, treasurer and pledge trainer.
All members must know who is in charge and be prepared to follow instructions. Include a review of the chapter’s crisis procedures in the chapter’s risk management education program each quarter.
Crisis Event Procedure
1)In nearly all situations, the President’s first call will be a 911 emergency number. Briefly and calmly explain the situation so that the appropriate emergency personnel can respond. Next, notify the administrative office at 1-800-800-2382, ext. 333.
2)If a crisis occurs, close the chapter house at once. The president cannot give instructions and maintain control if members are leaving and strangers are entering. Permit only chapter members, alumni and appropriate officials to enter. Assign a few responsible members to control access to the chapter house.
3)The president will then notify:
House Corporation President: Carl Kester (425) 644-4774 [H], (425) 23-3116 [W]
District Chief: Dick Phenniger 1-800-735-2372 [H], 1-800-735-2371 [W]
4)Assemble the members for a chapter meeting. Explain that there is an emergency and that the chapter house is closed. They are not to speak to anyone outside of the chapter- the president will be the official spokesman for the chapter. Do not discuss details or speculate on events or otherwise project consequences until police, your chapter counselor and university officials have arrived. To do so will only create unrest and unnecessary upheaval. It is important that the chapter remains calm.
5)If the news media should contact the chapter, only the designated spokesperson, the president or the district chief/chapter counselor should speak for the chapter. With the help and approval of chapter legal counsel, the chapter counselor and the General Fraternity, the chapter should carefully prepare a formal statement to be issued to the media. Prior to the development of a formal statement, the following standby statement should be used:
“This is an unfortunate event, the fraternity is cooperating fully with all interested parties. Further information will be given when we have completed our investigation of all pertinent matters.”
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ELSE SHOULD BE SAID. The only response to any other questions should be:
“When we have completed our investigation, we will release more information.”
Do not release any names until an investigation has been completed and the timing is appropriate. The media contact at the Beta Theta Pi Administrative Office is the Director of Risk Management.
6)The president is to appoint an accident investigation team. The team should consist of:
Risk Manager
District Chief
Chapter Counselor
Chapter Legal Counsel
Administrative Office Personnel (if deemed necessary by the Administrative Secretary)
Serious Injury or Death
Use a professional person to notify the parents. In the event of a serious injury or death, medical or police personnel trained in such matters will notify the family. The chapter should always have a parent/guardian information of file for each member and made available to proper authorities. After the family has been notified, it is appropriate for the president or district chief to call and show concern on behalf of the chapter.
In the event of a death, do not remove any personal items from the deceased member’s room. Do not let members enter the room. Temporarily move the deceased member’s roommate to another room in the house, and allow only authorized personnel to enter the room. If possible keep the door locked. Ask the family what their wishes are with regard to the member’s possessions. The chapter may offer to pack them in boxes, but the family will more likely want to do this themselves. Before they arrive, have empty boxes available and offer to help. Understand that this is a difficult time for them and the family may want privacy.
The chapter will want to coordinate member attendance at the funeral or memorial service.
In the case of a serious injury or illness, find out the visitation wishes of the family and coordinate this with chapter members.
Summary of Crisis Management Policy
In any emergency, use extreme tact and caution in your actions and statements to members, the media and others. Where possible litigation may follow, be extremely cautious about jumping to conclusions or speculation.
Remember that the General Fraternity and university officials are always available for counseling and other assistance. Do not hesitate to call for help. Individual and group counseling is strongly recommended following any crisis situation. No matter how well things appear to be going, counseling and other support services are both wise and appropriate.
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Section / Hazing4
Beta Omega Chapter Hazing Policy
NO Tolerance Policy
The Beta Omega chapter of Beta Theta Pi does not tolerate any form of Hazing or degradation of its members or pledges and adheres to the strict guidelines as set forth by the Administrative Office of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity:
“No chapter will engage in ‘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 physiological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other activities carried on outside or inside the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts; morally degrading of humiliating games and activities; and any other activities not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution.’”
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Section / Sexual Misconduct5
Guidelines for Dealing with Sexual Harassment & Misconduct
Administrative Office Policy on Sexual Harassment
“The Fraternity will neither tolerate nor condone any form of sexually abusive behavior on the part of its members whether physical, mental or emotional. This includes any actions which are demeaning to women including, but not limited to date rape, gang rape or verbal harassment.”
Beta Omega Chapter Policy
The Beta Omega Chapter adheres strictly to this policy. In addition to this stance the Brothers of Beta Omega attend yearly presentations on the danger of Acquaintance Rape. These seminars are presented are presented by the IFC and are geared to eliminate these incidents from the Greek system. Betas learn how to avoid situations that might lead to questionable incidents. As a house, Betas impress the idea that a Beta is always a gentleman. As a chapter, we have striven to towards a reputation as a house where women feel safe and comfortable. Any member found to have violated this trust has serious repercussions brought onto them by ~kai~ committee as to insure that there are no repeat incidents.
