Resource Library
Our resource library is full of helpful information about sorority risk management. From emergency planning to insurance programs to tax issues, we have you covered.
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Employment News: March 2021
The MJ Sorority employment news bulletin.
Workers’ Compensation Case Study
Scenario The employee fell on the ramp outside the house and injured his leg. The insured disputed the employee’s injury because he was working the next day and was not limping. The injured employee then told the insured he would be off work because the doctor did not know the full extent of his injury […]
House Directors with pets
The liability exposures associated with pets at the chapter house.
Best Practices for Background Checks
Best practices for incorporating background checks into your hiring process
ChubbWorks Registration
Directions for setting up ChubbWords for national headquarter administrator.
Attracting and hiring talent assessment
Risk control doesn’t start when an employee begins work – it starts with the job itself. View Travelers’, the insurance company for MJ Sorority clients, collection of resources to help you attract and hire employees in your organization.
Chapter House Self-Inspection
A checklist to review your property and life-safety risk management.
Liability Case Study: Co-Sponsored Event
Background A sorority chapter was having a co-sponsored event with a fraternity chapter on campus in hopes of raising funds for the fraternity’s philanthropy. The event was held at the fraternity chapter house. Some of the fraternity members setup a make-shift slip-and-slide using tarps and spikes. The individuals that setup the slip-and-slide did not push […]
Liability Case Study: Post-Event Incident
Liability claim example regarding a post-event incident.
Liability Case Study: Unofficial Chapter House
A liability claim example on unofficial chapter houses.
Unofficial Chapter Houses
A position paper on unofficial chapter houses and the liability risk they pose.
Liability Case Study: Homecoming Float Incident
Scenario A member of a sorority was injured while climbing onto the sorority’s homecoming float. The member was walking along side the float along with fourteen other members. The float was towards the back of the parade and was starting to fall behind. The walkers were instructed to board the float to speed up the […]
Liability Case Study: Policy Infraction
Scenario A member was injured at a chapter event when she stepped on a piece of glass that was on the dance floor and sustained a laceration to her foot. There was a sign posted at the bar stating that no glass bottles were to be taken onto the dance floor. It was discovered that […]
Liability Case Study: Bus Incident
Scenario The chapter hired two buses to take their members and guests to and from an event. One bus had security, but the senior bus did not. On the senior bus, a fight broke out between two members’ boyfriends. One of the young men sustained a broken nose, as well as other facial fractures during […]
Avoiding influenza with good personal health habits
A guide on how to avoid influenza with good personal health habits.
Preventative Actions: Fight the Flu
CDC’s recommended three-step approach to fighting the flu.
Influenza Checklist for Chapter Houses
Influenza (Flu): reducing the risk of exposure in the chapter house.
Carbon Monoxide Recommendations
A series of tips to help residents avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Burn & Fire Safety
A study conducted to understand college students’ views and knowledge of burn and fire safety.
Athletic Programs: Playing it Safe
Athletic programs should incorporate risk control principles to mitigate risks.
Using personal homes for chapter events
Memo discussing the use of individual homes for chapter events.
Personal injury versus bodily injury
The difference between personal and bodily injury in insurance policies.
Steps to Receiving your Certificate of Insurance in a Timely Manner
A helpful resource to review before signing a contract.
Position Paper: Event Planners
Some concerns to be aware of when using event planners.
Requesting a Certificate Flowchart (printable)
A printable decision-tree to walk you through the process of requesting a Certificate of Insurance.
Planning safer events during the COVID-19 pandemic
At MJ Sorority, we created this resource packet to help our clients plan safer events during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participant waiver template for COVID-19
Should you wish to use a waiver to attempt to release your organization from COVID-19 related claims, our in-house attorney created this template for MJ Sorority clients’ use. For more information on our position on waivers, please refer to our position paper.
Campus Crisis Planning
A resource developed for universities from Travelers, the insurance company for MJ Sorority clients, much of which is applicable to sororities as well.
