530 Hazing Policy

530 Hazing Policy

Subject:

Student Affairs

Policy Number:

530

Effective date:

October 1, 2025

Review date:

October 1, 2028

Responsible Party:

Vice Provost for Student Success and Dean of Students

Version History:

N/A

 

Introduction and Purpose:

This policy defines behavior that is considered hazing and outlines the process used to report and investigate acts of hazing. It also outlines institutional hazing prevention efforts.

University Policy:

The University strictly prohibits hazing in all forms, regardless of the consent of those involved. Hazing is contrary to the values and mission of the University and is a violation of institutional policy and federal law under the Stop Campus Hazing Act (an amendment to the Clery Act).

This policy applies to all students, student organizations, faculty and staff. It covers conduct occurring on or off campus, during University-affiliated activities, and in virtual environments.

The University strives to promote a safe and respectful learning environment and takes all reports of hazing seriously. The University is also committed to ongoing education, training, and prevention efforts to eliminate hazing and promote student well-being.

 

Definitions:

Hazing

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that—

  1. is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
  2. causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including—
    1. whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
    2. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
    3. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
    4. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
    5. any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
    6. any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
    7. any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.

Student Organization

Student Organization is defined as an organization at the University (such as a club, society, association, varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the University, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the University.

Procedures:

Complete procedures for addressing alleged hazing and all other alleged conduct violations can be found within the Student Code of Conduct..

Internal control considerations, if applicable:

Print Article