Membership Education
The Beta Omega Chapter is educated/represented by C.O.R.E. (Committee Organizing Rape Education)
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Section / Fire Safety6
Standard Fire Safety Protocol
Chapter Procedures & Regulations
Risk Manager’s Fire Safety Responsibilities
On an annual basis the Risk Manager will:
Attend the Seattle Fire Department’s “Fraternity and Sorority fire safety seminal”
On a schedule determined by the proper authorities:
Test the house’s fire alarm system
Test the house’s fire extinguishers and refill if necessary
Aid in walkthroughs conducted by the Seattle Fire Department
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Section / Risk Manager7
Duties of the Risk Manager
Primary Responsibilities
Serve on the Executive Council of the Beta Omega Chapter
Coordinate Security and Door Duty with the Beta Omega Social Chair and relevant members of any precipitating houses.
Schedule the following:
Rape Education Presentations w/ C.O.R.E.
Alcohol/Drug Education Presentation with Lakeside Recovery Center.
Walkthroughs with the Seattle Fire Department
Test the following:
Fire extinguishers, refill if necessary.
Fire alarm, with Alumni Association approved contractor
Educate members on the following:
Door Duty procedure
Crisis Management procedure
Fire safety
Refresh the Risk Management Handbook annually
Apply for Beta Theta Pi’s Excellence in Risk Management Award on completion of a successful year of risk management.
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Section / Appendices8
All appendices are resource materials and literature complementing the Beta Omega Chapter Risk Management Program.
They are intended to assist incoming risk managers in fulfilling their duties as an officer of the Beta Omega Chapter.
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Door Duty List
Friday, February 4th 2000
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10:30-11 / 11-11:30 / 11:30-12 / 12-12:30 / 12:30-1 / 1-1:30Front Door 1 / Tsurusaki / Bigalbol / Eigenhouse / Heerama / Mao / Salvatore
Front Door 2 / Wright / Boast / Fingeroot / Herzog / Pezzoli / Schwagger
Rear Gate (Court) / So / Adelman / Carvey / Fliflet / Hollenbeck / Plymale
North Stairs (Side) / Tangney / Bettis / Davidson / Hedien / Leung / Sabiston
You must be present at your assigned time. Anyone who fails to complete thier door duty shift will be sent before ~kai~ Committee on Monday and the punishments as laid out in the bylaws will be levied.
**If you cannot make your shift, have a brother do a double shift in your place or find an upperclassman to fill the spot.
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Beta Omega Risk Management
Door Duty Bylaw
The following petition was carried and entered into Beta Omega’s Bylaws.
Proposal
This 26th day of January, 1999, the undersigned move that the Beta Omega Chapter of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity adopt a Door Duty policy at all official chapter sponsored social functions whereby any member who misses an assigned door duty session shall be fined no fewer than $50.00 and be sent before the ~kai~ committee.
Terms:
1)In order to be an official chapter sponsored social function:
a)The chapter social chair(s) and chapter president must give their prior consent.
b)The chapter must endorse the function with its own revenues.
2)The chapter social chair(s) must post a door duty roster no fewer than 4 days prior to the social function, weekends included.
Petitioners:
Petros P. KoumantarosRyan Forstrom
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Party Rules
You must be on the guest list to enter our party.
No alcohol may be brought into our party
We reserve the right to cut you off and/or ask you to leave.
No Guests are permitted above the first floor.
No Glass! Bottles must be poured into plastic cups.
Smoking is ONLY permitted on the basketball court.
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Beta Omega Risk Management
Emergency Contacts
Housing Corporation President:
Carl KesterHome:(425) 644-4774
Work:(425) 823-3116
District Chief:
Dick PhennigerHome:1-800-735-2372
Work:1-800-735-2371
Beta Theta Pi Administrative Office:
Emergency Hotline:1-800-800-2382 ext. 333
(enter your phone number at the tone)
Seattle Police Department:
#911
Seattle Fire Department:
Station #17 50th St:(206) 386-1417
UW Interfraternity Council:
John Rhodes, Executive Director/Advisor:(206) 685-9005
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Beta Omega Risk Management
Links to the Law
As an aid to the executive committee, these links to relevant law and code are made to available to the executives as an aid in decision-making. In addition, all brothers are encouraged to visit these sites to help in their own awareness.
Washington State:
Revised Code of Washington (RCW):
Washington Administrative Code (WAC):
Washington State Liquor Control Board:
Seattle City Municipal Code:
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