Crisis planning and prevention
A guide developed by Travelers, the insurance company for MJ Sorority clients, to help you plan for the unexpected and explain why it is critical to do so.
Digging Deeper: Directors & Officers coverage
Digging deeper into how Directors and Officers Liability coverage works.
Digging Deeper: Non-owned and hired automobile liability
Digging deeper into how the non-owned and hired automobile coverage works.
Position Paper: Designated Driver/Sober Sis Programs
MJ Sorority’s position on sober sis/designated driver programs.
Position Paper: Fundraising at sporting events
We have seen an increase in the number of requests from the collegiate chapters to participate in the concession area for an athletic event at the sports stadiums.The requests generally come about because the company managing the concessions wants the group to show evidence of insurance; thus a request to us for a Certificate of […]
Position Paper: Unofficial Housing
Our risk management position on so-called “unofficial” houses.
Position Paper: FERPA’s Impact on Women’s Fraternities and Sororities
What does the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) Mean for Us?
Position Paper: Peer/sober Monitoring
Our risk management position on peer monitors.
Position Paper: Liability Waivers & Template
Our risk management position on the use of liability waivers and our waiver template for our clients’ use.
Liability Case Study: Post-event Incident
Two members attended a semi-formal event in which alcohol was served by a third-party vendor. Both members were over 21 and reportedly had been drinking at the event. It is believed that they were walking home from the party and became disoriented and lost. One member tripped and fell as she walked into the street. […]
Certificates of Insurance Basics
Certificates of Insurance 101 and FAQs.
Certificates of Insurance: What and Why?
What are Certificates of Insurance and why would someone want one from you.
Digging Deeper: Non-Owned & Hired Automobile Coverage
Non-Owned Automobile Liability is the most commonly misunderstood coverage in the Sorority Book of Business. Non-Owned Automobile Liability is designed to protect the organization for the risk of being named in a lawsuit involving an automobile. It does not protect individuals who are driving on behalf of the Sorority/Fraternity. Non-Owned and Hired automobiles are automatically […]
Things to Know About Your Organization’s Automobile Policy
Check out the Insurance Summary for more detailed information about your organization’s automobile policy, but the below graphic has the top three things to remember: Here is a print-friendly PDF version.
Risky Activities
What constitutes a risky activity and how can you make them less risky?
Collegiate Chapter Members and Chapter Advisors Serving on the Local House Corporation Board
MJ Sorority’s position on chapter members and advisors serving on local House Corporations.
Sample Cease and Desist Verbiage
Sample language for your use. regarding “cease and desist.”
What To Do In The Event of A Claim
When the unexpected happens, report your claim right away to put yourself in the surest position—and best enable us to help.
California Earthquake Coverage
Update on available California earthquake coverage.
Certificates of Insurance: What and Why?
What is a Certificate of Insurance and why someone would need one from you.
Why Colleges Haven’t Stopped Binge Drinking
A series from The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Employment News: March 2021
The MJ Sorority employment news bulletin.
Workers’ Compensation Case Study
Scenario The employee fell on the ramp outside the house and injured his leg. The insured disputed the employee’s injury because he was working the next day and was not limping. The injured employee then told the insured he would be off work because the doctor did not know the full extent of his injury […]
Embezzlement Case Study: House Director
Scenario The Chapter’s Vice President of Finance became aware of unusual purchases such as gift cards on the chapter’s account. The Chapter Advisor then noted that the chapter was exceeding their food budget, which led to an audit being conducted. The audit revealed that the House Director was using chapter checks to purchase gift cards […]
Embezzlement Case Study: House Corporation Treasurer
Scenario The new House Corporation Officer discovered discrepancies in their accounts which led the House Corporation to complete an audit of their financial records. It was discovered that the former House Corporation Treasurer embezzled approximately $30,000. The former Treasure wrote numerous checks to herself with no receipts or explanations supporting to the payments. Issues to […]
Coverage for an attorney serving as counsel for nonprofit organization
Memo describing how the coverage applies in these situations.
