Registered Student Organization Member Training SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM
Student Activities∙ Office of the Dean of Students ∙ Division of Student Affairs ∙ The University of Texas at Austin
Required Safety Topics 1. Possession and use of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs; 2. Hazing; 3. Sexual assault and harassment; 4. Fire and other life safety issues; 5. Registered student organization travel; 6. Behavior at organization events; and 7. Adoption of a risk management policy.
Hazing Prevention SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM
Student Activities∙ Office of the Dean of Students ∙ Division of Student Affairs ∙ The University of Texas at Austin
Hazing Defined Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are or include students at an educational institution.
But what about consent? • Texas Law ▫ Sec. 37.154 states that Consent is Not a Defense: “It is not a defense to prosecution for the offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” • University Policy “The fact that a person consented to or acquiesced in a hazing activity is not a defense to prosecution for hazing under the law.”
Myths and Facts about Hazing MYTH: Hazing is only a problem for sororities and fraternities. FACT: Hazing is a societal problem. Hazing incidents occur among athletic teams, marching bands, the military, spirit organizations, religious clubs, professional schools and other types of organizations. MYTH: “Eliminating hazing makes an organization just like any other social club. It will be too easy to become a member.” FACT: Any group can haze new members - that's the easy way out. It takes vision and commitment to run a good, non-hazing program. MYTH: “A little hazing should be okay, as long as there's no mean-spirited or injurious intent.” FACT: Regardless of intent, some group bonding activities designed to be "all in good fun" still may raise some serious safety concerns.
Reporting Obligation According to UT - Austin’s Institutional Rules, Chapter 16, Prohibition of Hazing Policy, a person must report: • If you believe you have been subjected to hazing; or • If you have knowledge of hazing activities If you become aware of or were subjected to hazing, please report the incident to the Office of the Dean of Students. • Online: http:/deanofstudents.utexas.edu/complaint.php • By Phone: (512) 471-3065
Potential Consequences • Individual Discipline
▫ The dean of students may initiate disciplinary proceedings against a student accused of violating the hazing prohibition policy.
• Organizational Discipline
▫ The dean of students may also initiate disciplinary proceedings against an organization accused of violating the hazing prohibition policy. • Criminal and Civil Liability ▫ Through the criminal process, the District Attorney’s office can investigate and press charges against the organization and the individual(s). Through the civil process, individuals can be sued as an organization and as an individual.
Drug Possession, Use, and Abuse SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM
Safety Education∙ Office of the Dean of Students ∙ Division of Student Affairs ∙ The University of Texas at Austin
Facts About Drugs at UT - Austin Past Year Use: • 28% of UT-Austin students smoked marijuana during the last year • 31% of UT-Austin students used illicit drugs during the last year Lifetime Use (at least once): • 44% of UT-Austin students have smoked marijuana • 7% of UT-Austin students have used cocaine • 7% of UT-Austin students have used amphetamines • 7% of UT-Austin students have used Ecstasy • 10% of UT-Austin students have used other illicit drugs
Drug Problem Red Flags
Life problems related to the drug use Setting and exceeding limits Making promises about use and breaking those promises Lying about or trying to hide the amount/frequency of drug use Forgetting or denying things that happened while intoxicated Behaving very differently when intoxicated than when sober Avoiding social functions where drugs are not available. Feeling guilty, embarrassed, or remorseful about things done/said while intoxicated Very high tolerance
Potential Affected Areas • Health and Well-being • College Education • Graduate School or Employment • Participation in Athletic Activities • Family, Friends, and Peers
Intervening: Taking Action Talk with a Professional University Health Services: (512) 475-8252 Office of the Dean of Students: (512) 471-5017 Counseling and Mental Health Center: (512) 471-2255
Confidentially Report Your Concerns Behavioral Concerns Advice Line: (512) 232-5050 (24 hours a day, 7 days week, 365 days a year)
Conduct an Intervention Help a peer or friend understand and accept the nature of their relationship with drugs, ask them to address the problem, and lead them to help.
