I. Policy Statement

Grand Valley State University (“GVSU”) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all students. Hazing in any form, by any person or group, is strictly prohibited and is inconsistent with the values of our community. In addition to complying with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (“Clery Act”) and Michigan state law (MCL 750.411t), GVSU enforces a zero-tolerance policy with respect to hazing and requires all student organizations and affiliated groups to uphold this standard.

II. Definitions

A. Hazing is defined as 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, whether physical, mental, emotional, or psychological, 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 participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury.

B. Hazing includes, but is not limited to:

1. whipping, beating, striking, branding, 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; and
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.

C. Student organization is defined (for the purposes of this policy) as an organization at GVSU (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, order, corporation, service group, student government, or similar group) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at GVSU, whether or not the organization is established or recognized.

III. Scope

This policy applies to all members of the GVSU community, including students, student organizations (recognized and unrecognized), visitors, volunteers, faculty, and staff. This policy also applies to events occurring on or off campus and/or online if the conduct objectively interferes with the individual’s ability to access GVSU’s programs or activities.

IV. Reporting and Transparency Requirements (in accordance with Clery Act guidelines)

A. Annual Security Report (ASR) Compliance: GVSU will include all reported hazing statistics in its Annual Security Report.

B. Public Hazing Violation Disclosure: GVSU will maintain a publicly accessible, online Campus Hazing Transparency Report which discloses findings of recognized student organization hazing violations.

C. Retention of Hazing Records: Reports will remain publicly accessible for no fewer than five calendar years from the date of publication.

V. Prevention and Education

In compliance with the Clery Act, GVSU will provide research-informed hazing education and prevention programming designed to reach students, staff, faculty, and advisors involved with student organizations intended to stop hazing before hazing occurs, which may include skill building for bystander intervention, information about ethical leadership, and the promotion of strategies for building group cohesion without hazing.

VI. Anyone may report hazing anonymously or directly to GVSU through the below channels. All employees of GVSU are considered mandatory reporters. Reported incidents will be investigated through the applicable GVSU department process.

A. Department of Public Safety: Call (616) 331-3255 to report incidents of hazing involving criminal conduct or visitors. Call 911 for emergencies

B. Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution: Call (616) 331-3585 to report incidents of hazing involving students or student organizations.

C. Office of Civil Rights and Title IX: Call (616) 331-9530 to report incidents of hazing on the basis of a protected characteristic.

D. Human Resources: Call (616) 331-2215 to report incidents of hazing involving GVSU employees or volunteers.

Incidents may be reported online via Maxient or through Anonymous Reporting through the following links:

Maxient: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?GrandValley&layout_id=0

Anonymous Reporting: https://www.gvsu.edu/legal/anonymous-reporting-60.htm

Reports are taken seriously and will be investigated promptly and thoroughly through the applicable department’s conduct process. Retaliation against any person who reports hazing is strictly prohibited.