Best Practices for Background Checks
Best practices for incorporating background checks into your hiring process
What to consider when it comes an ill house director
Some risk management considerations if the House Director tests positive for COVID-19
Attracting and hiring talent assessment
Risk control doesn’t start when an employee begins work – it starts with the job itself. View Travelers’, the insurance company for MJ Sorority clients, collection of resources to help you attract and hire employees in your organization.
Digging Deeper: Non-Owned & Hired Automobile Coverage
Non-Owned Automobile Liability is the most commonly misunderstood coverage in the Sorority Book of Business. Non-Owned Automobile Liability is designed to protect the organization for the risk of being named in a lawsuit involving an automobile. It does not protect individuals who are driving on behalf of the Sorority/Fraternity. Non-Owned and Hired automobiles are automatically […]
Things to Know About Your Organization’s Automobile Policy
Check out the Insurance Summary for more detailed information about your organization’s automobile policy, but the below graphic has the top three things to remember: Here is a print-friendly PDF version.
Share the Road
By Travelers Risk Control We have all encountered scenarios in which other drivers make us shake our heads. People often are quick to accuse other drivers of being reckless, but if pressed, they may admit to sometimes driving recklessly themselves. If unsafe driving is everyone’s problem, what is the solution? Our safety professionals have put together […]
7 Common Car Accidents and How to Help Avoid Them
Let’s face it: accidents happen. And when they do, you might be looking at car repairs and injuries as well as possible increases to your insurance premium. Safe driving can go a long way in keeping you and your family safe and your premium in check. Here are seven common car accidents and tips on […]
10 Tips to Reduce Distracted Driving
More than 40,000 Americans died on the roads in 2016, the most significant increase in deaths over a two-year period in more than 50 years.1 Whether someone you love has been known to text and drive, or you have found yourself distracted behind the wheel, these tips can help avoid dangerous activity on the road. Stow […]
What To Do In The Event of A Claim
When the unexpected happens, report your claim right away to put yourself in the surest position—and best enable us to help.
Chapter House Self-Inspection
A checklist to review your property and life-safety risk management.
Liability Case Study: Unofficial Chapter House
A liability claim example on unofficial chapter houses.
Unofficial Chapter Houses
A position paper on unofficial chapter houses and the liability risk they pose.
Liability Case Study: Loaning the chapter house to a third party
Scenario Members of a sorority loaned their house to a men’s fraternity for a party. The men’s fraternity house was being painted, and they were unable to have a party at their own house. The sorority members did attend the party, but did not provide the alcohol. An underage member of the men’s fraternity was […]
Liability Case Study: Homecoming Float Incident
Scenario A member of a sorority was injured while climbing onto the sorority’s homecoming float. The member was walking along side the float along with fourteen other members. The float was towards the back of the parade and was starting to fall behind. The walkers were instructed to board the float to speed up the […]
Liability Case Study: Policy Infraction
Scenario A member was injured at a chapter event when she stepped on a piece of glass that was on the dance floor and sustained a laceration to her foot. There was a sign posted at the bar stating that no glass bottles were to be taken onto the dance floor. It was discovered that […]
Liability Case Study: Bus Incident
Scenario The chapter hired two buses to take their members and guests to and from an event. One bus had security, but the senior bus did not. On the senior bus, a fight broke out between two members’ boyfriends. One of the young men sustained a broken nose, as well as other facial fractures during […]
Embezzlement Case Study: House Director
Scenario The Chapter’s Vice President of Finance became aware of unusual purchases such as gift cards on the chapter’s account. The Chapter Advisor then noted that the chapter was exceeding their food budget, which led to an audit being conducted. The audit revealed that the House Director was using chapter checks to purchase gift cards […]
Embezzlement Case Study: House Corporation Treasurer
Scenario The new House Corporation Officer discovered discrepancies in their accounts which led the House Corporation to complete an audit of their financial records. It was discovered that the former House Corporation Treasurer embezzled approximately $30,000. The former Treasure wrote numerous checks to herself with no receipts or explanations supporting to the payments. Issues to […]
Directors & Officers: Membership Termination #2
Scenario After going through the organization’s appeal process in an attempt to have her membership reinstated, a former member filed a lawsuit alleging fraud and breach of contract.  The lawsuit alleged that the organization failed to follow their own internal rules and procedures in terminating the plaintiff’s membership. Throughout the appeal process and the lawsuit, […]
Directors & Officers: Membership Termination
Scenario Two former members accused of hazing alleged that they were not given the required due process in their inappropriate dismissal from the organization.  An actual lawsuit was not filed in the matter. A claim was submitted and the insurance carrier assigned defense counsel who worked with the claimants’ attorney to prove to him that […]
Athletic Programs: Playing it Safe
Athletic programs should incorporate risk control principles to mitigate risks.
