To Report Hazing
Hazing Information for Arcadia University Community
Arcadia University’s Anti-Hazing Policy defines hazing as “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.”
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Whipping, beating, striking, branding, 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;
- Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing brutality of a mental nature, including activity adversely affecting the mental health or dignity of the individual, exclusion from social contact, or conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment;
- 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 local, 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.
Forms of Hazing
Aggravated Hazing
An act of Hazing that results in Serious Bodily Injury or death to a Student; and the person acts with reckless indifference to the health and safety of the Student; or the person causes, coerces, or forces the consumption of an Alcoholic Liquid or Drug by the Student.The person causes, coerces, or forces the consumption of an Alcoholic Liquid or Drug by the Student.
Harassment Hazing
Behaviors that cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort in order to feel like part of the group. Harassment hazing confuses, frustrates, and causes undue stress for new members/rookies.
Organizational Hazing
As defined by the State Law, an act by a Student Organization where it intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly promotes or facilitates a violation of Hazing or Aggravated Hazing.
Subtle Hazing
Behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between new members and other members of the group. These types of hazing activities are often taken-for-granted or accepted as “harmless” or meaningless. Subtle hazing typically involves activities or attitudes that breach reasonable standards of mutual respect and place new members on the receiving end of ridicule, embarrassment, and/or humiliation tactics.
* Out of 97 higher education institutions.
Anti-Hazing Hotline
If you or someone you know is experiencing suspected hazing, call the national Anti-Hazing Hotline at 1-888-NOT-HAZE to anonymously report the circumstance. In conjunction with local campus resources, you may have the occurrence investigated and can choose to identify yourself on the hotline to enable direct correspondence.
Campus Conduct Hotline
You can also report this directly to the campus through the anonymous, confidential Campus Conduct Hotline Reporting System (CCH), which is managed by In Touch, via telephone at 1-866-943-5787 (toll free) or directly on the web. The website and phoneline are strictly confidential and no information about the reporter will be disclosed. This does not replace other methods of reporting and as such should be used in conjunction with other resources.
Due to Anti-Hazing Law, Arcadia is required to report alleged and confirmed instances of hazing policy violations bi-annually.
Hazing Prevention and Resources
How to evaluate if someone you know is being “hazed”
- Chronic fatigue associated with an organization or group
- Strange or unusual behavior compared to a prior instance
- Behaviors/symptoms associated with depression—withdrawal from relationships, sudden mood swings, change in appetite, or lack of hygiene
- Seemingly heightened defensive response when concern is expressed
- Explaining any of the described hazing activities as “tradition”, “rituals”, or “initiations”
Involvement Opportunities
- Belonging and Flourishing Program provides a place of connection for all students at Arcadia that supports them in forming meaningful relationships while on campus.
- Arcadia’s Student Government Organization can facilitate discussions of how to improve student safety and overall healthier community functioning.
- The Hidden Opponent is a student athlete program at Arcadia that seeks to bring awareness to athlete’s mental health and the associated stigma that accompanies it.
