Graduate Policies and Procedures

Hazing

Hazing, submission to hazing, or failure to report first-hand knowledge of the planning or occurrence of specific hazing incidents is prohibited by state law and, in addition to disciplinary actions, is punishable by fines up to $10,000 and confinement in county jail for up to two years. Moreover, any hazing offense that causes the death of another person is a state jail felony. Hazing is defined by state law as, "... any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization." Any person who reports a specific hazing incident involving a student to the Dean of Students is immune from civil or criminal liability that he/she might otherwise incur as a result of the report. Any persons who have further questions about hazing or activities that may be considered hazing should call the Dean of Students' office at (972) 883-6391.