Spring 2021: What We Have Learned About COVID-19
What we have learned about COVID-19 that will help you better prepare for spring 2021.
Coverage for an attorney serving as counsel for nonprofit organization
Memo describing how the coverage applies in these situations.
Using personal homes for chapter events
Memo discussing the use of individual homes for chapter events.
ChubbWorks Registration
Directions for setting up ChubbWords for national headquarter administrator.
Business Continuity Planning: Three-part training series
A three-part webinar series from Travelers, the insurance company for MJ Sorority clients, that reviews what is needed in a business continuity plan.
Campus Crisis Planning
A resource developed for universities from Travelers, the insurance company for MJ Sorority clients, much of which is applicable to sororities as well.
Communicating with the media
A resource from Travelers, the insurance company for MJ Sorority clients, with tips for communicating with the media during a crisis or emergency.
Educational Services Risk Management Guide
A risk management guide that provides an overview of many loss control topics for school administrators and sorority leadership.
Digging Deeper: Non-owned and hired automobile liability
Digging deeper into how the non-owned and hired automobile coverage works.
Position Paper: Designated Driver/Sober Sis Programs
MJ Sorority’s position on sober sis/designated driver programs.
Position Paper: Unofficial Housing
Our risk management position on so-called “unofficial” houses.
Position Paper: FERPA’s Impact on Women’s Fraternities and Sororities
What does the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) Mean for Us?
Position Paper: Peer/sober Monitoring
Our risk management position on peer monitors.
Position Paper: Liability Waivers & Template
Our risk management position on the use of liability waivers and our waiver template for our clients’ use.
Position Paper: Alumnae Board Members Playing a Dual Role
Our position on dual roles for volunteers.
Digging Deeper: Non-Owned & Hired Automobile Coverage
Non-Owned Automobile Liability is the most commonly misunderstood coverage in the Sorority Book of Business. Non-Owned Automobile Liability is designed to protect the organization for the risk of being named in a lawsuit involving an automobile. It does not protect individuals who are driving on behalf of the Sorority/Fraternity. Non-Owned and Hired automobiles are automatically […]
Things to Know About Your Organization’s Automobile Policy
Check out the Insurance Summary for more detailed information about your organization’s automobile policy, but the below graphic has the top three things to remember: Here is a print-friendly PDF version.
Share the Road
By Travelers Risk Control We have all encountered scenarios in which other drivers make us shake our heads. People often are quick to accuse other drivers of being reckless, but if pressed, they may admit to sometimes driving recklessly themselves. If unsafe driving is everyone’s problem, what is the solution? Our safety professionals have put together […]
7 Common Car Accidents and How to Help Avoid Them
Let’s face it: accidents happen. And when they do, you might be looking at car repairs and injuries as well as possible increases to your insurance premium. Safe driving can go a long way in keeping you and your family safe and your premium in check. Here are seven common car accidents and tips on […]
10 Tips to Reduce Distracted Driving
More than 40,000 Americans died on the roads in 2016, the most significant increase in deaths over a two-year period in more than 50 years.1 Whether someone you love has been known to text and drive, or you have found yourself distracted behind the wheel, these tips can help avoid dangerous activity on the road. Stow […]
Collegiate Chapter Members and Chapter Advisors Serving on the Local House Corporation Board
MJ Sorority’s position on chapter members and advisors serving on local House Corporations.
