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Back to Policy Section V: Student Affairs
Section V: Student Affairs

Policy Number: V-1.00(K)

University of Maryland Policy and Procedures on Hazing

(Approved by the President Technical Amendments Approved by the President on an interim basis pending Senate review )

I. Policy

The health and safety of all members of the campus community are the University of Maryland’s (“University”) primary concern. Hazing is a fundamental violation of human dignity. It is strictly prohibited at the University.

II. Definitions

  1. “Hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that:
    1. is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a Student Organization or Student Group; and
    2. causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the University or Student Organization or Student Group (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of:
      1. physical or psychological injury including:
        1. whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
        2. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
        3. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
        4. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
        5. any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
        6. any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
        7. any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law;
      2. other emotional distress, humiliation, or degradation;
      3. harm from unreasonable requirements which interfere with a Student’s ability to function as a Student, including financial requirements outside of membership dues;
      4. diminished physical or mental capacity, meaning reduced ability to perform mental or physical tasks due to drugs, alcohol, or physical or mental trauma; or
      5. any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to violate any University regulation.
  2. “Student,” “Student Group,” and “Student Organization” shall have the meanings defined in University Policy V-1.00(B), University of Maryland Code of Student Conduct (“Code of Student Conduct”).

III. Responsibilities to Challenge and Report Hazing

All members of the University community share the responsibility to challenge hazing and report acts of apparent hazing to the Office of Student Conduct or the University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD). Apathy in the presence of, and acquiescence to, hazing are not neutral acts. Individuals who voluntarily participate in acts of hazing as perpetrators will be held personally accountable under this policy and the Code of Student Conduct.

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, Campus Security Authorities are required to report incidents of hazing to UMPD, in accordance with reporting protocols.

