»Hazing Definition and Policy

Hazing - Hazing is prohibited. Hazing includes any method of initiation or preinitiation into, or condition of continued membership in, any student group, club, body, or organization of any kind (“Organization”), regardless of whether it is officially recognized by the University, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any former, current, or prospective student. To be clear, covered groups include but are not limited to Greek lettered organizations, athletic teams, club sports, governing bodies, societies, departmental student organizations or committees, any other University recognized student organization, any student organization seeking University recognition, or any student organization not recognized or sponsored by the University. Hazing also includes any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that: 

1. Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student Organization; and
2. Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the Organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for the participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including but not limited to:
   1. Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
   2. Causing, coercing, or otherwise, inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
   3. Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
   4. Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
   5. Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
   6. Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law;
   7. 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; and
   8. Any prohibited actions, methods, or situations illustrated on Chapman University’s Hazing Prevention Website.

Chapman University’s Hazing Policy is distinct from and broader than California Penal Code section 245.6, which prohibits: “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.” A violation of Penal Code Section 245.6 that does not result in serious bodily injury is punishable as a misdemeanor, while a violation that results in death or injury is punishable as a felony or a misdemeanor.

Nothing in this Hazing Policy prevents Chapman University from taking institutional action against hazing activity that falls outside the narrower definition of Penal Code section 245.6 or other applicable law concerning hazing, including, but not limited to the California Stop Campus Hazing Act and the Federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, but falls within other University policies. Additionally, if an incident of hazing involves sexual misconduct, such incident may also need to be investigated and addressed in accordance with Title IX and state law requirements.

Hazing Prevention and Awareness
To promote a hazing-free environment, Chapman University provides research-informed training programs to the campus community, including incoming students, recognized student groups, athletic teams, sororities and fraternities, and staff and faculty serving as advisors. These programs are designed to help community members recognize hazing, develop prevention and intervention skills, and understand Chapman’s hazing-related policies and reporting options.

Reporting Incidents of Hazing
Chapman University encourages the reporting of suspected hazing activities. Hazing may be reported in person, by mail, by telephone or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Office of the Senior Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, or by utilizing the online reporting forms:

Office of the Senior Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Argyros Forum 205
Email: dos@chapman.edu
Phone: (714) 997-6721
Hazing Reporting Form Link

To report hazing activity in progress on campus that involves criminal or other conduct endangering health and safety, please call Public Safety at (714) 997-6763, who will contact 9-1-1 and lead the first responders to the appropriate location.

To report hazing activity in progress off campus that involves criminal or other conduct endangering health and safety, please call 9-1-1.

Reports of hazing will be investigated in accordance with the Student Conduct Code. Individuals found responsible for committing, soliciting, encouraging, directing, aiding, or recklessly permitting hazing to occur will be subject to disciplinary sanctions that could include suspension or expulsion for individuals and permanent loss of recognition for groups.

Information about hazing will be included in the Annual Security Report published by the Department of Public Safety in accordance with the Federal Stop Campus Hazing Act.

Private and Confidential Reporting
Chapman University will take appropriate steps to respect the privacy of reporters but cannot guarantee confidentiality for hazing reports. The information you provide to a non-confidential resource will be relayed only as necessary to investigate and/or seek a resolution and/or to comply with other appropriate University policies and procedures, and any federal, state and/or local laws, rules and regulations. Chapman University will limit the disclosure to those with a need to know, as determined by the University, even if the University determines that the request for confidentiality cannot be honored.

Offices and officials who are confidential resources will not report to law enforcement or University officials without a complainant/reporting party's permission, except for extreme circumstances, such as a health and/or safety emergency, in compliance with law and policy.

Amnesty Related to Hazing Reports
Chapman University recognizes that students are sometimes reluctant to report hazing activity, due to a fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. For this reason, the University has adopted an amnesty policy which states that a student who acts in good faith to report activity that may fall within the definition of hazing and/or a victim who cooperates fully as a witness in the investigation and disciplinary process may not be subject to student conduct sanctions related to their own participation in hazing behavior, as determined by the University in its sole discretion.

Investigation Process
After a report is received, Chapman University will quickly review the submission and determine the next appropriate actions, including whether to call Public Safety and/or law enforcement. Chapman University will also conduct its own investigation to prevent a recurrence of the alleged hazing and to determine if there are potential violations of the Student Conduct Code and/or any other applicable processes, depending upon the nature of the complaint.

No Retaliation
Retaliation is an adverse action taken against anyone for reporting, supporting, or assisting in the reporting and/or adjudication of any of the behaviors prohibited in this Code, the Student Policy on Sexual Harassment Prohibited by Title IX and/or the Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, or any other University policy, or against anyone perceived to be involved in any of these actions. Retaliation may include intimidation, violation of a No Contact order, harassment, eBorts to impede an investigation, or filing a false or bad faith cross-complaint. Retaliation under this Code is prohibited by University policy, state, and federal law.

Retaliation is a violation of policy regardless of whether the underlying complaint is found to be a violation of policy.

• Preinitiation and Initiation: refers to the process of joining or being introduced into a group, organization, or team.
• Serious Bodily Injury: an injury that creates a substantial risk of death, causes serious permanent disfigurement, or long-term loss or impairment of any body part or function.
• Personal Degradation or Disgrace: any act that causes shame, embarrassment, humiliation, or a loss of dignity.
• Reckless Act: an act done with disregard for the safety or well-being of others, even if harm was not intended.
• Coercing: Forcing or pressuring someone to do something against their will, either through threats, manipulation, or social pressures.

Hazing can take many forms, some subtle, others extreme, and not all are immediately obvious. With this wide range, hazing often goes unrecognized or unreported. At Chapman University, hazing is strictly prohibited, regardless of intent or whether participation appears voluntary. This includes actions presented as tradition, team-building, bonding, or initiation. The following behaviors are some examples of hazing and are not permitted under any circumstances:

• Physical abuse or assault such as paddling, shoving, striking, branding, beating, or forced physical activity not related to an organized athletic contest.

• Forced or coerced consumption of food, water, alcohol, drugs, or other substances — especially in excessive, unusual, or harmful quantities.

• Sleep and hygiene deprivation, including requiring individuals to go without sufficient rest, clean clothing, or access to basic hygiene.

• Sexual misconduct, including pressuring or requiring individuals to engage in sexual behavior, strip, or engage in sexually suggestive acts.

• Verbal abuse or harassment, including shouting, name-calling, threats, intimidation, or interrogation-style “line-ups.”

• Social isolation, silencing individuals for extended periods of time or excluding them from social interaction.

• Demeaning or humiliating activities, such as requiring embarrassing clothing, servitude, cleaning duties, or participation in degrading games.

• Interference with academic obligations, such as requiring participation in late-night events or activities that cause missed classes, loss of study time, or exhaustion.

• Psychological manipulation or deceit, including lying to new members about their initiation status or expected harm.

• Enforced uniformity, including compelling individuals to wear specific outfits, carry items at all times, or answer phones/doors with chants or songs.

• Endangerment or unsafe activities, such as abandonment, exposure to extreme weather, blindfolding, kidnapping-style pranks, or requiring tests of bravery or endurance.

• Unreasonable restrictions or surveillance, including limiting access to phones or requiring members to escort others or report movements.

• Group power dynamics, where active members assert control, authority, or dominance over new members through rituals or requirements that reinforce hierarchy.