The document provides information for SUNY Geneseo student organization advisors about their responsibilities regarding hazing prevention. It defines hazing, outlines New York state hazing laws, and discusses the college's hazing policy. Advisors are expected to be informed about hazing issues and policies, discuss hazing prevention with student organizations, and notify the college about any unacceptable behaviors. The document provides resources for advisors and organizations to promote a hazing-free environment.

1. Hazing Prevention
SUNY Geneseo
Student Organizations
Advisors

2. SUNY Geneseo values the principles of
excellence, community, diversity and
integrity. When we take active steps to
prevent and stop hazing, we are standing
up and assuming the responsibility to live
the values of SUNY Geneseo. We are
creating an environment that allows
each one of us to flourish.

3. Advisors are College representatives to the organization
and its activities. As such, advisors are expected to
give reasonable and sound guidance to the
organizations about programs, events, procedures,
etc. All student organizations advisors should be well
informed about the SUNY Geneseo Hazing Policy and
take active steps to prevent hazing.
In addition, all advisors are considered “Campus
Security Authorities” (mandated reporters) and are
expected to notify College administrators of any
unacceptable behavior, violations, or noncompliance on
behalf of the organization.
ADVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

4. What is HAZING?
HAZING means any act, explicit or implicit,
committed by a person, whether individually or in
concert with others, against a student in connection
with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with,
holding office in, or maintaining membership in any
organization or team and which is intended to have
the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to
have the effect of, humiliating, intimidating or
demeaning the student or endangering the mental
or physical health of the student, regardless of the
person's willingness to participate. Hazing also
includes soliciting, directing, aiding, or otherwise
participating actively or passively in the above acts.
http://www.geneseo.edu/handbook/policies_procedures#hazingpolicy

5. What We Don’t Know Can Hurt Us Most:
The Hidden Harm of Hazing
by Travis Apgar and Ross Szabo
As Travis placed the empty pistol to his head, he stated, “I will die for
this fraternity,” and pulled the trigger. What he and his fraternity
brothers didn’t know at the time was that this hazing activity triggered a
lifetime of pain and anger for Travis that went much deeper than his
freshman year of college. When Travis was eight years old his father took
his own life with a gun. The flashback to that event was too much for
him. This event was a trigger point for him, and later that night Travis
lost control. He went on a rage, destroying anything he could, and
eventually ended this night in the hospital.
This is an example of the hidden harm in hazing that is rarely discussed.
Today’s fraternity and sorority members need to know that Travis isn’t
alone. He is only one of many members who come to us broken,
entrusting you to make the right decision and not haze in your fraternity.
You can read the complete article at:
http://deanofstudents.arizona.edu/sites/deanofstudents.arizona.edu/files/Hidden_Harm_of_Hazing_article.pdf

6. New York State Hazing Law
§ 120.16 Hazing in the first
degree.
A person is guilty of hazing in the
first degree when, in the course
of another person’s initiation into
or affiliation with any
organization, he intentionally or
recklessly engages in conduct
which creates a substantial risk of
physical injury to such other
person or a third person and
thereby causes such injury.
Hazing in the first degree is a
class A misdemeanor.
§ 120.17 Hazing in the second
degree.
A person is guilty of hazing in the
second degree when, in the course of
another person’s initiation or affiliation
with any organization, he intentionally
or recklessly engages in conduct which
creates a substantial risk of physical
injury to such other person or a third
person.
Hazing in the second degree is a
violation.

