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EXPANSION MANUAL - LEGAL ISSUES
CHAPTER OFFICERS AND ADVISORS SHOULD REVIEW THE
FOLLOWING CHECKLIST OF ACTIVITIES TROUBLE:
1. Financial records: Are they being kept
in a way that will withstand an audit by the Internal Revenue
Service?
2. Financial transactions: Are they being
handled in such a way so that two people are needed for every
disbursement? A two-signature transaction ensures that the temptation
for embezzlement is reduced, as is the opportunity for the accusation
of embezzlement.
3. Recruitment: How are members describing
the chapter when speaking with prospects? They must not convey
the impression that the chapter affords the opportunity for
organized illegal recreational use of alcohol or other drugs
(thereby planing the seeds of trouble for the next four years).
4. Hazing: What plans has the fraternity
made to avoid the temptation to engage in hazing?
5. Alcohol: Is there a standard operating
procedure to help members stay out of trouble at events where
alcohol is served? This should include guidelines to be followed
at fraternity or university sponsored events and tips on appropriate
actions when members are guests at other events.
6. Transportation: What kinds of planning
has the fraternity made for events where chapter transportation
is necessary?
7. Fire safety: When was the last time the
fraternity house was checked for fire safety? Is there an evacuation
plan in the event of fire? Is it posted in a conspicuous place
so that everyone knows his best escape route? Does the evacuation
plan include a rendezvous point so that someone will not reenter
the building looking for another who has already safely left
the building?
8. Crisis management: In the event of a personal
tragedy in the chapter, is there an emergency preparedness plan
that indicates who is in charge, who is to be notified, and
how to deal with family, law enforcement officials, and the
news media?
9. Insurance: Have the insurance premiums
been paid on time to the international fraternity?
10. Agreements and contracts: Is there a
proper contract between the chapter and housemother? Chapter
and cook? Does the fraternity have proper rental agreements
with members who live in the house? Is there a proper agreement
between the House Corporation and the chapter?
If you have difficulty answering any
of the above questions, contact the International Fraternity
Office for more information.