Hazing Policy

Alfred University will not tolerate any form of hazing. Due to the serious nature of hazing and the unique situational pressures to which victims of hazing are subjected, the University has a procedure solely to address allegations of hazing. To the extent they do not conflict with this procedure, the normal rules and procedures of the University shall apply.

Alfred University’s definition of hazing is broader than the New York State Penal Law which defines Hazing in the first degree as: "… when, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury." (N.Y. Penal Law, §120.16). Hazing in the first degree is a Class A misdemeanor and conviction carries a potential penalty of a fine of up to $1,000, one year in jail. Hazing in the second degree (a violation) incorporates a nearly identical definition except that no actual injury to any person needs to be proven (N.Y. Penal Law, §120.17).

Alfred University defines hazing as "any activity expected of someone who is initiating into or affiliated with a group, that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers, regardless of the person's willingness to participate. Furthermore, this definition includes any action which results in the disruption of the educational process, the impairment of academic performance, or failure to properly fulfill obligations to University sponsored groups or organizations." Examples of hazing include, but are not limited to the following: depriving a person of sufficient sleep, paddling or beating a person, requiring or encouraging a person to consume alcohol, drugs or foreign or unusual substances, kidnapping or confining a person, subjecting a person to cruel and unusual psychological conditions.

Any violation or suspected violation of the University's Hazing Policy should be reported immediately to any of the following: the Student Experience, Athletics or Student Activities Offices. In addition, students may also report incidents of hazing to the Alfred Police Department. Any person who is in violation of this policy may be subject to expulsion from the University. Recognized organizations that are found in violation of this policy may be subject to loss of recognition, distinct and apart from any sanctions to which its members are subject

Authority of University Student Conduct Bodies

Jurisdiction

University jurisdiction and discipline under the Alfred University Hazing Policy and Procedures cover the defined conduct whether it occurs on or off University premises.

Where the University Hazing Policy has been violated, a student or organization may be in violation of civil or criminal law as well. Where University and civil law overlap, or where criminal prosecution is pending or foreseen, the University may initiate student conduct action of its own on the same infraction and impose penalties independent of civil and/or criminal authorities.

Reporting Procedures

Accounts of hazing can be submitted by any of the following:

By the individual who believes s/he has experienced hazing;

• By a member of the University Residence Life staff
• Public Safety Office
• Alfred Police Department
• By any other individual who has knowledge of hazing.

Reports of alleged violations must be prepared in writing and submitted to any of the following: the Student Experience, Athletics or Student Activities Offices. In addition, incidents of hazing may also be reported to the Alfred Police Department. An incident should be reported within 48 hours, although reports may be accepted at any time. People are encouraged to report incidents as soon after their occurrence as possible, as the passage of time will impede efforts to investigate allegations and gather evidence.

The Dean of Student Experience or designee shall review all reports in consultation with staff and determine whether charges will be issued. If it is determined that the student or organization will be charged, the Dean of Student Experience will refer the case to the hearing board for hazing violations.