Scope
- Students (including students who are not taking courses during a period between semesters but expect to continue matriculation)
- Minors (persons under the age of 18) participating in University-sponsored youth programs
- University-affiliated organizations, including but not limited to:
- Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) of Syracuse University
- Student Government Organizations
- University-recognized or sponsored sports teams (Club or Division 1)
- Bands, Choirs, Honor Societies, Professional Organizations, or other groups affiliated with any University School or College, whether or not separately recognized as student organizations
- University operated youth programs, activities and services and youth service organizations
- Any other planning teams, committees, or groups affiliated with departments, offices, programs, or academic units
- Individuals connected to a University-sanctioned or recognized organization, such as:
- Current members or participants
- Alumni or advisors of the organization or alumni of Syracuse University
- Booster Clubs
- Representatives of external organizations affiliated with or having an interest in University-sanctioned or recognized groups or activities (e.g., inter/national fraternity or sorority, third-party youth programs)
Policy Statement
Syracuse University is dedicated to promoting a safe and healthy campus environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. In addition, Syracuse University is committed to promoting an environment that fosters respect for the dignity and rights of all community members. Consistent with this commitment, the University will not tolerate hazing activities engaged in by any individuals, groups, teams, or recognized student organizations. For more information regarding Syracuse University’s Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, call Community Standards at 315.443.3728 or the office of the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students at 315.443.3417.
Each of us has a responsibility to take action to ensure a safe and healthy student experience.
Enforcement: Syracuse University will enforce this policy through internal disciplinary procedures, the external prosecution of alleged offenders pursuant to the criminal code, or both. Individuals and organizations who participate in acts of hazing will be held accountable under this policy and the Student Conduct Code. For more information regarding the Student Conduct Code, call Community Standards at 315.443.3728.
Definitions: Hazing is punishable as a crime under New York State Law as follows:
- New York Penal Law 120.16; Hazing in the First Degree: A person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct, including, but not limited to, making physical contact with or requiring physical activity of such other person, which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury.
- New York Penal Law 120.17; Hazing in the Second Degree: A person is guilty of hazing in the second degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct, including, but not limited to, making physical contact with or requiring physical activity of such other person, which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person.
In addition, Syracuse University defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by an individual or group, against another person(s) that:
- Is carried out in connection with an initiation into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any student organization (e.g., a club, athletic team, fraternity, or sorority); and
- Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury, including, but not limited to:
- whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to be subject to or participate in acts of shame, humiliation, degradation, or that are lewd or obscene;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to alter their physical appearance (e.g., shaving heads);
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to be socially isolated;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform acts of servitude;
- any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
- any activity against another person that includes a violation of the Student Conduct Code, criminal violation of local, state, tribal, or federal law; and
- any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Student Conduct Code, criminal violation of local, state, tribal, or federal law.
The alleged willingness or consent of the person(s) involved is not a defense, nor are claims based on “tradition” or “bonding” accepted as justification for such conduct.
Participation in the planning or preparation for hazing activities shall also be considered a violation of University policy.
Student Leaders who have knowledge of hazing activities within their organization have a responsibility to immediately report such actions to Community Standards and/or the Department of Public Safety pursuant to Section 18 of the Student Conduct Code.
Sanctions: Hazing poses substantial risks to the safety and well-being of individual students and the University community. As such, violations of this policy and Section 4 of the Student Conduct Code will result in referral to Community Standards and possible disciplinary action which may include, but not be limited to, any or all of the following: suspension or expulsion from the University, loss of University recognition and privileges, referral to law enforcement, participation in educational programs, and other educational or remedial action appropriate to the circumstances. Sanctions imposed under this policy are in addition to, and not precluded by, any penalties available or imposed under generally applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Reporting: To make a report of hazing, or to determine whether a proposed activity constitutes or will constitute hazing, contact the following University Departments:
- Community Standards at 315.443.3728
- Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224
Hazing can be reported using the University’s Hazing Report Form below.
It is important to provide as much detail as possible in your report, including dates, times, locations, descriptions of specific activities, and individuals involved in the alleged acts of prohibited hazing.
Anonymous reports may be made using the form above, or to the Department of Public Safety through the Silent Witness Program or by calling 315.443.TIPS (8477). Please understand that anonymous reports (i.e., no identified reporter to interview) may limit the University’s ability to fully investigate reported acts.
Reservation of Rights: Syracuse University reserves the right to update and amend this policy at any time.
Policy Administration
Links to Procedures and Related Information
Date: June 2025
Amended: March 2016
Amended: October 2005
Amended: 8/20/10
Amended: 10/8/13