1. Policy Statement
Georgia State University is committed to providing a safe learning environment that supports the dignity of all university community members. Hazing is a violation of state law and is strictly prohibited by Georgia State University both on and off campus. Violation of this policy may result in both disciplinary action and criminal charges.
2. Definition
“Hazing” means to subject a student to an activity which: (1) endangers or is likely to endanger the physical health of a student; (2) forces or coerces the student through the use of social or physical pressure to consume any food, liquid, alcohol, drug, or other substance which subjects the student to a likely risk of vomiting, intoxication, or unconsciousness; or (3) causes an individual pain, embarrassment, ridicule or harassment as a condition or precondition of gaining acceptance, membership, office or other status in a student group, whether or not such
group is formally recognized by the university.
Examples of activities that may violate this policy include but are not limited to the following:
- forcing, requiring or encouraging nudity at any time;
- paddle swats;
- treeings (e.g., tying someone up and throwing food or other substances on them);
- line-ups (e.g., yelling at or harassing people in a formation);
- calisthenics (e.g., push-ups, sit-ups, jogging, runs);
- causing an individual to be sleep deprived and/or to suffer from unreasonable fatigue;
- conducting activities that do not allow adequate time for class attendance, study and completion of assignments, participation in group projects;
- theft of any property;
- road trips (e.g., dropping someone off and leaving them to find their own way back);
- performing acts of personal servitude for members (e.g., driving them to class, cleaning their individual rooms, serving meals, washing cars, shopping, laundry);
- scavenger hunts without prior approval from the appropriate university appointed official, or which includes activity that would otherwise constitute hazing;
- forcing or requiring the violation of university policies, federal, state or local law.
For purposes of this definition, Hazing occurs regardless of whether the action, activity, or situation is intentionally, negligently, or recklessly caused, and regardless of a student’s willingness to participate. Also for purposes of this definition, “student group” or “school organization” means any association, corporation, order, club, society, fraternity, sorority, athletic team, or a group living together which has students or alumni as its principle members, including local affiliate organizations.
3. Prevention
As a part of the student group informational, recruitment, and membership intake activities, student groups are required to educate members and prospective members about Hazing and to maintain documentation that they have fulfilled this requirement. Each member of a student group must sign the Georgia State University Hazing Compliance and Awareness Form. These forms are located in the Office of the Dean of Students and in the Division of Student Success.
4. Reporting a Hazing Violation
All members of the university community are strongly encouraged to report suspected instances of Hazing to the Office of the Dean of Students and university employees are required to do so.
5. University as the Complainant
All reports of Hazing are investigated to determine whether there is sufficient basis to believe that a violation of the Student Code of Conduct may have occurred. Based on this review, the Dean of Students may choose to initiate charges, not initiate charges or dismiss a case administratively if the claim does not appear to be supported by the facts. If charges are initiated, the university will serve as the Complainant throughout the student code process.
Adopted - Student Life Committee - March 20, 2008
Approved - University Senate - April 17, 2008
Amended - Student Life - April 15, 2010
Amended - Administrative Council - February 3, 2021
Amended - Administrative Council - July 1. 2021
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