North Dakota State University

NDSU Policy Statement on Hazing

As addressed in the Rights and Responsibilities of Community: A Code of Student Behavior, hazing is a broad term encompassing any action or activity that inflicts or intends to cause physical or mental harm or anxieties; that may demean, degrade, or disgrace any person, regardless of location, intent or consent of participants. Hazing can also be defined as any action or situation, on or off campus premises, that intentionally or unintentionally endangers a student for admission into or affiliation with a student organization or group.

Such activities and situations may include, but are not limited to:

• paddling in any form;
• creating excessive fatigue;
• forced consumption of any substance;
• forced road trips;
• morally degrading, demeaning, unsanitary, humiliating games, or stunts;
• harassment, ridicule or other activities prohibited by law or University policy;
• treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips and any other activities carried on outside the confines of the chapter house;
• wearing, publicly or privately, apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste;
• engaging in public stunts or buffoonery;
• late work sessions which interfere with scholastic activities;
• any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution.

It is the responsibility of the fraternity/sorority chapters and primarily its leaders to protect its new members, associate members, members or other individuals from any hazing activity, ceremony or practice. Each chapter must conduct an annual review of their national policy and the University policy on hazing. In addition, all pledge or associate members shall participate in a chapter educational program on hazing. Compliance with this policy will be verified every year through the Student Activities Office.

Non-compliance with this policy will result in disciplinary action. The InterFraternity and Panhellenic Standards Boards shall be responsible for enforcing this policy. When no action is taken by the respective standards board, the University, through the Division of Student Affairs, has the right to pursue these charges. In all cases, the inter/national office will be notified.