UMD Hazing Policy
This term refers to any reckless or intentional act during initiation, affiliation, or membership that causes harm or risk beyond normal participation.
What is Hazing?
A student is forced to run extra laps at practice because they showed up late.
What is NOT hazing?
If a student needs immediate help or is in danger due to hazing, what’s the first campus number they should call?
What is 911 or UMPD (301-405-3555)?
Our sorority could build community and sisterhood by hosting what kind of fun social event?
What is a sisterhood activity, like a movie night or game night?
Hazing is considered hazing whether or not this is given by the person being hazed.
What is consent (or willingness)?
New members of a student club are required to stay up all night cleaning the clubhouse before being admitted.
What is Hazing?
Sleep Deprivation can result in diminished mental capacity.
If a UMD student wants to review the official university policy on hazing, what website should they visit (2 possible answers)?
What is policies.um.edu or the PHA website which contains a direct link to this site?
A sorority wants new members to bond what is a positive alternative to hazing practices that involves working together for the community?
What is organizing a philanthropy or service project?
According to UMD’s hazing policy, beyond physical injury, hazing may also cause what kind of harm described as a “reduced ability to perform mental or physical tasks"?
What is diminished physical or mental capacity?
A fraternity asks pledges to buy expensive supplies and pay additional fees beyond standard dues in order to join.
What is hazing?
Unreasonable financial requirements outside of membership dues count as hazing.
UMD has an office that educates students about hazing prevention and handles related complaints. What is this office called?
What is the Office of Student Conduct?
The number for this office is 301-314-8204, and if you visit their website they have a hazing report form that can be filled out.
Rather than having new members memorize embarrassing chants, a sorority could teach new members about its values and history through what kind of event?
What is an educational workshop or values-based program?
According to UMD’s hazing policy, when must an act occur for it to qualify as hazing—during personal disputes, or in connection with what specific type of activity?
What is initiation into, affiliation with, or maintenance of membership in a Student Organization or Student Group?
A club tells new members they can “prove their dedication” by joining a hot pepper–eating contest during initiation week. Most members laugh it off, but those who refuse are told they’re “not really part of the team.”
What is hazing?
Coercing someone to consume substances, even without physical harm, qualifies as hazing.
If a student wants confidential support while processing a hazing incident, which campus resource that offers mental health services should they contact?
What is the Counseling Center?
(301) 314-7651
If a sorority wants to create a sense of accomplishment and collaboration without physical hazing, they could have new members plan and lead what type of activity for the chapter?
What is a chapter event, such as a fundraiser or sisterhood retreat?
Hazing is not limited to University rules—it also includes activities that force someone to commit this, whether local, state, Tribal, or Federal.
What is a criminal violation (or crime)?
As part of an initiation tradition, older members of a group stage a “roast night” where new members are publicly ridiculed with harsh jokes and expected to laugh along to “show they can take it.” Some members leave feeling humiliated.
What is hazing?
Emotional distress, humiliation, and degradation are covered in the UMD policy, regardless of intent.
Outside of UMD, which national hotline is available 24/7 for hazing and hazing prevention resources?
What is the National Hazing Prevention Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE)?
To build trust and unity without hazing, a sorority could hold activities that encourage teamwork and reflection. What is one example of this type of structured experience?
What is a leadership or team-building retreat?