University Policy on Hazing

The University of California San Diego is committed to providing a safe educational environment for everyone and does not tolerate hazing by any group or individual. The University expects that all students and registered student organizations will observe and fully comply with State law, Regents' policies, University regulations, and administrative rules associated with the prohibition of hazing.

What Constitutes Hazing?

A 2006 law (California Penal Code §245.6) designates some forms of hazing as a felony criminal offense, and defines it as:

“Any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in this state.”

The University of California Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline forbids incidents of hazing both on and off campus (including virtual/remote incidents) by individual students and/or Registered Student Organizations, and prohibits:

“Participation in hazing or any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a campus organization or other activity engaged in by the organization or members at any time that causes, or is likely to cause, physical injury or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in psychological harm to any student or other person.”

Prohibited Activities

Regardless of perceived severity, all instances of hazing (including virtual/remote activities) may be subject to criminal investigation. While hazing can be subtle, harassing, or violent, activities in violation of the University’s Standards of Conduct include, but are not limited to:

Subtle behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between new members/rookies and other members of a group or team:

Personal servitude (e.g., forcing another person to wash cars, carry books and equipment, cook meals, clean rooms, etc.);
Requiring new members/rookies to memorize information not explicitly required by the national new member process;
Socially isolating new members/rookies;
Requiring new members/rookies to refer to other members by titles (e.g., “Mr.,” “Sir”, “Miss”);
Expecting specific items to always be in a new member’s/rookie's possession (e.g., pledge pins, hats, new member binder, etc.).

Harassment behaviors which cause emotional anguish and/or physical discomfort in order to feel like part of the group:

Requiring new members/rookies to wear embarrassing or humiliating attire;
Forced/coerced participation in calisthenics, push-ups, sit-ups, running, or other strenuous activities;
Tuck-ins;
Required participation in quests, scavenger/treasure hunts, or road trips
Sleep deprivation;
Other potentially degrading activities such as line-ups, mock trials, or interrogations.

Violent behaviors with the potential to cause physical, psychological, or emotional harm:

Forced or coerced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, controlled substances, or other substances;
Physical abuse (e.g., pushing/hitting, paddling, exposure to cold/heat, etc.);
Verbal threats;
Public nudity;
Member ditches, “drop-offs”, abductions, or kidnapping.

Legal Consequences

Hazing that results in serious bodily injury may be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor, and may result in one year or more of imprisonment; as well as criminal probation, community service, and fines of up to $5,000. This does not preclude an individual from being charged with additional criminal offenses (e.g., an incident of “violent hazing” may also lead to charges for assault and battery).

In addition, a civil action may be brought by the victim or the victim’s family against the organization and its individual members. Principal members of student organizations may be held personally liable for monetary damages.

University Sanctions

If individual students and/or Registered Student Organizations accept responsibility or are found responsible for hazing, sanctions potentially include suspension or expulsion from the University of California system. Other sanctions may include non-academic disciplinary probation, exclusion from University activities or grounds, mandatory community service, and/or educational intervention program participation.

We encourage you to make informed decisions about opportunities for involvement. Any violation of the University’s Standards of Conduct by Registered Student Organizations will result in the publication of the violation(s) on the Center for Student Accountability, Growth, and Education (SAGE) website, including a short summary of the incident, the alleged violation(s), and the applicable sanctions. This information is publicly accessible here.

Reporting Acts of Hazing

To report an act of hazing – anonymously if you choose – visit hazing.ucsd.edu or email hazing@ucsd.edu.

Student Involvement

There are many opportunities for campus involvement at UC San Diego, including nearly 700 registered student organizations, student governments, college and graduate councils, community engagement opportunities, sports and recreation clubs, and more.

UC San Diego is also home to more than 40 recognized sororities and fraternities that offer opportunities to cultivate bonds with students who have similar values, serve the community, and develop leadership skills inside and outside of the chapter experience. To help students make informed decisions about their involvement – and in accordance with enactment of the Fraternity and Sorority Transparency Act, UC San Diego collects data and posts annual Community Performance Reports which include information specific to campus-recognized fraternities and sororities.

There are many benefits to involvement, including increased sense of belonging, expanding leadership skills, greater well-being, and stronger community. Together, we can ensure that all opportunities are safe and healthy for all UC San Diego students.

For More Information

For further information or to clarify which activities may constitute hazing and are prohibited by California Law or University policy, contact SAGE at (858) 534-6225, the Center for Student Involvement at (858) 534-0501, or Student Legal Services at (858) 534-4374.

Sincerely,

Alysson M. Satterlund
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life

University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093