ROWAN UNIVERSITY POLICY 

Title: Hazing Policy
Subject: Student Life
Policy No: SL: 2016:05
Applies: University-Wide
Issuing Authority: President
Responsible Officer: Vice President for Student Affairs
Adopted: 08/19/2016
Last Revision: 08/01/2019
Last Reviewed: 08/01/2019

I.    PURPOSE

Rowan University strictly prohibits hazing of any kind in any student organization or team. Students are held accountable for both violations of state law and University policy as it is related to hazing.

II.   ACCOUNTABILITY

Under the direction of the President, the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students shall implement and ensure compliance with this policy.

III.  APPLICABILITY

This policy is applicable to all students of Rowan University.

IV.  REFERENCES

1. New Jersey Code 2C:40-3 - Hazing; Aggravated Hazing
   1. A person is guilty of hazing, a disorderly person offense, if, in connection with initiation of applicants to or members of a student or fraternal organization, he/she knowingly or recklessly organizes, promotes, facilitates, or engages in any conduct, other than competitive athletic events, which places or may place another person in danger of bodily injury.
   2. A person is guilty of aggravated hazing, a crime of the fourth degree, if he/she commits an act prohibited in Subsection A. which results in serious bodily injury to another person.
2. New Jersey Code 2C:40-4 - Consent Not Available As Defense To Hazing
   1. Notwithstanding any other provision of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to a prosecution under this act.
3. New Jersey Code 2C:40-5 - Conduct Constituting Offense May Be Prosecuted Under Other Provisions of Title 2C
   1. Conduct constituting an offense under this act may, at the discretion of the prosecuting attorney, be prosecuted under any other applicable provision of Title 2C of the New Jersey State Statutes; and other behaviors or activities in addition to those prohibited under J.S.A. 2C:40 et seq. defined as hazing by a college or university with respect to its students.

V.  POLICY

1. Rowan University defines hazing as "any action taken, created, or situated which intentionally or recklessly subjects any person to the risk of bodily harm or mental or physical harassment, intimidation, or bullying; or causing or encouraging any person to commit an act that would be a violation of law or university regulations; for the purpose of initiating, promoting, fostering, or confirming any form of affiliation with a recognized or unrecognized student group or organization."
2. Examples of hazing include, but are not limited to:
   1. forced consumption of alcohol or other drugs
   2. required ingestion of any substance
   3. acts that could result in excessive fatigue, exhaustion, physical, mental or emotional deprivation or harm
   4. paddling, whipping, beating, or physical abuse of any kind
   5. compulsory servitude
   6. work projects without the participation of the full membership
   7. scavenger hunts, treasure hunts, road trips, kidnapping, drop-offs, or any other such activities
   8. assigned or endorsed pranks such as borrowing or stealing items
   9. morally degrading or humiliating games or activities
   10. any activity which materially obstructs or impairs a student's rights, academic pursuits, employment, or participation in the University community
   11. activities that promote or encourage the violation of state law or university policy
3. The organization or any individual involved in hazing commits a violation of university policy by:
   1. Engaging in hazing
   2. Soliciting, encouraging, aiding, or directing another engaged in hazing
   3. Intentionally or knowingly permitting hazing to occur
4. Having first-hand knowledge that a specific hazing incident has occurred and failing to report that information in writing to University officials