Statement on Hazing

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON

Believing that true fraternalism is nurtured by an atmosphere of social and moral responsibility, respect for duly constituted authority, loyalty to the principles of higher education and belief in the founding ideals, the California State University, Fullerton Greek Alumni Advisory Council, the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council all oppose all forms of hazing.

The California State University, Fullerton, GAAC, IFC, and Panhellenic defines hazing as any action or situation, on or off fraternity/sorority premises, that involves physically abusing or intentionally inflicting emotional distress upon another member of the University community which produces physical and/or emotional discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule.

Such activities and situations include, but are not limited to, paddling of any form, creation of excessive fatigue, physical shocks, morally degrading or humiliating games, or any form of mental or physical harassment. This may include late work sessions which interfere with scholastic achievement; activities which are not consistent with fraternal/sorority law, ritual, or policy; or activities in conflict with regulations and policies of California State University, Fullerton.

The CSUF Hazing Policy, which follows, is a part of this document:

POLICY ON HAZING:  California State University, Fullerton expects that all members of all recognized student organizations will observe and fully comply with the State of California Education Code requirements on hazing. In addition, all students are expected to adhere to regulations set forth by their respective national organizations, IFC, Panhellenic and Black Greek Council, and University policies concerning practices commonly referred to as hazing. It is the responsibility of the officers of student organizations to be informed of all the above mentioned regulations and to see that they are brought to the attention of the rest of the membership. Violations of these regulations should be brought to the Vice President of Student Affairs.

During each Student Officer Orientation, coordinated by the Office of Student Life [Dean of Students Office], this policy shall be reviewed, thereby educating all recognized student organizations. Additionally, at the beginning of each semester, the president of each social fraternity and sorority shall submit to the Office of Student Life [Dean of Students Office], on a form provided by that office, a statement signed by each elected officer of the organization attesting to the fact that they have read and understand the information provided by the University regarding Hazing. The collecting of the officers’ signatures and the submission of this form in a timely manner is the responsibility of the president of each organization. Failure to submit this form by the deadlines established by the Office of Student Life will result in suspension of University recognition and a loss of campus privileges.

UNIVERSITY POLICY:  California State University at Fullerton’s policy with respect to hazing prohibits any recognized student organization from engaging collectively or individually in any of the following practices as part of any program or general activity:

1. All forms of physical activity not a part of an organized athletic contest and not specifically directed toward constructive work is prohibited.

2. The application of foreign substances to the body is prohibited.

3. Such activities as new member only scavenger hunts, new member ditches, kidnaps, and the like are prohibited.

4. Any activity which is mandatory for new members only, and is not educational in nature is prohibited.

5. Depriving students of sufficient sleep (6 hours per day minimum), decent and edible meals, or access to means of maintaining bodily cleanliness is prohibited.

6. Depriving students of "sense awareness" (sight, sound, etc.) which may cause mental and/or physical stress is prohibited.

7. Forcing, coercing or permitting students to eat, or drink foreign or unusual substances such as raw meat, salt water, onions, etc., is prohibited.

8. Forcing, or allowing, students to dress in any unusual or awkward fashion is prohibited.

ALLEGATIONS OF HAZING:  Allegations of violation of State law or University policies regarding hazing are handled by the Vice President of Student Affairs. After assuring that due process has been followed in determining the facts of a given case, and that all parties involved have access to all of these facts, and that the accused organization has an opportunity to face its accuser, the Vice President of Student Affairs shall make a determination regarding the apparent validity of the charge. If the organization indeed appears to have violated State law or University policy, the Vice President may invoke sanctions ranging from a warning to withdrawal of recognition. Decisions of the Vice President may be appealed to the President of the University.

If it appears to the Vice President of Student Affairs that the act of hazing which was committed was so serious as to endanger the life of the person or persons who were hazed, the Vice President shall additionally refer the matter to the University Police.

Any violation of this policy or injury resulting from activities or situations herein described will also be referred to the Greek Review Board.