Hazing Policy & Resources

The University of the Arts has no tolerance for hazing. No UArts student, individually or as part of a registered student club or organization, is permitted to engage in behavior that is likely to cause physically or psychological harm to any person within the UArts community.  Review the Student Code of Conduct for additional information. 

University Hazing Policy

The purpose of the Hazing Policy is to protect the safety and rights of all students of the University of the Arts who choose to join a club or other organization that is associated with the University. It applies to all such organizations whether its facilities are located on or off the University campus. Hazing of a student by any organization or group of its members is absolutely prohibited.

  1. For the purposes of this policy, hazing is defined as: any action or situation created intentionally, whether on or off campus, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include, but are not limited to, the following: paddling in any form; use of alcohol; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests; treasure hunts; scavenger hunts; the wearing of public apparel, which is conspicuous and normally not in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and late work sessions or any activities which are not consistent with the policies and regulation of the University of the Arts. Hazing also includes any action or situation that requires or encourages violation of public law. The foregoing definition is based on the definition cited by the Fraternity Executives Association and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  2. Any alleged violations of the non-hazing policy by students will be referred through the University’s conduct review system, which may impose such penalties, including suspension or expulsion from the University, as it deems appropriate.
  3. Any alleged violations by an organization will be referred to the Assistant Vice President of Student Services or their designee, who may impose such penalties, including suspension or revocation of recognition status as a University organization, as may be deemed appropriate.

The University will not tolerate hazing. All student clubs and organizations enhance community life, the University and its members. All segments of the University community must work together to maintain a positive atmosphere of social and moral responsibility. 

The University hazing policy is distributed, via email, to all UArts students, faculty and staff at the start of each semester.

Pennsylvania Hazing Law

Under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 2801 et seq., hazing is defined as follows:

A person commits the offense of hazing if the person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly, for the purpose of initiating, admitting or affiliating a minor or student, applicant or admitted individual into or with an organization, or for the purpose of continuing or enhancing a minor or student, applicant or admitted individual membership or status in an organization, causes, coerces or forces a minor or student, applicant or admitted individual to do any of the following:

  1.  Violate federal or state criminal law;
  2. Consume any food, drink, alcoholic liquid, drug or other substance that subjects the minor or current student, applicant or individual to a risk of emotional or physical harm;
  3. Endure brutality of a physical nature, including whipping, beating, branding, calisthenics or exposure to the elements;
  4. Endure brutality of a mental nature, including activity adversely affecting the mental health or dignity of the individual, sleep deprivation, exclusion from social contact or conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment;
  5. Endure brutality of a sexual nature; and
  6. Endure any other activity that creates a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury to the minor or student, applicant or admitted individual.

The definition of hazing does not include reasonable and customary athletic, law enforcement or military training, contests, competitions or events.

Hazing is also a crime and constitutes a summary offense. If the hazing results in or creates a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury to a minor or student, applicant or admitted individual, it is a misdemeanor of the third degree. Hazing that results in serious bodily injury or death to a minor or student, applicant or admitted individual where an person acts with reckless indifference to the health and safety of a minor or student, applicant or admitted individual or the person causes, coerces or forces the consumption of an alcoholic liquid or drug by the minor or student, applicant or admitted individual is considered aggravated hazing and is a felony of the third degree.

The University and organizations are subject to criminal penalties for intentionally, knowingly and recklessly promoting or facilitating hazing or aggravated hazing. 

Consent is not a defense to a criminal charge of hazing or a charge under the University’s Student Code of Conduct. The sanctioning or approval of the conduct by the University is not a defense to a criminal charge of hazing or a charge under the University’s Student Code of Conduct.

Organizations are defined as:  A fraternity, sorority, association, corporation, order, society, corps, club or service, social or similar group, whose members are primarily minors, students or alumni of the organization, or the University.

How to Report

For any concern relating to hazing, please complete an online CARE Report.
The CARE Report Public Report Form: uarts.edu/carereport

University Hazing Report

Under Pennsylvania law, The University of the Arts is required to share information regarding hazing incidents that have occurred within University organizations. Below is a link to UArts Institutional hazing report. 

Download Report (PDF)

 

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