Alpha Chapter Crisis Management Policy

Fall 2019

1. If a Crisis Happens:

   1. The Chapter President (or officer next in line if the President is not present) takes charge.
   2. Call emergency number(s), usually 9-1-1, so appropriate emergency personnel (police, fire, and ambulance) can respond. Cooperate fully with the needs of any public safety organization seeking to help you or protect your safety.
   3. Restrict access to the incident to only authorized personnel.
   4. Do not tamper with any part of the area involved in the incident, specifically things that might be construed as evidence or areas involved with the incident.
   5. Call the National Vice President of Chapter Maintenance.
   6. Notify your Chapter Advisor:

      1. Chapter Advisor: Nathan Leaf

         1. Home/Work/Cell Telephone: (919) 515-8280
   7. Assemble your members in a group (in case of fire, assemble outside, in front near the street). All should remain calm. Explain there is an emergency, but that it is under control. Remind members that only the President or Chapter Advisor can speak for the Fraternity — members are not to speak to anyone (including friends, girlfriends, parents, the university) about the crisis.
   8. Do not discuss details, speculate on events or otherwise elaborate on the situation. Often, litigation follows crisis. Statements made could later be used in court.
   9. Contact appropriate campus officials:

      1. NC State Campus Police:

         1. (919) 515-3000 (Non-Emergencies)
         2. (919) 515-5894 (General Information)
   10. Fully cooperate with appropriate authorities.
   11. All clothing with the Fraternity’s name should not be worn during the investigation period.
   12. Submit all requested information about the incident to the National Vice President of Chapter Maintenance in a timely manner.
2. Dealing With the Media

   1. If contacted, only the President or Chapter Advisor should speak for the Chapter.
   2. Avoid “no comment” as it leads to speculation. Instead, make a simple statement: “We are aware that an incident occurred and are cooperating fully with the police and university officials who are investigating.”
   3. Keep repeating the above statement if you are pursued further. Do not give in because you are asked the same question several different ways.
   4. Never release names or admit liability.
   5. Depending on the circumstances, the National Headquarters may take over any direct contact with the media including the issuance of a press statement.
3. Serious Injury or Death of a Member

   1. Do not notify the parents. Medical or police personnel who are trained in this will notify the family.

      1. You should always have parent/guardian information on file available to proper authorities.
      2. After you know that the family has been notified, it is appropriate for a chapter representative to call and share your concern.
   2. In the event of a death:

      1. Do not remove any personal items from the room.
      2. Do not let members enter the room.
      3. Allow only authorized personnel to enter the room.
      4. If possible, keep the door locked.
      5. Ask the family what their wishes are in regard to the member’s possessions.

         1. You may offer to pack them in boxes, but it is more likely that the family will want to do this themselves.
         2. Before they arrive, be sure that any borrowed items are returned.
         3. When the family arrives, have empty boxes available and offer your help.
         4. Understand that this is a difficult time for them and they may want privacy.
4. Follow-up

   1. University staff is usually available for member counseling and general assistance. Individual and group counseling is strongly recommended following any crisis situation.

      1. NCSU Counseling Center:

         1. 919.515.2423