1. Policy Statement
Georgia State University is committed to providing a safe learning environment that supports the dignity of all university community members. By recognizing and addressing hazing, the campus community can foster a culture of respect, inclusion, and safety, creating a healthier and more supportive environment for everyone. 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
All student leaders must regularly participate in education about hazing and ensure all members and prospective members of their organizations receive appropriate education. As part of ongoing awareness and prevention regarding hazing, Georgia State offers, researched-informed courses, through Vector Solutions. These courses are available for students, faculty, and staff, and help students understand the following:
- Understand core elements that define hazing behavior.
- Recognize the signs and examples of hazing, including both overt and subtle forms.
- Identify the physical, emotional, and social risks associated with hazing.
- Learn strategies to prevent hazing and understand what actions you can take to protect yourself and peers from dangerous behaviors.
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. Due Process
All students or student organizations referred for misconduct regarding violations of the Hazing policy are provided due process (notice and the right to be heard) through procedures outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
6. 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.
7. Public Disclosure
In compliance with the Georgia SB 85 “Max Gruver Act” Georgia State will publicly disclose administrative adjudication of hazing or hazing related criminal convictions within 15 days of final adjudication or public notice of conviction.
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
Pending Administrative Council approval, August 15, 2025
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