Statement on Hazing

Hazing is a broad term encompassing any action or activity which

• does not contribute to the positive development of a person or
• inflicts or intends to cause mental or bodily harm or anxieties or 
• may demean or disgrace a person.

HAZING

The University of Dayton, as an educational institution, has a set of interests and purposes to its effective function. These include, (a) the opportunity for students to attain their educational objectives; (b) the creation and maintenance of an intellectual and educational atmosphere throughout the University; and (c) the protection of the health, safety, welfare, property and human rights of all members of the University and the safety and property of the University itself. The University has a clear responsibility in the area of student conduct to protect and promote the pursuit of its goals. The Standards of Behavior emphasize the University's obligation to promote the personal freedom, maturity, and responsibility of students and campus organizations.

Initiation into campus organizations and activities undertaken by organizations or individuals must be consistent with the stated purposes of the organization, any guidelines offered by the inter/national organization, and the educational mission of the University of Dayton. Any activities that may be construed as hazing are specifically and unequivocally prohibited. The University of Dayton defines hazing as:

1. Assisting: Asking for, or providing assistance to any other person or organization to haze.
2. General: Acts (planned or executed) that include but are not limited to: requesting a potential organizational or social member to drink alcohol, use of blindfolds, participation in scavenger hunts, requiring participation in activities that disrupt a student’s normal course of business at the University (food, rest, shelter, study, social interaction, exercise, etc), humiliation of others, performing public displays of silliness or actions that could be perceived as demeaning are considered hazing. Attempts to mask hazing by “asking their permission” or the equivalent are also prohibited.
3. Witnessing: Observing acts of hazing without immediately reporting hazing activity to a University official is prohibited.

When a campus organization and/or individual is found to be involved in a possible activity, the University shall initiate disciplinary action. Such action shall be conducted in compliance with conduct proceedings as outlined in the Standards of Behavior. Organizations and/or individuals found in violation of the Standards of Behavior shall be subject to the range of sanctions available to the University as outlined in the Standards of Behavior.

What will happen if our organization is reported to have engaged in a hazing activity?

A hazing incident may be reported by anyone: a person whom the activity directly affected, a person who assisted in the implementation of the activity, University personnel who witnessed the activity, or community members who witnessed the activity. Therefore, students, faculty, administrators, staff, Dayton community members, or visitors to Dayton and the University can report any activity which an individual may construe as hazing.

Situations involving hazing may be reported to the Office of Greek Life and Leadership Programs, Student Life and Kennedy Union, Community Standards and Civility, or Public Safety.

University Action

Organizations or individuals found in violation are subject to a maximum sanction of expulsion or suspension from the University of Dayton.