Hazing, Sexual Assault, & Alcohol

Hazing Violations

In general, hazing is any intentional act, whether physical, mental, or emotional, that pressures, coerces, or forces a student to do something harmful, humiliating, illegal, or unsafe in order to join, remain in, or gain status within a group or organization.

• Key point: Even if a student consents or agrees to participate, it is still hazing.

At Penn State, hazing is prohibited. Penn State’s definition of hazing can be found in policy AD98. There are also federal and state laws defining and prohibiting hazing. The Federal law is the Stop Campus Hazing Act and Pennsylvania’s State law is the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law. Any sponsored or recognized student organization or Penn State student that commits hazing is subject to disciplinary action through the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response and may face criminal charges for violation of State or other laws.

• To obtain a copy of the hazing letter published by Student Affairs and Intercollegiate Athletics, please contact the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement at studentorg@psu.edu or 814-863-1437.  This letter is shared with student organization leaders and advisors and athletic team captains and coaches on an annual basis.
• Penn State’s Campus Hazing Transparency report provides all findings of violations of the institution’s anti-hazing policy or Federal or State law for five (5) previous consecutive years related to hazing that are reported to the University

Alcohol Violations

Alcohol abuse and illegal alcohol use, on or off University premises, negatively is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and Penn State policies AD18, AD33. Alcohol-related misconduct on or off campus falls under the jurisdiction of the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.

Students may also face legal action for alcohol-related behavior. 

Sexual Assault or Misconduct

Penn State is committed to fostering an environment free from sexual or gender-based harassment or misconduct. The Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response ensures compliance with Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on the sex or gender of employees and students. Behaviors including sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, as well as retaliation for reporting any of these acts violate Title IX and are not tolerated. Additional Information can be found in Penn State policy AD85 and the Student Code of Conduct.