Policies/Forms

This page serves as a resource for student organizations about policies and processes on campus. All registered, recognized and temporary are subject to these policies and all other University policies. Potential violations of policy are handled using the Student Organization Conduct Process. If you have any questions about policy or process, please feel free to reach out to our Center for Campus Life staff. 

Hazing Policy

“Hazing” is defined as any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution. "Hazing" includes, but is not limited to, pressuring or coercing (whether intentional or unintentional) the student into violating state or federal law, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced or coerced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other forced or excessive physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student, and also includes any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, excessive cleaning or errand-running, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student. 

It is the responsibility of the organization, team, and its leadership in conjunction with the advisor, coach and, where appropriate, (inter)national organization, to protect its new members, associate members, members, or other persons associated with the organization from any hazing ceremony, activity or practice conducted, condoned, or encouraged by the current members of the organization, alumni, or other associates. Hazing also includes observation of hazing activities by individuals in a position to intervene but who fail to intervene, including organization officers/leaders and members who are aware of planned hazing activities and condone or fail to prevent that hazing from occurring, regardless of their participation. 

Hazing in any form is prohibited by the University and state law (IC 35-42-2-2.5). It is the responsibility of the organization, team, and its leadership in conjunction with the advisor, coach and, where appropriate, (inter)national organization, to protect its new members, associate members, members, or other persons associated with the organization from any hazing ceremony, activity or practice conducted, condoned, or encouraged by the current members of the organization, alumni, or other associates. This policy applies to on or off campus activities by the organization or its members. The University or prospective group members may file a complaint of hazing against all parties as individuals and/or against the group or organization. In addition, individuals and/or groups also may be subject to criminal and/or civil liability outside the jurisdiction of the University. 

Any student found to have committed or to have attempted to commit the above misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions. If you believe you or someone you know is a victim of hazing, please report it to the Center for Campus Life (getinvolved@usi.edu).  

Reporting an Incident
All members of the USI community are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of our students. If you experience or witness discrimination, harassment, or other concerning behavior in the context of a student organization, please report the incident as soon as possible. You can file a report or seek additional services on USI’s CARE Team website.

Title IX Considerations for Student Organizations
Just like the university broadly, student organizations are also subject to requirements of Title IX. Title IX is a federal law that states “no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” This includes protections regarding sexual misconduct and pregnancy. For more information about Title IX, please see the USI Instutional Equity office.