Alfred University believes that any group or organization composed of students, faculty, staff and/or visitors has the responsibility to create an environment within which all activities are pursued in a sound and productive manner. Any group or organization which includes hazing as part of its activities creates a risk of hazardous conditions.
Alfred University defines hazing as “any activity or action which subtly, flagrantly, recklessly, or deliberately demeans, embarrasses, threatens, invites ridicule or draws inappropriate or negative attention to a member, affiliate, or group, and/or an attitude which implies one member/affiliate is superior to another or that membership in the group must be earned through personal services or meaningless activities. Furthermore, this definition includes any action which results in the impairment of academic performance or causes failure to properly fulfill obligations to University-sponsored groups and organizations.”
Alfred University unconditionally opposes any form of hazing. Any violation of this policy should be reported immediately to the Dean of Student Wellbeing. Any member or affiliate who is in violation of this policy is subject to suspension, expulsion, or other conduct proceeding, or, if the violator is a group or organization, recision of affiliation with Alfred University.
Furthermore, New York State defines hazing as follows: “A person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury.” (Penal Law S120.16) Hazing in the second degree (a violation) incorporates a nearly identical definition except that no actual injury to any person needs to be proven. (Penal Law, S120.17)