The University deplores hazing and any other inappropriate and dangerous behavior or related activities. The University prohibits this type of practice. If a chapter is found in violation of the standards of the University, the Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Council, the Pan-Hellenic Council and/or the affiliated national or international organization, disciplinary sanctions will be taken.

All rites, ceremonies or practices of initiation or orientation into university life or into the life or membership of any university group or organization, should be of an educational, historical, functional, and inspirational nature consistent with the accepted principles of higher education at Georgia College & State University.

Any rites of induction, practices, ceremonies, or behaviors which require or allow mental or physical suffering are prohibited. Specifically, hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created, intentionally or unintentionally, on or off campus, which could be reasonably expected to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, ridicule, violation of University rules and regulations, violation of the laws or policies of the parent organization, and/or violation of any local, state, or national laws.

All rules and regulations of Georgia College & State University as well as local, state and national laws shall supersede policies of national or local organizations. All assessments as to the appropriateness of an action will be considered within the context of the standards of the total university community.

Activities considered to be hazing shall include one or both of the following elements: (1) coercion, either overt or covert, and (2) production of physical or mental discomfort in either the participants or the spectators. Such activities suggested by a group or a member of a group to new or trial members will be considered covert coercion even if the activity is said to be voluntary.

Several specific actions or practices that are considered to be hazing are:

1. Paddling in any form;

2. Physical and psychological shocks;

3. Performances producing excessive fatigue, physical exhaustion or physical injury;

4. Performances that are hazardous or dangerous in any way;

5. Tasks of personal servitude;

6. Physical disfigurements (temporary or permanent);

7. Wearing or displaying of improper apparel or other articles in public;

8. Nudity in public;

9. Any morally degrading or humiliating games or other activities;

10. Any late work sessions or meetings which interfere with scholastic activities or requirements;

11. Loud noises or other activities which disturb the neighborhood;

12. Activities or actions that require or include theft; and

13. Any action which brings the reputation of the group or organization into public disfavor or disrepute.

Each and every organization has the responsibility for informing its membership, both old and new, of University policies, including those of hazing. All Georgia College & State University student organizations are responsible for the actions of all visiting members, friends, and/or alumni who will be subject to the same behavioral standards and policies as members of the organization.

The staff of the Division of Student Affairs will assist in the proper implementation of these policies. Complaints and charges of violations will be investigated and forwarded to the Vice President and Dean of Students or his designee.

It is possible for either individuals or organizations to be held responsible in the event these policies are violated. Violations may result in University disciplinary action as well as action through the civil courts. University disciplinary action may include the withdrawal of University recognition from offending organizations through a due process hearing.

Note: These policies apply to associate groups, interest groups, pledges, associate member classes, and generally any activity associated with any student organization registered by the University.

Each organization must file with the adviser of the appropriate governing body by October 1 of each year a signed copy of the following policies:

1. The University Non-Hazing Policy;

2. The organization's national, international, and local Hazing Policy;

3. The organization's national, international, and local Alcohol Education and Implementation Policy; and

4. The organization's national, international, and local Pledge Education Program.

Failure to provide these documents may result in University recognition being withdrawn from the organization. Georgia College & State University enforces House Bill No. 1661 enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Georgia which states, "It shall be unlawful for any person to haze any student in connection with or as a condition or precondition of gaining acceptance, membership, office, or other status in a school organization. Any person who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500."