7. SUNY Geneseo Hazing Policy
Hazing means any act, explicit or implicit, committed by a person, whether individually or in concert
with others, against a student in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with,
holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization or team and which is intended to
have the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to have the effect of, humiliating, intimidating
or demeaning the student or endangering the mental or physical health of the student, regardless of
the person's willingness to participate. Hazing also includes soliciting, directing, aiding, or otherwise
participating actively or passively in the above acts. (Approved by College Council Feb. 17, 2012)
Geneseo's Student Code of Conduct states that all members of the college community are required to
abide by the statutory Rules of Public Order (Section 6450) of the New York State Education Law
which specifically states:
No person, either singly or in concert with others shall...
Take any action, create or participate in the creation of any situation which recklessly or intentionally
endangers mental or physical health or which involves the forced consumption of liquor or drugs for
the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization.
http://www.geneseo.edu/handbookpolicies_procedures#hazingpolicy

8. College Hazing Statistics
http://www.insidehazing.com/statistics_25_high.php
1. More than 250,000 students experienced some sort of hazing to join a college athletic team.1
2. 5% of all college students admit to being hazed.2
3. 40% admit to knowing about hazing activities.2
4. 40% report that a coach or club advisor was aware of the hazing.2
5. 22% report that the coach or advisor was involved in the hazing.2
6. 50% of the female NCAA Division I athletes reported being hazed.3
7. More than 20% of female NCAA athletes were subjected to alcohol-related hazing; however even a higher percentage
admitted to "mental hazing" which ranged from singing to being kidnapped.3
8. 10% of the female NCAA athletes were physically hazed including being branded, tattooed, beaten, thrown in water or
having their head forcibly shaved.3
9. 6-9% of the female NCAA athletes were subjected to sexually related hazing including harassment, actual assault or
being expected to simulate sex activities.3
Key
1. Alfred Univeristy Study, Dr. Norm Pollard,
Dr. Elizabeth Allen, et. al, 1999
2. National Study of Student Hazing (prelim),
Dr. Elizabeth Allen and Dr. Mary Madden 2006
3. Dissertation, Dr. Colleen McGlone, 2005
4. Insidehazing, Dr. Susan Lipkins, 2006

9. Types of Hazing
Hazing activities vary in severity and
exist along a continuum.

10. SUBTLE HAZING:
http://www.stophazing.org/hazing-information/types/
Termed “Subtle hazing” because these types of hazing are
often taken-for-granted or accepted as “harmless” or
meaningless.
Some Examples:
• Assigning demerits
• Silence periods with implied threats for violation
• Deprivation of privileges granted to other members
• Requiring new members/rookies to perform duties not assigned to other members
• Socially isolating new members/rookies
• Line-ups and Drills/Tests on meaningless information
• Name calling
• Requiring new members/rookies to refer to other members with titles
(e.g. “Mr.,” “Miss”) while they are identified with demeaning terms
• Being singled out

11. HARASSMENT HAZING:
http://www.stophazing.org/hazing-information/types/
Behaviors that cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort
in order to feel like part of the group.
Some Examples:
• Verbal abuse
• Threats or implied threats
• Asking new members to wear embarrassing or humiliating attire
• Stunt or skit nights with degrading, crude, or humiliating acts
• Expecting new members/rookies to perform personal service to other members such
as carrying books, errands, cooking, cleaning etc

12. VIOLENT HAZING:
http://www.stophazing.org/hazing-information/types/
Behaviors that have the potential to cause physical and/or
emotional, or psychological harm.
Some Examples:
• Forced or coerced alcohol or other drug consumption
• Beating, paddling, or other forms of assault
• Forced or coerced ingestion of vile substances or concoctions
• Water intoxication
• Expecting illegal activity
• Exposure to cold weather or extreme heat without appropriate protection

13. Myth #1: Hazing is a problem for fraternities and sororities primarily.
Fact: Hazing is a societal problem. Hazing incidents have been frequently
documented in the military, athletic teams, marching bands, religious cults,
professional schools and other types of clubs and/or, organizations. Reports of
hazing activities in high schools are on the rise.
Myth #2: Hazing is no more than foolish pranks that sometimes go awry.
Fact: Hazing is an act of power and control over others --- it is victimization.
Hazing is pre-meditated and NOT accidental. Hazing is abusive, degrading and
often life-threatening.
Myth #3: As long as there's no malicious intent, a little hazing should be O.K.
Fact: Even if there's no malicious "intent" safety may still be a factor in
traditional hazing activities that are considered to be "all in good fun." For
example, serious accidents have occurred during scavenger hunts and
kidnapping trips. Besides, what purpose do such activities serve in promoting
the growth and development of group team members?
Adapted from Death By Hazing Sigma Alpha Epsilon. 1988.
MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT HAZING:

