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A Colorado State University sorority was recently removed from campus as a result of a police investigation. The investigation, the results of which were published in CSU's The Rocky Mountain Collegian , found numerous allegations of hazing, harassment, and cruelty. Hazing, which is often thought to be a part of certain student cultures, is something that is easily preventable through the use of effective risk management programs and strategies.
Another case of hazing brings to light the use of risk management programs within unique student cultures, such as sororities, fraternities, and other unique organizations. These programs are put in place in order to prevent or greatly reduce the risks of hazing, alcohol and drug abuse, and other incidents such as automobile accidents when traveling. Risk management not only helps to prevent or greatly reduce these issues, but also educate members about the implications of their actions.
According to Texas A&M University, risk management is "the process of advising organizations of the potential and perceived risks involved in their activities, providing education about the guiding boundaries established for organizations, and taking corrective actions and proactive steps to minimize accidental injury and/or loss." This includes everything from making sure that organizations represent themselves and affiliated institutions accurately to preventing catastrophic accidents.
Student groups that are affiliated with larger organizations, such as sororities and fraternities, also have regional, national, or international risk management guidelines that deal with the unique aspect of these organizations. These policies may include anything from rules regarding alcohol use, hazing prevention, and travel and event restrictions. Policies may also mandate that events end by a certain time of day or night in order to prevent traffic accidents or property damage.
Risk management programs and policies are put in place for various reasons. The main reason for risk management programs is to ensure that all of an organization's programming, events, and policies reduce the inherent risk that comes with group functions. For example, a risk management policy of a sorority or fraternity may be that alcohol is prohibited at all organization functions and on any of the organization's property.
A second reason risk management may be implemented is to reduce the public relations implications of some of these risks. For example, a risk management policy regarding alcohol not only helps to reduce the amount of alcohol-related incidents, but also prevents some of the negative press that may occur when these incidents do happen by saying that programs are already in place or by eliminating a specific problem.
What Is the ORA? Organizational Risk Assessment (ORA) Serves to structure and to guide organizations efforts to change the environments and make the worksite more ...