ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ

Anti-Hazing Policy Statement

Hazing is abusive, degrading, psychologically damaging, and may be life-threatening. It is unacceptable in all forms and has no place in the ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ community. Student groups, organizations, and athletic teams are important contributors to a vibrant and positive campus life and are expected to act in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and to treat others with respect. Hazing by individuals and student organizations is prohibited in any form both on campus and off campus.

Definitions

Hazing

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:

• Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
• 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. The following are non-exhaustive examples of conduct that causes or creates such a risk:
  • Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
  • Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
  • Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of applicable local, New York State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
  • 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.

This definition is compliant with New York State law. Under New York State Penal Law, a person may be charged with hazing if, during another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, they intentionally or recklessly engage in conduct that creates a substantial risk of and/or causes physical injury to another person. A criminal charge of hazing may result in a violation or misdemeanor.

Student Organization

An organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior 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 institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution. 

Reporting Incidents of Hazing

ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ encourages the reporting of incidents of hazing and takes every such report seriously. It will investigate all reports diligently and thoroughly in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and/or other applicable policies and procedures. Individuals found responsible for committing, soliciting, encouraging, directing, aiding, or recklessly permitting hazing to occur will be subject to disciplinary sanction that could include suspension or expulsion.

Reporting options include but are not limited to: 

• University Police
  • Silent Witness
  • Report a Bias Incident
• VP for Student Affairs
• Director of Student Activities
• Athletic Director, Assistant Director, Coaches and/or Assistant Coaches

Private and Confidential Reporting 

ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ will respect the privacy of reporters but cannot guarantee confidentiality for hazing reports. The information you provide to a non-confidential resource will be relayed only as necessary to investigate and/or seek a resolution and/or to comply with other appropriate ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ policies and procedures, and any federal, state and/or local laws, rules and regulations.  ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ will limit the disclosure as much as possible, even if the institution determines that the request for confidentiality cannot be honored. 

Offices and officials who are confidential resources will not report to law enforcement or university officials without a complainant/reporting party's permission, except for extreme circumstances, such as a health and/or safety emergencies.

• Confidential support resources are available through Counseling Services.

Amnesty Related to Hazing Reports

ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ recognizes that students are sometimes reluctant to report hazing activity, due to a fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. For this reason, the University has adopted an amnesty policy which states that a student who acts in good faith to report activity that may fall within the definition of hazing and/or a victim who cooperates fully as a witness in the investigation and disciplinary process may not be subject to student conduct charges or sanctions related to their own participation in hazing behavior as determined by the University in its sole discretion.

In the event amnesty is granted for self-reported behaviors, if evidence is presented that the student has continued to engage in hazing behaviors or has knowledge of hazing activity that was not reported, they may be held accountable for past behavior. Students who choose to report and request amnesty for their own conduct should know that amnesty does not apply to any criminal or civil action that may be taken by any law enforcement agencies, including University Police.

Investigation Process

After a report is received, ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ will quickly review the submission and determine the next appropriate actions. If a report is criminal in nature, University Police and/or local law enforcement will be contacted. ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ will also conduct its own investigation to prevent a recurrence of the alleged hazing and to determine if there are potential violations of the Student Code of Conduct and/or any other applicable processes depending upon the nature of the complaint.

Retaliation

No person may intimidate, threaten, coerce or discriminate against any individual because the individual made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this Hazing Policy and Procedure. Complaints alleging retaliation may be filed with the Office of Student Conduct and/or Human Resources. Any reports of retaliation involving an employee covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement will be addressed through the appropriate processes.

Hazing Prevention and Awareness Programs Policy

Purpose

This policy outlines the institution’s commitment to preventing hazing and promoting a campus culture of respect, safety, and inclusion. The College implements research-informed, campus-wide prevention and awareness programs that engage students, faculty, and staff in understanding, identifying, and eliminating hazing in all forms.

Prevention and Awareness Programs

The institution provides comprehensive prevention programming aimed at eliminating hazing by fostering awareness, equipping community members with intervention tools, and promoting alternative practices for group cohesion.

1. Required Prevention Education

• All first-year students and student leaders are required to complete the SPARC (Sexual & Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Response Course) bystander training and is required before participating in campus organizations and student leadership positions.
• All student athletes, regardless of academic year, will be required to attend hazing workshops. Athletics will design appropriate workshops for new and returning students to meet the needs of student athletes using NCAA and SUNY standards.

2. Campus-Wide Education for Students, Faculty, and Staff

• Annual training sessions and workshops will be offered to all members of the campus community, including faculty and staff, covering the definition, risks, and consequences of hazing.
• These sessions include strategies for ethical leadership, positive team-building, and inclusive group practices.

3. Primary Prevention Strategies
The College uses evidence-informed methods to prevent hazing before it begins, including:

• Skill-building for bystander intervention, empowering individuals to recognize and safely intervene in potential hazing situations.
• Leadership development that promotes values-based decision-making, accountability, and inclusion.
• Workshops and peer-led discussions on fostering group cohesion through respect, shared purpose, and non-harmful traditions.
• Faculty and staff engagement through informational sessions and resources on how to support students and identify warning signs of hazing.

Evaluation and Review

This policy and associated programs will be reviewed annually by the Office of Student Affairs in collaboration with student leaders and prevention specialists to ensure they remain current with national best practices and institutional needs. Data will be collected and provided to SUNY and other governing agencies as required by federal law.