Any action or situation created by one or more members, advisors, or coaches of a student organization (including athletic teams) toward other organization members or prospective members that intentionally or recklessly threatens or produces mental or physical harassment, humiliation, fatigue, degradation, ridicule, shock, or injury. The action or situation is in connection with initiation, admission, affiliation, or ongoing membership in the organization, may occur with or without the consent of the participants, and may occur on or off University Property.

Examples of actions and situations that may constitute hazing include, but are not limited to, the following^*:

• Paddling;
• Kidnapping;
• All forms of physical activity which are used to harass, punish, or harm an individual;
• Forced excursions or road trips;
• Confinement;
• Spraying, painting, or pelting with any substance;
• Burying in any substance;
• Nudity with the intent to cause embarrassment;
• Servitude;
• Exposure to uncomfortable elements;
• Verbal abuse;
• Wearing of apparel that is conspicuous and/or indecent;
• Coerced consumption of alcohol or any other substance, legal or illegal;
• Being forced or coerced to engage in any kind of sexual activity;
• Depriving students of sufficient sleep (six consecutive hours per day is normally considered to be a minimum);
• Coerced burning, branding, or tattooing any part of the body;
• Psychological hazing, defined as any act which is likely to:
  
  • Compromise an individual’s dignity;
  • Cause an individual embarrassment or shame;
  • Cause an individual to be the object of malicious amusement or ridicule; or
  • Cause an individual emotional distress;
• Interrogating an individual in an intimidating or threatening manner;
• Misleading prospective members in an effort to convince them that they will not become members unless they complete tasks, follow instructions, change class/personal schedules, or act in a certain way;
• Misleading prospective members into believing that they will be hurt during induction or initiation;
• Carrying any items (shields, paddles, bricks, hammers, etc.) that serve no constructive purpose or that are designed to punish or embarrass the carrier;
• Blindfolding and parading individuals in public areas, blindfolding and transporting in a motor vehicle, or privately conducting blindfolding activities that serve no constructive purpose;
• Binding or restricting an individual in any way that would prohibit them from moving on their own;
• Requiring or suggesting that an individual obtain or possess items or complete tasks in an unlawful manner (e.g., for a scavenger hunt); and
• Prohibiting an individual from social contact or from associating with other individuals or groups.

Note: ^*Examples included in the list have been adapted from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s model hazing prevention policy as developed by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.