Sample Cease and Desist Verbiage
Sample language for your use. regarding “cease and desist.”
What To Do In The Event of A Claim
When the unexpected happens, report your claim right away to put yourself in the surest position—and best enable us to help.
Why Colleges Haven’t Stopped Binge Drinking
A series from The Chronicle of Higher Education.
House Corporation Inventory Checklist
A helpful Excel spreadsheet to help you take an inventory of House Corporation owned property.
Chapter House Self-Inspection
A checklist to review your property and life-safety risk management.
Liability Case Study: Unofficial Chapter House
A liability claim example on unofficial chapter houses.
Unofficial Chapter Houses
A position paper on unofficial chapter houses and the liability risk they pose.
Workers’ Compensation Case Study
Scenario The employee fell on the ramp outside the house and injured his leg. The insured disputed the employee’s injury because he was working the next day and was not limping. The injured employee then told the insured he would be off work because the doctor did not know the full extent of his injury […]
Property Case Study: Fire Escape
Scenario According to a report completed by the Chapter Advisor, there were three chapter members conversing about the fire escape outside the window of the second floor. One member, who admitted she had previously been out on the escape, showed the other two new members that it was possible to go out onto the fire […]
Property Case Study: Sprinklers/Water Damage
Scenario A sprinkler head in a closet on the second floor went off resulting in water damage to the first and second floor, as well as the basement. The exact cause of the sprinkler head going off is not able to be determined. It is believed that the heat in the closet may have been […]
Property Case Study: Kitchen Fire
Scenario A member was using a deep fryer in the kitchen to heat oil. The member walked away to another room, and the fryer caught the cabinet and microwave on fire. The fire damage was contained to the kitchen. However, there was smoke damage throughout the house. Result A total of $47,972.09 was paid out […]
Property Case Study: Attic Fire
Scenario A fire broke out in the attic of the chapter house from what they believe was some insulation that fell between the wall and flooring landing on some wires and ignited. The attic was not sprinklered and sustained all of the damage below. However, as the claims progress in the cleaning up and repairing […]
Property Case Study: Subrogation Example
Subrogation – the legal process by which an insurance company, after paying a loss, seeks to recover the amount of the loss from another party who is legally liable for it. Scenario An extensive fire occurred on the top floor and roof of the chapter facility resulting in a total claim amount of $1,379,877.  Due to […]
Liability Case Study: Loaning the chapter house to a third party
Scenario Members of a sorority loaned their house to a men’s fraternity for a party. The men’s fraternity house was being painted, and they were unable to have a party at their own house. The sorority members did attend the party, but did not provide the alcohol. An underage member of the men’s fraternity was […]
Property Case Study: Fire Escape #2
Scenario At a fraternity chapter house that was hosting a party, Jane Doe, chapter member, went out a second-floor door to a fire escape platform and fell through the hole, which provided a ladder access to the ground. There had been a previous fall from this fire escape at the chapter house in question, and […]
Slip, Trip and Fall Risk Management
A guide to help reduce the risks of slips, trips and falls at your business and on your premises.
Avoiding influenza with good personal health habits
A guide on how to avoid influenza with good personal health habits.
Preventative Actions: Fight the Flu
CDC’s recommended three-step approach to fighting the flu.
Fire Safety Plan
A step-by-step guide on developing a fire safety plan for your building.
Sidewalk Liability
Information for property owners on liability regarding sidewalks.
Influenza Checklist for Chapter Houses
Influenza (Flu): reducing the risk of exposure in the chapter house.
Carbon Monoxide Recommendations
A series of tips to help residents avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Burn & Fire Safety
A study conducted to understand college students’ views and knowledge of burn and fire safety.
