RSO Risk Management

• Updated as of 4/11/22, Northwest Vista College reviews risk management and compliance for Registered Student Organizations (RSO) & Athletic Teams

NVC College and Compliance

• Texas Education Code § 51.9361 governs college compliance
• Representatives must review, understand, and enforce risk management safety procedures
• Members cannot violate or condone actions against local, state, or federal law or college regulations

Student Activities, Risk Management, Mandatory Review

• Each advisor/coach and designated officer must have representatives complete the risk training overview
• An "advisor" is someone in an advisory role, providing guidance, over 21 years old, and not a student of the college
• Any vacant officer positions in student organizations should be identified and an equivalent position designated

Athletic Compliance

• 34 C.F.R. 104.43(D), .47(A) concerns the treatment of students and general athletic compliance
• Recipients operating or sponsoring athletics shall provide qualified students with disabilities an equal opportunity for participation

Liability & Negligence

• Liability is the legal assumption of who takes responsibility
• Liability may be assumed by organization Leaders & members, and/or the College & Alamo College District
• Negligence is failure to take proper care in doing something
• Organization Leaders & members must ensure the well being of one another

RSO/Team Programming

• RSO programming can be virtual, on campus or off campus
• Can be funded by:
  • RSO revenue funds via fundraising
  • College or Student Activity Fee
  • Involve no funding

Risk Types

• Physical risk
• Reputation risk
• Emotional risk
• Financial risk
• Facilities risk

Risk Types Details

• Physical Risks: Includes food poisoning and physical activity injuries
• Reputational Risks: Negative publicity for the organization & college
• Emotional Risks: Cause a participant to feel alienated or negatively impacted
• Financial Risks: Negatively impact the fiscal stability of the organization & college
• Facility Risks: Cause property damage and/or prevent event from being held (bad weather, not enough space, etc).

Risk Mitigation Questions

• Ways of possibly mitigating the risk should be determined
• Resources to make mitigation happen should be assigned
• Responsible party to ensure mitigation, and when it will occur, should be set

Risk Management Process

• Identify the risk
• Assess the risk
• Control the risk
• Review controls

Education Code 51.9361 Information

• Education Codes 51.9361(F), 51.9361(G), 51.9361(H)-(I) includes information that should be:
  • Required for all NVC RSO advisors/coaches and/or officers/captains
  • Shared with other members

Areas of Review

• Behavior at student organization events should fit within areas of review
• Alcohol & Illegal Drugs
• Hazing
• Sexual Assault, Harassment, & Misconduct
• Fire Safety & Use of Firearms
• Travel & Transportation

Behavior at Student Org/Team Events

• Student expression is essential, requiring students to exercise freedoms with responsibility
• RSOs/Teams shall provide an enjoyable environment for learning and require that all participants:
  • Adhere to the student code of conduct
  • Obey the law
  • Refrain from intentionally causing harm to others & destroying, damaging, or theft of property
  • Remember, representive student groups

Alcohol & Illegal Drug Offenses

• Covered by Alamo Colleges Board Policy: F.4.5 (Policy) Alcohol and Drug Use
• Students violating federal or state statutes, the Student Code of Conduct, College District policy, or other applicable requirements related to alcohol and drug use are subject to disciplinary action
• The Alamo College District's policies prohibits unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol, applicable sanctions per local, state, or federal law, & health risks
• Disciplinary action may include referral to drug and alcohol counseling/rehabilitation programs, or student assistance programs, suspension, expulsion, or referral to appropriate law enforcement officials
• Sanctions for drug or alcohol violations range from mandatory counseling to expulsion

Hazing

• Hazing includes any reckless acts occurring on or off an educational institution's campus from membership or affiliation with members or NVC

How to Prevent Hazing

• Be proactive
• Do not wait for a problem to develop
• Educate new and active members
• Confront inappropriate behavior
• Take corrective action, when problems arise
• Follow organization's policies and procedures
• Report issues to the Student Life office immediately

Sexual Misconduct

• Sexual Misconduct includes:
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Nonconsensual sexual intercourse
  • Stalking
  • Consent

Sexual Misconduct Details

• Consent: Knowing, voluntary, and clear permission to engage mutually in sexual activity
• Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment
• Nonconsensual sexual intercourse/sexual assault: Intercourse or penetration, with any object, without consent and/or by force
• Stalking: Harassment or following (in person or virtual) of another person that causes them to reasonably fear for their safety

Sexual Misconduct Continued

• Domestic Violence
• Dating Violence
• Sexual Violence

Details about Violence

• Dating Violence: Violence by a person in a romantic or intimate relationship with the victim
• Domestic Violence: Violence committed by the victim's current/former spouse or cohabitant
• Sexual Violence: Discrimination and harassment including nonconsensual sexual intercourse, contact, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking are all types of sexual violence

Sexual Misconduct: What Can You Do?

• Follow Policies:
  • Have written policies consistent with the law and the Alamo Colleges District's policies regarding alcohol and illegal drugs
  • Utilize your organization's judicial process & have a zero-tolerance attitude
• Inform your members and guests about possible consequences
• Serve non-alcoholic beverages and food

Sexual Misconduct Reporting

• Title IX/VII/ADA/504 Director/Coordinator can be contacted
• Advocacy Center can provide aid
• 911 is available

Fire Safety

• Common causes of accidental college fires include:
  • Unattended cooking grills
  • Overloaded extension cords and power outlets
  • Leaves and debris located near buildings
  • Improper use of surge protectors

Fire Safety - What You Can Do

• Have and understand the building fire exit plan
• Facilities used must meet local fire and health codes and standards
• Never exceed the posted maximum occupancy
• Exits must remain clear for easy access and escape
• Fire extinguishers must be available and easily accessible

RSO Travel (Local And Out of Town)

• Travel should comply with the Alamo Colleges Travel Policy, C.2.9 (POLICY)
• Thinking points:
  • Type of travel (local, in state, out of state)
  • Weather and emergency expenses associated with travel
  • Preventable Risks (i.e. type of transportation, time of traveling)
  • Length of trip and accommodations
  • Required Travel and expense procedures & forms prior and after

This quiz covers risk management guidelines for Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), including legal liability, negligence, and compliance with laws. It addresses topics such as hazing prevention, consent, stalking, and domestic violence aiming to enhance student organizations' safety.