14. Myth #4: Hazing is an effective way to teach respect and develop discipline.
Fact: First of all, respect must be EARNED--not taught. Victims of hazing rarely
report having respect for those who have hazed them. Just like other forms of
victimization, hazing breeds mistrust, apathy and alienation.
Myth #5: If someone agrees to participate in an activity, it can't be
considered hazing.
Fact: In states that have laws against hazing consent of the victim can't be used
as a defense in a civil suit. This is because even if someone agrees to
participate in a potentially hazardous action it may not be true consent when
considering the peer pressure and desire to belong to the group.
Myth #6: It's difficult to determine whether or not a certain activity is
hazing--it's such a gray area sometimes.
Fact: It's not difficult to decide if an activity is hazing if you use common sense.
Adapted from Death By Hazing Sigma Alpha Epsilon. 1988.
MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT HAZING:

15. As an Advisor, you may be liable for some
of the actions of your organization. You can
reduce some of the risk by:
1. Being aware of the activities the organization is planning. Discuss the
activities and agree that the planned programs are safe and reasonable.
2. Making it clear that you and the College expect that no hazing will occur.
3. Ensuring that all activities are upholding the College mission statement
and all College policies.
4. Checking with the officers of the organization to make sure they are
aware of the SUNY Geneseo Hazing Policy and discussing with them any
risks associated with their activities and are planning accordingly.
5. Continue to discuss possible ways for the organization to prevent hazing.

16. Faculty Adviser, Beware: You May Be Liable
by Nancy E. Tribbensee
. . . Courts may, in fact, be looking for opportunities to send a message to student
advisers to take a more active role. For example, in Kenner v. Kappa Alpha Psi
Fraternity Inc., a student initiate at the University of Pittsburgh sued the national
fraternity and the chapter adviser after he was beaten more than 200 times with a
paddle, causing him to suffer renal failure and seizures. The appellate court applied a
"duty analysis" and concluded that the defendants owed a legal duty of care to the
student. Although the court did not find evidence to support any breach of duty by the
fraternity and its representatives, it did find a breach by the chapter adviser. The
decision focused on testimony that the chapter adviser attended a membership
"interest meeting" but failed to discuss or provide students with information about
hazing or any of the fraternity's policies on hazing. Additionally, expert testimony said
that had the adviser been more involved in the membership process, the student would
not have sustained his injuries.
You can read the complete article at:
https://www.odu.edu/content/dam/odu/offices/student-activities-leadership/docs/tribensee-faculty-adviser-
beware-you-may-be-at-risk.pdf

17. All SUNY Geneseo organization/club
faculty/staff advisors must complete the form
at the link below :
http://go.geneseo.edu/Hazing
PreventionAdvisor

18. SUNY Geneseo Resources
Geneseo Stand Up Webpage http://www.geneseo.edu/standup
Geneseo Hazing Brochure
http://www.geneseo.edu/webfm_send/7454
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
Student Life Office: 585-245-5851
Athletics Director: 585-245-5345
You can also discuss hazing related events with a Resident Director,
Faculty, or Staff member.

19. Websites
http://www.hazingprevention.org/
http://hazing.cornell.edu/
http://www.stophazing.org/
http://www.stophate.org/
http://www.livethegreendot.com/
http://www.pbis.org/
http://www.teachsafeschools.org/
http://www.stopbullying.gov/
http://www.bullying.org/
http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/Default.aspx
http://www.alfred.edu/hs_hazing/
http://stepupprogram.org/
http://www.stopabuse.vt.edu/pdf/playbook.pdf
http://www.higheredcenter.org/
http://www.hazingstudy.org/
http://www.higheredcenter.org/files/product/problem-analysis.pdf
http://www.hazinglaw.com/