Division of Student Affairs
March 2012
Mary B. Coburn, Vice President for Student Affairs
Hazing & Hazing Prevention Amanda Singh, recent FSU graduate, was honored as an Anti-Hazing Hero by HazingPrevention.org in Fall 2011. HazingPrevention.org (non-profit) is the nation’s leading source for hazing prevention resources, training, and information. The Florida State University (FSU) Student Conduct Code outlines behavior expected of all students. ...Hazing is… any group or individual action or activity that inflicts or intends to inflict physical or mental harm or discomfort or which may demean, disgrace, or degrade any person, regardless of location, intent, or consent of participant(s). Although hazing is related to a person’s initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any student group or organization, it is not necessary to have direct proof that a person’s initiation or continued membership is contingent upon participation in the activity for a charge of hazing to be upheld. The actions of either active or associate members (pledges) of an organization may be considered hazing...
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Page 2: (Top) Students participating in ropes course at The Rez; (Middle) Students at Greek Leadership Summit; (Bottom) Panhellenic Association.
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Photos Page 1: (Top) Students coming together on FSUnity Day; (Bottom) Students participating in FSU’s #1 philanthropy Dance Marathon
Hazing Allegations Reported Hazing Allegations at FSU
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The Division of Student Affairs collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to create welcoming, supportive and challenging environments that maximize opportunities for student learning and success. Through high quality programs, the Division facilitates student development, celebrates differences, and promotes civic and global responsibility.
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Mission
After the Florida Legislature passed a new state hazing law in 2005, the Florida State University revised its policy and protocol for hazing prevention, reporting, and response. One major outcome was the creation of the hazing prevention web site: hazing.fsu.edu • This web site is FSU’s central location for hazing resources, reporting, and information. • The site is highly interactive. Students from high-risk populations ‘talk to other students’ about hazing and why it does not belong at FSU. • The site includes an interactive quiz for students to test their knowledge of Florida law and the FSU Student Conduct Code. • Community members can report hazing through the web site and communicate directly with law enforcement and campus officials.
Division of Student Affairs
March 2012
Mary B. Coburn, Vice President for Student Affairs
In 2010, FSU received the Zeta Tau Alpha award for Innovation in Campus Hazing Prevention. The award totaling $10,000 supports hazing prevention education and initiatives.
Hazing Prevention Strategies and Responses
As a part of the FSU Hazing Prevention web site, individuals are encouraged to report any hazing allegations online - hazing.fsu.edu. All reports result in one or more of the following: 1. The President and Advisors of the student organization meet with a university staff member to discuss the reported concern; 2. Educational programming is offered and facilitated for members of the student organization; 3. Investigation by FSUPD; 4. Student Conduct Code hearing for individual student(s) and/or organization(s), if charges are filed. Other hazing prevention strategies include: • Hazing Prevention Week (Fall 2012) • Targeted efforts across campus to share expectations and hazing prevention resources. • Student and staff participation in the Novak Institute for Hazing Prevention.
Outcomes
Due to the collaborative efforts on campus to prevent hazing, we have seen the following: • A decrease in the severity of incidents reported. • A marked increase in communication and collaboration between campus partners. • Continued assessment of our practices and policies. For example, a minor change to the hazing policy is being proposed in the upcoming Student Conduct Code revision. The proposal would provide clarification to students on the definition of hazing. • Creation of the Hazing Prevention Team (HPT) comprised of students, faculty and staff from a variety of areas within FSU including Campus Recreation, Student Activities, Student Government Association, Athletics, Health Promotions, Greek Life, Marching Chiefs, and more.
Despite these improved outcomes, we remain concerned and active on this issue as our community members often change and education is continually needed.
For more information visit: studentaffairs.fsu.edu