Automatic Sprinkler Toolbox
This guide provides the ways, whens and hows of installing an automatic sprinkler system.
Spring 2021: What We Have Learned About COVID-19
What we have learned about COVID-19 that will help you better prepare for spring 2021.
Important Terms for Housing Agreements
Important terms and conditions to be included in your housing agreement.
Non-member residents in the chapter house
Risk management advice regarding non-member residents.
House Directors with pets
The liability exposures associated with pets at the chapter house.
What to consider when it comes an ill house director
Some risk management considerations if the House Director tests positive for COVID-19
Questions for your university contacts about their COVID-19 response
Communication is key to handling COVID-19. We have developed a few questions that we think are important that chapter and house corporation officers discuss with their university contacts.
What to consider when it comes to quarantining ill members
Some risk management considerations when it comes to whether or not to quarantine ill members.
Revised parent’s letter with COVID-19 language
Letter template for House Corporations to send to resident’s parents.
COVID-19 and Your Chapter House
MJ Sorority guidance for dealing with COVID-19 at the chapter house.
South Carolina Hurricane Guide
The South Carolina hurricane guide contains helpful and practical tips for all chapters in the path of a hurricane. Check their website for the most updated version.
Hurricane preparedness
Hurricane preparedness: preparation (long-term and as the hurricane approaches), during the hurricane, and after the hurricane.
Earthquake protection, preparation, response and recovery
Contrary to public perception, earthquake preparedness is not just an issue in California. This resource from Travelers, the insurance company for MJ Sorority clients, offers tips to help protect your business before, during and after an earthquake.
Natural disaster risk management guide
Get information on preparing for natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, tornados, hurricanes, wildfires, etc. This resource from Travelers, the insurance company for MJ Sorority clients, discusses exposure assessment, protection, planning and preparation, response, and recovery.
Campus Crisis Planning
A resource developed for universities from Travelers, the insurance company for MJ Sorority clients, much of which is applicable to sororities as well.
Crisis planning and prevention
A guide developed by Travelers, the insurance company for MJ Sorority clients, to help you plan for the unexpected and explain why it is critical to do so.
Educational Services Risk Management Guide
A risk management guide that provides an overview of many loss control topics for school administrators and sorority leadership.
Tornado preparation and response
A tornado preparedness resource from Travelers, the insurance company for MJ Sorority clients.
Digging Deeper: Directors & Officers coverage
Digging deeper into how Directors and Officers Liability coverage works.
Medical marijuana
MJ Sorority’s position on state marijuana legislation’s impact at the chapter house.
Renting the chapter to a third-party
MJ Sorority’s position on renting the chapter property.
Digging Deeper: Non-Owned & Hired Automobile Coverage
Non-Owned Automobile Liability is the most commonly misunderstood coverage in the Sorority Book of Business. Non-Owned Automobile Liability is designed to protect the organization for the risk of being named in a lawsuit involving an automobile. It does not protect individuals who are driving on behalf of the Sorority/Fraternity. Non-Owned and Hired automobiles are automatically […]
Things to Know About Your Organization’s Automobile Policy
Check out the Insurance Summary for more detailed information about your organization’s automobile policy, but the below graphic has the top three things to remember: Here is a print-friendly PDF version.
Increased Risk of Attic Fires & Ramifications
Using heat sensors to prevent fire claims in the attic.
What To Do In The Event of A Claim
When the unexpected happens, report your claim right away to put yourself in the surest position—and best enable us to help.
Winter Weather Checklist
A winter weather preparedness checklist for Sorority chapter houses.
California Earthquake Coverage
Update on available California earthquake coverage.
Certificates of Insurance: What and Why?
What is a Certificate of Insurance and why someone would need one from you.
Building/Renovation Projects: What To Look For
Engaging in a building or renovation project is an exciting, albeit stressful, endeavor. In addition to the hundreds of decisions regarding design, budget, decorating, and other items, there are insurance and risk management concerns to consider in order to protect the House Corporation and the organization from loss.