Who this site is for:

This site is a resource for students, staff, faculty, alumni, parents and others interested in learning about hazing within student groups at SUNY Geneseo.

What you should know:

• - Hazing is a violation of SUNY Geneseo policy and New York State law.
• - Hazing takes various forms, but typically involves physical risks or mental distress through, for example, humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning treatment.
• - Hazing can cause significant harm to individuals, groups and the College.
• - Hazing has occurred in fraternities, sororities, athletic teams, performance groups, and other organizations.
• - Groups that haze often view it as positive and necessary.
• - Groups that haze can achieve the positive outcomes they seek from hazing through non-hazing means.

So What Exactly Is Hazing?

College policy defines hazing as any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off private premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule.

But how do you know if an activity is hazing? Ask yourself these questions:

• 1. Is alcohol involved?
• 2. Will active/current members of the group refuse to participate with the new members and do exactly what they're being asked to do?
• 3. Does the activity risk emotional or physical abuse?
• 4. Is there risk of injury or a question of safety?
• 5. Do you have any reservation describing the activity to your parents, to a professor, or College official?
• 6. Would you object to the activity being photographed for the school newspaper or filmed by the local TV news crew?

If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," the activity is probably hazing.

Hazing Policy from the Student Code of Conduct

Remember - to stop hazing, we must begin with education and strong leaders who care about the future of their organizations!

Find out more information about the Geneseo hazing policy and NY state law at
http://www.geneseo.edu/handbook/policies_procedures#hazingpolicy

Hazing Brochure

As a member - new or returning - of a student organization at Geneseo you have an obligation to ensure that your organization upholds the principals upon which it was founded, as well as to protect your own dignity.

Check out the Hazing brochure for examples of hazing, hazing myths, and information on how to combat hazing in your organization. https://www.geneseo.edu/webfm_send/2771

Contacts & Resources

In an emergency contact: University Police 585-245-5222

Dean of Students: 585-245-5706
Student Conduct and Campus Standards: 585-245-5714
Greek Affairs office: 585-245-5968
College Union & Activities Office: 585-245-5851
Athletics Director: 585-245-5345

*You can also discuss hazing related events with a Resident Director, Faculty, or Staff member. JUST STAND-UP AND TELL SOMEONE!

Additional Resources:

Hazing Prevention: HazingPrevention.org
Stop Hazing: Stophazing.org
The Gordie Foundation: http://www.gordie.org/Education.aspx
National Collaborative for Hazing research: http://www.hazingstudy.org/
Novak Institute: http://www.hazingprevention.org/novak-institute-for-hazing-prevention