Any reckless, knowing, or intentional act committed by a person against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such person or persons to participate that:

• Occurs on or off University Property.
• Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization including club and varsity sports or a student group with a new member process.
• Causes or creates a risk of physical or psychological injury, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the University or organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team). Examples of physical or psychological injury include, but are not limited to, mental or physical harassment, humiliation, fatigue, degradation, ridicule, shock, or abuse.

Examples of specific acts that may constitute hazing include, but are not limited to, the following^*:

• Paddling, whipping, beating, striking, or similar physical abuse.
• Kidnapping;
• All forms of physical activity which are used to harass, punish, or harm an individual, including pushups, calisthenics, running, or similar physical exercise.
• Forced excursions or road trips.
• Confinement.
• Spraying, painting, or pelting with any substance.
• Burying in any substance.
• Nudity with the intent to cause embarrassment.
• Acting as a personal servant.
• Exposure to uncomfortable elements, including putting irritating substances on body parts and sensory deprivation.
• 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, including but not limited to forced nudity, simulated sex acts, and touching of intimate body parts.
• Depriving students of basic hygiene or 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.
  • 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 engage in hazing activities.
• Misleading prospective members into believing that they will be hurt during induction or initiation.
• Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct.
• 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 for amusement or embarrassment, 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 an item(s) or complete an activity in an unlawful manner (e.g., stealing signs for a scavenger hunt).
• Obligating prospective members to clean up an organization house or similar facility beyond the normal and reasonable expectations for, and participation of, current members of the organization.
• Prohibiting an individual from social contact or from associating with other individuals or groups.
• Other actions that are likely to negatively impact academic performance or mental health.
• Hazing also includes soliciting, directing, aiding, or otherwise participating actively or passively in the above acts.

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. Examples are also adapted from Section 485(f)(6)(A) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)).