Hazing Activities
Hazing activities of any form are prohibited. The University supports and will enforce the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Anti-Hazing Law which follows:
“…Any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or which willfully destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, any organization operating under the sanction of or recognized as an organization by an institution of higher education.
… include, but not be limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of food, liquor, drugs, or other substances, or any forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health and safety of the individual, … shall include any activity which would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as sleep depravation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity which could affect the mental health or dignity of the individual, or willful destruction or removal of public or private property. Any activity as described in this definition …shall be presumed to be ‘forced’ …, the willingness of an individual to participate notwithstanding.”
Conduct charges will be filed also for:
“…any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off campus, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Such activities and situations include paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shock… or any other such activities…; wearing publicly apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; late work sessions which interfere with scholastic activities; and, any other activities inconsistent with student organization regulations, ritual, or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution.” (Adapted from the College Fraternity Secretaries Association Definition of Hazing)
Individuals and/or an organization may be subject to the conduct process. Sanctions for individuals are detailed in the Student Handbook. When organizations are responsible for violations, sanctions will range from redirective educational projects, restitution, fines, probation, suspension, or withdrawal of university recognition. These regulations apply to acts on or off campus.