Campus Anti-Hazing Information
Anti-Hazing Policy Statement
Hazing is abusive, degrading, psychologically damaging, and may be life-threatening. It is unacceptable in all forms and has no place in the Alfred State community. Student groups, organizations, and athletic teams are vital contributors to a vibrant and positive campus and are expected to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct and treat others with respect. Hazing by individuals and student organizations is strictly prohibited in all forms, on and off campus. Alfred State’s anti-hazing policy has been developed to comply with the Stop Campus Hazing Act and New York State (NYS) Education Law Section 6430 (1)
Definitions
Hazing
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with others) against another person, regardless of the willingness of such other person to participate, that:
- Is committed during initiation into, affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in a student organization; and
- Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
- Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
- Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
- Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
- Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
- Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of applicable local, [insert applicable state name] State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
- Any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.
Under NYS Penal Law, a person can be found guilty of hazing in the first degree (a Class A misdemeanor) if the person is found to be “intentionally or recklessly engaging in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury” (Pen. L. § 120.16). An offense designated as hazing in the second degree (a violation) incorporates a nearly identical definition except that no actual injury to any person needs to be proved (Pen. L. § 120.17). Being convicted of this offense can result in a sentence of up to 15 days in jail, a monetary fine, and community service obligations.
Student Organization
An organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether the organization is established or recognized by the institution.
Reporting Incidents of Hazing
Alfred State encourages the reporting of hazing incidents and takes every report seriously. The College will investigate all reports diligently and thoroughly in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and any other applicable policies and procedures. Individuals and organizations found responsible for committing, soliciting, encouraging, directing, aiding, or recklessly permitting hazing to occur will be subject to disciplinary sanctions, including suspension and expulsion.
Any person may report hazing in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail to the campus office designated to receive hazing reports, using the contact information listed below, or by utilizing the online reporting form.
Options for Reporting Hazing
Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards
Town House Commons Building
10 Upper College Dr.
Alfred, NY 14802
Email: StudentConduct@alfredstate.edu
Phone: 607-587-4065
Online Reporting Form
Private and Confidential Reporting
Alfred State College respects the privacy of individuals who report hazing (i.e., complainants), but cannot guarantee confidentiality. Information shared with non-confidential resources will be disclosed only as necessary to investigate, seek a resolution, or comply with college policies and procedures, as well as applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Offices and officials who are confidential resources will not report to law enforcement or college officials without the complainant’s permission, except in extreme circumstances, such as health or safety emergencies. Alfred State College offices that are considered confidential are as follows:
Alfred State’s Health & Wellness Centers
TA Parish Hall
10 Upper College Dr.
Alfred, NY 14802
Phone: 607-587-4200
Pioneer Student Union (PSU)
2530 River Rd.
Wellsville, NY 14895
Phone: 607-587-3141
Individuals Serving in a Pastoral Role at St. Jude Chapel
St. Jude Chapel
Lower College Dr.
Alfred, NY 14802
Phone: 607-587-9411
Special Consideration for Reporters of Hazing
Students may hesitate to report hazing due to concerns about the consequences they may face for participating in the hazing activity. For this reason, students who act in good faith to report hazing and cooperate fully as witnesses in the investigation and disciplinary process may not be subject to student conduct action related to their involvement.
Consideration will be provided on a case-by-case basis, but the circumstances will be reviewed in a manner most favorable to the reporting party. However, this determination remains at the college's sole discretion. If information is later presented that the reporting student has continued to engage in hazing or has knowledge of hazing activity that was not reported, they may be held accountable for their past behavior.
Students who choose to report and request special consideration should be aware that a decision to forgo campus disciplinary action does not preclude any criminal or civil actions that may be taken by litigants or law enforcement agencies, including University Police.
Investigation Process
After a report is received, Alfred State College will promptly review the submission to determine the appropriate course of action. If a report indicates criminal activity, University Police and/or local law enforcement will be involved. The College will investigate the circumstances and determine whether potential infractions of the Student Code of Conduct and/or any other applicable policies or procedures may have occurred. If the investigation indicates that hazing violations have occurred, the case will be referred to the appropriate hearing officer/body for adjudication.
Retaliation
No person may intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any individual because the individual made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under the Anti-Hazing Policy and Procedure. Complaints alleging retaliation may be filed with the Office of Student Conduct, University Police, and/or Human Resources. Any reports of retaliation involving an employee covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement will be addressed through the appropriate processes.
Hazing Prevention and Awareness Programs
Alfred State College offers regular, research-informed, campus-wide prevention programming that includes information on institutional policies against hazing and primary prevention strategies to stop hazing before it occurs. This prevention and awareness programming includes skill-building for bystander intervention, information on ethical leadership, and the promotion of strategies for building group cohesion without hazing.