Hazing Policy

Wright State University recognizes that membership in organizations can significantly enhance the learning and experiences of university students.  In addition, the University is committed to cultivating a community that fosters respect for the dignity and rights of all its members.  There is no place for hazing in our community, which includes abusive behavior, harassment, or assault.  Group loyalty and unity are built on trust and mutual respect.  Hazing is an abuse of power and relationships and puts individuals at risk; therefore, Wright State University will not tolerate hazing in any form by any members of the University community.  This policy applies to all student organizations, including but not limited to fraternities, sororities, military organizations, etc. 

Hazing in any form is prohibited and will be considered a Category B violation of the Student Code of Conduct. The University will investigate and respond to all reports of hazing as defined in this policy, and Wright State University Police will be called to investigate any allegation of hazing. Retaliating in any manner against an individual who reports hazing or who participates in an investigation of a hazing report is strictly prohibited and will be investigated by the Office of Community Standards and Student Conduct. All members of the University community shall cooperate in an investigation of hazing. More information about Office of Community Standards and Student Conduct hearing processes can be found on the CSSC website. 

This policy applies to all members of the University community. Students, administrators, staff, faculty, consultants, alumni, student organizations (including, but not limited to, fraternities, sororities, military organizations, etc.), and volunteers of any organization are members of the University community for purposes of this policy.  This policy applies to hazing that takes place between two or more people affiliated with the University, regardless of whether the behavior occurs on or off university property. This policy applies regardless of a person's willingness to participate. 

All student organizations registered with Wright State University must sign and submit to the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership the "Anti-Hazing Agreement" each academic year and immediately following any change in the organization's presidency. The acceptance of this agreement will certify all officers and members have been informed of and will comply with the Wright State Anti-Hazing Policy and Ohio law. Any organization not submitting this form with the proper signatures by the required date will automatically incur a loss of university affiliation and services. The additional responsibility of registered student organization leaders is to review the Wright State Anti-Hazing Policy with all prospective members. All questions regarding policy and its interpretation should be directed to the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, 019 Student Union. 

Potential Sanctions

Hazing is a serious offense and therefore subject to the full range of sanctions afforded by the Student Code of Conduct or applicable policies and procedures for University employees including: 

1. Individual students may face sanctions up to and including probation, suspension and expulsion. 
2. Student organizations or student groups may face sanctions up to and including the organization’s suspension or expulsion. 
3. Employees may face corrective action or discipline up to and including termination in accordance with applicable University policies and procedures and/or collective bargaining agreements. 
4. Volunteers may face corrective action up to and including a permanent ban from campus. 
5. These sanctions may be in addition to any penalty imposed for violation of criminal laws of the State of Ohio. 

Reporting Obligations

Duty to report - any full or part-time employee of the University (including student employees and graduate assistants) and any volunteer acting in an official capacity who advises or coaches student organizations and/or student groups who has direct contact with students is required to immediately report knowledge of hazing as defined in this policy to the University through any of the reporting options outlined in this policy. Failing to report in a timely manner is a violation of campus policy and Ohio law. 

Definitions

Category "B" Violation - A violation that is of a serious nature or repeated behavior for which any sanction in the Code may be assigned up to and including expulsion.  These violations are processed exclusively through the director or designee.  Category "B" violations may entail an administrative hearing before a conduct officer, Conduct Review, Gender Based Harassment and Violence, or Academic Integrity Hearing Panel. 

Hazing - As defined in Ohio Revised Code 2903.31, hazing involves doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization or any act to continue or reinstate membership in or affiliation with any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing physical or mental harm to any person, including coercing another to consume alcohol or a drug of abuse (felony offense), as defined in section 3719.011 of the Revised Code. 

Student Organization, group, or team- The term "student organization" means any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for Wright State University recognition.