Alcohol Use and Abuse SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM
Student Activities∙ Office of the Dean of Students ∙ Division of Student Affairs ∙ The University of Texas at Austin
Alcohol Overdose Critical medical situation if: • Passed out and cannot be awakened or is semiconscious but incoherent • Vomiting without awakening • Shallow, irregular breathing • Cold, clammy, pale, bluish skin • Seizures, convulsion, or rigid spasms What to do • Call 911 IMMEDIATELY • Put the person in the recovery positions (Bacchus Maneuver) • Stay with the person until help arrives
University Policy • Clearly prohibits underage drinking and other violations consistent with state law • Student(s) subject to discipline whether conduct takes place on or off campus or whether civil or criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct • Ignorance of the policy does not protect from disciplinary action • Important to become familiar with UT policies • Go to www.healthyhorns.utexas.edu/ruleslaws.html
University Policy - AMECH • AMECH = Alcohol Medical Emergency Call for Help • Free service to currently enrolled UT students • Avoid disciplinary action from Student Judicial Services • Call 911 for immediate help; later you will be referred to SJS for the suspected alcohol incident • Eligible student(s) referred to education and consultation without formal disciplinary action • Declining education or failing to comply makes you subject to formal disciplinary action • More information, call SJS at (512) 471-2841
State Law Issues • Many students familiar with state laws • Underage, excessive drinking, and alcoholinfluenced behavior most common violations • Impaired driving commonly problematic • Many students fail to discourage drinking and driving • Find least drunk person for designated driving instead of sticking to sober driving instead • Many unfamiliar with Affirmative Link • Go to www.healthyhorns.utexas.edu/ruleslaws.html
Protect Yourself Reasonable Efforts: • Prevent service of alcohol to minors (check IDs) • Have food & non-alcoholic beverages available • Avoid drinking games • Call for help (fights, injury, or alcohol overdose) • Provide all guests safe rides home
Reducing Risk of Sexual Assault SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM
Student Activities∙ Office of the Dean of Students ∙ Division of Student Affairs ∙ The University of Texas at Austin
Definition of Sexual Assault Sexual Assault occurs when a sexual act is directed against another person when that person has not consented, is incapable of consenting, or when the act is forced.
Consent Is…
Is not…
• Based on choice • Active, not passive • Only possible when there is equal power • Giving one’s permission by actively saying, “Yes” • Negotiable at each stage of intimacy: saying yes to one sexual act does not indicate yes to everything
Giving in because of fear or coercion Based on manipulation, deception, or lying Possible when one person has more power Clear when alcohol and drugs are involved…Substances impair our ability to consent as well as our ability to read another’s signals/body language
Predatory Drugs Alcohol is the most frequently used drug to facilitate sexual assault. Other drugs include GHB, Rohipnol, and Ketamine which often affect memory and the ability to control one’s limbs/body. These can be easily slipped into someone’s individual drink or into a group drink that is not being monitored.
The use of these drugs to facilitate sex with someone without their knowledge constitutes sexual assault.
How can we lessen our organization’s risk? • Have someone designated to monitor and control the distribution of alcohol. • Establish an organizational culture that does not tolerate sexually predatory behaviors and holds the offenders of such behavior accountable with tangible consequences. • Intervene when you observe coercive or questionable behavior.
How can we lessen our organization’s risk? Attend functions, parties, etc. with at least one other person that you trust. Arrive together and leave together. Look out for each other while at the function. If you choose to drink, maintain control of your particular drink. If you set it down or it is out of your control for any period of time, throw it out and get a new one. Begin and continue dialogues about these issues. Have resources available for the ongoing education of your organization’s members.
Sexual Harassment/Misconduct SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM
Student Activities∙ Office of the Dean of Students ∙ Division of Student Affairs ∙ The University of Texas at Austin
Sexual Harassment/Misconduct • Sexual Harassment is a form of sex discrimination that involves the imposition of an unwanted condition or requirement on the continued employment or education of the victim. Two forms of sexual harassment: • Quid pro quo harassment • Hostile environment harassment
• Sexual Misconduct is conduct of a sexual nature that, although not so serious or pervasive that it rises to the level of sexual harassment, is unprofessional and/or inappropriate for the educational and working environment.
Where can Sexual Harassment Occur? • Sexual Harassment can occur anywhere on- or offcampus. ▫ Not confined to particular location ▫ The number of incident at a location reflects the amount of time students spend there • Among students who have been harassed: ▫ 39% were in a dorm or student housing ▫ 37% were outside on campus grounds ▫ 24% were in common areas of campus buildings ▫ 20% were in classrooms ▫ 27% were “someplace else” ▫ 12% were unsure where they were harassed
How to Report Sexual Harassment Any student who believes that he or she may have been subjected to sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual misconduct by a member of the faculty or staff of the University, fellow student, or visitor or contractor to the University campus is encouraged to consult with or report such conduct immediately to any of the following persons or offices: Dr. LaToya Hill (512) 471-5017
[email protected] Ms. Katherine Green (512) 471-1849
[email protected]
Fire and Life Safety SAFEY EDUCATION PROGRAM
Student Activities∙ Office of the Dean of Students ∙ Division of Student Affairs ∙ The University of Texas at Austin
How to respond to a crisis at your event • Call for help. • Stay calm. • Be prepared to give as much information possible to 911 and the responding emergency personnel. • Contact the Office of the Dean of Student as soon as possible to get assistance with how to address media, if necessary, and see what resources they can offer. Call (512) 471-5017.
Crime Prevention Use the blue light call boxes on campus if you need assistance. Use the buddy system and walk in well lit areas. Use UTPD to provide security for on-campus events. Keep your valuables out of sight in your car and don’t forget to lock your doors. Take a R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) program class Sign up for Campus Watch. Contact UTPD to borrow their engraver to engrave your belongings. Visit UTPD website at www.utexas.edu/police.
My friend is acting strange… • Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL) ▫ (512) 232-5050 or www.utexas.edu/safety/bcal ▫ For concerns about a member of the UT community. ▫ Can be anonymous if calling the 24 hour line. ▫ Can submit a report on-line through the website, which requires a UT EID logon.
