Hazing Statement

Truman State University does not tolerate hazing in any form. As defined in Section 8.020.10 of the Student Conduct Code, “the term ‘hazing’ is any act, determined by a reasonable person, that endangers the mental or physical health or comfort or safety of a student, or results in the destruction or removal of public or private property, or which causes embarrassment, or humiliation, for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or confirming any form of affiliation, or continued membership in a student organization regardless of a student’s willingness to participate in the activity.”

You are encouraged to read the Student Conduct Code, which is online. It is important to realize the consequences that an organization can face for violating policies. If you are an advisor to a Greek organization, it is important for to contact the national headquarters for their hazing statements.

Organizations can face a number of penalties if found guilty of hazing. Sanctions can range from probation all the way to loss of charter and possible legal action. Acts of hazing are not to be taken lightly and the Judicial Affairs Officer will not tolerate any form of hazing from student organizations.

As an advisor you should be aware of any activities that may border on hazing. If you are uncomfortable with the group’s actions, discuss this with the officers and possibly the group BEFORE the event or activity. If the organization decides to continue with the planned event and you still feel as though it is hazing or is close to it, contact the Judicial Affairs Officer in the Student Affairs Office. It is better to recognize that hazing might occur and stop the event before it occurs then to have the organization deal with the consequences of hazing. The Judicial Affairs Officer will most likely meet with the officers of the organization and possibly the entire organization to discuss the hazing policy and the particular event in question. It is important for you as an advisor to help establish this dialogue on hazing and how to avoid it. It is never right to haze a student for any reason.

As an advisor, you have the opportunity to interact with the student members on a regular basis and to be knowledgeable of the group’s activities. Please be sure to guide the organization away from activities that may include hazing and open discussion on what the members feel is hazing and whether or not events might go too far. Discussion about hazing and how it can effect students is beneficial to the members and to you.