IV. Procedures

  1. ReportingIf you believe hazing has occurred or is ongoing, you are strongly encouraged to promptly report to one or more of the following resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week:•    UMPD (Pocomoke Building)     Emergency: (301) 405-3333 / Mobile Phone: #3333     Non-Emergency: (301) 405-3555•    Local Police in ANY location – Emergency: 911•    Office of Student Conduct (Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Building)     Call (301) 314-8204 (Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)     Complete the online form on the Office of Student Conduct website at any time: studentconduct.umd.eduThe criminal process and the University disciplinary process are separate and independent. Reporting to law enforcement does not preclude a person from reporting to the Office of Student Conduct. The University does not normally wait for the conclusion of criminal investigations or proceedings to conduct its own disciplinary investigation and may take interim measures to protect individuals and the University community. Conduct may violate this policy even if law enforcement agencies or local prosecutors decline to prosecute. Anyone who reports hazing to UMPD or the Office of Student Conduct can expect that the report will be taken seriously and investigated.
    1. UMPD (Pocomoke Building)Emergency: (301) 405-3333 / Mobile Phone #3333Non-Emergency: (301) 405-3555UMPD is a full-service police agency serving the Students, faculty, staff, and visitors within its jurisdiction. Students, faculty, staff, parents, and/or others are encouraged to report any hazing allegations to UMPD as soon as is reasonably possible. Upon receipt of a report, UMPD will normally conduct a criminal investigation. UMPD officials can also assist hazing victims in notifying other law enforcement authorities, as appropriate. Hazing is a criminal violation under Maryland state law. See Md. Code Ann., Crim. § 3-607.
    2. Office of Student Conduct (Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Building) / Telephone: (301) 314-8204 / studentconduct.umd.eduAll reports of hazing by a Student, Student Group, or Student Organization to the Office of Student Conduct will be reviewed in accordance with the University disciplinary procedures outlined in this policy. There is no time limit to report to the Office of Student Conduct; however, persons are encouraged to promptly report alleged acts of hazing in order to maximize the University’s ability to investigate and respond. The resolution timeframe may vary depending on the complexity of the investigation and severity and extent of the alleged misconduct.
  2. Confidential Resources
    1. University Counseling Center (Shoemaker Building) / Telephone: (301) 314-7651 / counseling.umd.eduThe Counseling Center provides comprehensive psychological and counseling services to meet the mental health and developmental needs of Students and others in the University community. Staffed by counseling and clinical psychologists, the Counseling Center offers a variety of services to help Students, faculty, staff, and other members of the community deal with issues concerning them.
    2. University Mental Health Service (Health Center) / Telephone: (301) 314-8106 / health.umd.edu/behavioral-healthThe Mental Health Service is staffed by psychiatrists and licensed clinical social workers and offers confidential services including short-term psychotherapy, medication evaluations, crisis intervention, and group psychotherapy.
    3. Campus Chaplains / Telephone: (301) 405-8450 or (301) 314-9866 / thestamp.umd.edu/memorial_chapel/chaplainsThe Campus Chaplains represent faith communities and work collectively to serve the spiritual needs of all members of the University community. Contact information for Chaplains is listed on the website referenced above.
    4. Undergraduate Student Legal Aid Office / Telephone: (301) 314-7756 / undergradlegalaid.umd.eduGraduate Student Legal Aid Office / Telephone: (301) 405-5807 / legalaid.umd.eduThe Student Legal Aid Offices provide legal advice and University charge assistance for University Students.
  3. University Disciplinary ProceduresThe Office of Student Conduct is responsible for adjudicating alleged violations of this policy by Students, Student Groups, or Student Organizations. Any person may make a report to the Office of Student Conduct. University Student disciplinary procedures and procedural rights are set forth in the Code of Student Conduct.
  4. SanctionsStudents found responsible for acts of hazing may be suspended or expelled from the University, and organizational sanctions may include revocation or denial of recognition or registration as provided by the Code of Student Conduct. Individuals who participate in acts of hazing may be personally accountable under this policy and the Code of Student Conduct, regardless of the outcome of any related case brought against a Student Group or Student Organization. Students who violate federal, state, and/or local laws may also separately be subject to criminal charges and penalties.
  5. RetaliationRetaliation against any person filing a complaint or cooperating in the investigation of such complaint is strictly prohibited. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, direct or indirect intimidation, threats, and/or harassment involving any party in the investigation. Students, Student Groups, and Student Organizations found responsible for retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action under the Code of Student Conduct. Retaliatory conduct may also constitute a criminal offense.
  6. Interim MeasuresAll reports of alleged hazing to the Office of Student Conduct, regardless of whether the reporting party chooses to pursue resolution through the University disciplinary process, will be investigated, and steps will be taken to provide support to the reporting party or other individuals, as appropriate. This support may include taking appropriate interim action prior to completion of the investigation and conclusion of the Student disciplinary process.Interim measures may include a “no contact” directive serving as notice to a Student, Student Group, Student Organization or its members that they must not have verbal, electronic, written, or third-party communication with one another or with another person, such as a Student seeking membership. Interim measures may also include modification of Students’ academic schedules, University housing and/or University employment arrangements, and an order to cease and desist any or all activities of the Student Group or Student Organization being investigated. Failure to comply with interim measures may result in a Student, a Student Group, or a Student Organization being charged with additional disciplinary violations.

V. Campus Hazing Transparency Report

As required by the Stop Campus Hazing Act, the University will publish in a prominent location online a “Campus Hazing Transparency Report” (the “Report”) that is updated at least twice a year (if indicated) and summarizes findings concerning any Student Organization found responsible for a hazing violation under this policy. This Report shall include: the name of the Student Organization; a description of the policy violation including whether the violation involved the abuse or illegal use of alcohol or drugs; the University’s findings; any sanctions imposed on the Student Organization; the date of the alleged incident; the date the investigation was initiated; the date the investigation ended with a finding of a policy violation; and the date the institution provided notice to the Student Organization that the incident resulted in a policy violation.