If you see it…report it. Slippery floors Water leaks Broken glass Strange odors (gas leak, fire, chemical, etc.) Lights out Broken doors and/or locks Emergency equipment missing or not working A person who doesn’t belong in a particular area
Weapons • It is a violation of Section 11–804 of the Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities to ▫ “possesses, uses, or displays firearms, facsimile firearms, ammunition, explosives, or other weapons on property owned or controlled by the University, without written permission from the dean of students” including university residence halls • Both students and registered student organizations who wish to bring a weapon or facsimile weapon onto the UT campus must have advance permission from the Office of the Dean of Students. ▫ http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/pses/download s/WeaponsApprovalForm.pdf OR ▫ Call (512) 471-5017
Registered Student Organization Travel SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM
Student Activities∙ Office of the Dean of Students ∙ Division of Student Affairs ∙ The University of Texas at Austin
University Travel Policies (Domestic) (When do they apply?) SSO Travel Policy
RSO Travel Policy
Applies to all travel to domestic destinations more than 25 miles away from the main campus that involves:
Applies to all travel to domestic destinations more than 25 miles away from the main campus in which:
sponsored student organizations, OR enrolled students attending events or activities that are organized and/or sponsored by the university.
a registered student organization requires a student member(s) to attend the activity or event.
University Travel Policies (International) (When do they apply?)
All UT students, including sponsored and registered student organizations, must comply with university travel policies for international destinations. It DOES NOT matter: whether the travel is "required" for a member; or what the purpose is of your organization's international travel Please contact Student Activities at 512-471-3065 for assistance complying with the UT International Travel Policy.
University Travel Policies (What are we required to do?) Sponsored Student Organization Travel Domestic: must complete required paperwork and obtain pre-approval from UT administrator from sponsoring department International: must complete required paperwork/obtain pre-approval from sponsoring department and UT International Office
Registered Student Organization Travel Domestic (that is required of members): must complete required paperwork and obtain pre-approval from Student Activities International (whether or not it is required): must complete required paperwork/obtain pre-approval from Student Activities and UT International Office
General Emergency Procedures If you are involved in an accident: • Stop immediately and call 911 or local police • Assess the situation and render aid as appropriate • Fill out a police report • Obtain the names and addresses of all witnesses • Contact your advisor • Contact the Office of the Dean of Students ▫ Student Emergency Services: (512) 471-5017 ▫ Student Activities: (512) 471-3065
Behavior at Parties and Other Organization Events SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM
Student Activities ∙ Office of the Dean of Students ∙ Division of Student Affairs ∙ The University of Texas at Austin
Planning Tips to Remember When planning an event make sure to: • • • • • • •
Choose events that reflect the values and beliefs of our registered student organization and members. Invite people and groups we know. Appoint or designate “event monitors” to handle emergencies and other event details. Appoint “designated drivers” if hosting an event where alcohol will be served. Confront inappropriate behavior quickly and firmly. Have an emergency/crisis management plan in place and review it with all of members prior to the event. Remember that the types of events we host are a reflection of our organization’s values.
Theme Parties • Why this theme? • Is it about a living culture? • Is it about a current subculture? • Have you consulted either people from that community or with recognized “experts” (community leaders or faculty) about the theme? • Are the people whose culture is being represented adequately empowered in society? • Think and talk about what you are planning to do!
Factors to consider before planning a “Date” or “Slave” Auction
• Involves “bidding” on a human being • The process devalues a human being • This country’s real and tragic history • Safety concerns For ALL of these reasons, registered student organizations are encouraged to engage in more imaginative and feasible alternatives to these activities.
The Event Planner(s) Student organization events can be quite complex to manage (budgets, schedules, seating arrangements, training for volunteers, etc.). Select an officer, other organization member, or committee/team to take the lead (i.e., the event planners). Qualities of good event planners (or event planning teams) include: experience within the organization; excellent organizational, communication and time management skills; ability to handle stressful, fast-paced situations; and passion and a strategic vision.
Prohibited Student Conduct Engages in harassment or discrimination against another student or University employee Damages, defaces, destroys, alters, or takes UT property without authorization of the University Impedes or interferes with an authorized University function (e.g., teaching, research, or disciplinary) Endangers the health or safety of another student or University employee Failure to identify oneself/provides false information to an institutional representative Unauthorized entry into university buildings or fountains Engages in conduct that violates federal; state; and or local laws (e.g., theft, hazing, DWI, underage drinking)
Summary and Conclusion SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM
Student Activites∙ Office of the Dean of Students ∙ Division of Student Affairs ∙ The University of Texas at Austin
Review: Campus Resources Free Wallet Cards Available Registered Student Organization Safety Education Resources Emergency Information
Content-Specific Web pages for Each Topic Training Resources http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sa/pses/onlinetrain. php
Office of the Dean of Students Student Activities– (512) 471-3065 Greek, Leadership and Intercultural Education – (512) 471-9700
Questions?
DON’T FORGET TO SIGN OUT ON THE ATTENDANCE SHEET!
