ODU Anti-Hazing Policy

ODU holds students accountable for their behavior both on and off-campus and addresses behavior that is a violation of the Philosophy of Student Conduct. This policy applies to student organizations, groups and individuals and is effective from matriculation to commencement, including breaks in the academic year. Additionally, this policy applies to all members of the University community, including faculty, staff, students, volunteers, organizations, and groups, as well as visitors and other licensees and invitees.

This policy applies to:

• behavior that occurs on or off University premises
• off-campus facilities of Registered Student Organizations, at University-sponsored or approved activities, and at non-University activities
• all University locations, including where the University is extended to distance education, such as study abroad, service trips, experiential learning opportunities, and athletic, club sport, and other group travel. 

This regulation may also be applied to behavior conducted online, via e-mail or through electronic media, in cases where the behavior is not protected by freedom of expression. The University does not regularly search for online information, but may take action if such information is brought to the attention of University officials.

Sanctions for Violations of the Policy

The Dean of Students or designee shall administer sanctions for violations of this policy. Student groups subject to University jurisdiction and individual students found responsible for violations of this regulation shall be sanctioned in accordance with the Philosophy of Student Conduct. For student groups, sanctions include, but are not limited to, revocation of registration or denial of application for registration, loss of ODU privileges such as the ability to formally meet on campus and to use campus facilities, or to represent ODU and, in the case of fraternities and sororities, the right to be recognized or operate at the University.

Sanctions imposed by ODU for violations of this policy may be in addition to any penalty imposed for violation of the criminal laws of the State of Ohio and for violation of any other University regulations or policies.

For groups that are formally associated with ODU (i.e. varsity athletics teams, University bands, or any other groups supported by the University that are not required to register as a student organization), sanctioning for violations of this policy shall be determined by the area Vice President that sponsors/supports the group in consultation with the Dean of Students/designee.

Enforcement of the Policy

The Office of Student Well-Being and Development shall coordinate the investigation of all hazing allegations. When appropriate, other college offices may handle certain aspects of the college response (e.g., Human Resources, Public Safety.)

Additionally, the Office of Student Well-Being and Development will assess the need for interim measures (e.g. suspension of current group activities). Every effort will be taken to complete the investigation in a timely manner. The hazing allegation will be investigated and resolved in keeping with the Philosophy of Student Conduct process. At the point when a formal conduct charge is made against an organization, the national or oversight organization, if any, shall be notified. Criminal investigations resulting from a report to law enforcement will be handled by the appropriate law enforcement agency.

ODU may charge an individual or a group with a violation of this Hazing Policy via the Student Code of Conduct and/or other college rules, regulations or policies. Sanctions applied to organizations and/or individuals will be imposed in accordance with the severity of the violation and will be determined by the Office of Student Well-Being and Development.

Definition of Hazing

Hazing means intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly, for the purposes of initiating, admitting or affiliating a student into or with an organization, or for the purpose of continuing or enhancing a student’s membership or status in an organization, causing, coercing or forcing a student to do any of the following, regardless of whether such conduct occurs on or off campus:

• Violate Federal or State criminal law
• Consume any food, liquid, alcoholic liquid, drug or other substance which subjects the student to a risk of emotional or physical harm
• Endure brutality of a physical nature, including whipping, beating, branding, calisthenics or exposure to the elements
• Endure brutality of a mental nature, including actively adversely affecting the mental health or dignity of the individual, sleep deprivation, exclusion from social contact or conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment
• Endure brutality of a sexual nature
• Endure any other activity that creates a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury to the student

*not an exhaustive list

It shall not be a defense to a charge of hazing that the student consented to the conduct in question.

Reporting an Incident

Campus safety is our top priority and we take all reports of misconduct seriously to protect everyone’s health and well-being. ODU depends on community members to identify and report behaviors of concern so that ODU can provide distressed students and employees with appropriate support services and resources. We are all responsible for campus safety. If you see any concerning behavior or suspicious behavior report it to the Dean of Students or Office of Student Well-Being and Development.

ODU is committed to reviewing all reports of hazing. Anonymous reports are accepted; however, the college’s ability to obtain additional information may be compromised and the ability to investigate anonymous reports may be limited.

A "mandatory reporter" must immediately report knowledge of hazing as defined in this policy to the Office of Student Well-Being and Development. A mandatory reporter who fails to make a timely report may be subject to appropriate discipline. Each of the following is considered a "mandatory reporter":

• Any full or part-time employee of the University (including student employees and graduate assistants), or
• Any volunteer acting in an official capacity who advises or coaches student organizations and/or student groups and who have direct contact with students.

Employees who are required by law to protect confidentiality are exempt from this requirement

Note: Reports made pursuant to this Policy do not supersede or replace other reporting obligations.

Posting of Violations

ODU will maintain a report of all violations of this policy that are reported to the University and which result in a charge of violation of this policy. ODU will update the report bi-annually on January 1 and August 1 of each year and will post the updated report on the University’s website.

Training on Policy

ODU shall provide annually at least one program on hazing prevention education to all members, prospective members and anyone who is employed by or volunteers with the organization. The education may be provided in person, electronically, or both. ODU will maintain a record of individuals who have completed the program.

All students seeking membership in a registered student organization or student group as defined above must complete the anti-hazing training provided by ODU. Failure to complete the training will result in the student being denied the ability to join or participate in any recognized student organization or group.