Hazing FAQs

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, that—

• was committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
• 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.

The term “student organization”, for purposes of reporting hazing under this definition, means an organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution. 

For the purposes of the Student Organization (SO) Code of Conduct, a SO is defined as any group whose membership consists of students currently enrolled at the University that is: (1) registered with the Office of Student Life and Engagement; or (2) affiliated with the University through an academic department or administrative entity which supports, endorses, supervises, or recognizes the organization, unless the Senior Vice President for Student Life and Engagement otherwise determines the organization is a University function.

Hazing includes, but is not limited to:

• whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
• causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
• causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
• causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
• any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
• any activity against another per son that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
• 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.

Under Garret’s Law in Michigan, “a person who attends, is employed by, or is a volunteer of an educational institution shall not engage in or participate in the hazing of an individual.” Conduct that violates Garett’s Law may also violate the institutional policy. For more information on hazing activities prohibited under Garret’s Law, see MCL 750.411t.

The University’s primary objective is to keep all members of the MSU community safe. Any individual who is the subject of the hazing will not be disciplined for violating the hazing policy. If hazing occurs within a student organization or team, it will be presumed that the officers have knowledge of, and condone, such activities. The conduct of those initiating or participating in the hazing will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If you have participated in hazing and later decide to report, OSSA will recognize that reporting helps to keep the community safe, as well as to prevent repeat or escalating behavior. Your subsequent cooperation in reporting the activity will be considered favorably and mitigate the sanctions, if any, that may be issued. 

Even if an individual voluntarily allowed themselves to be hazed, the hazing is still prohibited. Consent to being hazed is never an excuse under University policy or the state law in Michigan.

Anyone who becomes aware of prohibited hazing conduct is encouraged to immediately report the incident, including all observed or learned details.

How to Report:

1. Any incident involving a crime, an emergency, or imminent threat to the health or safety of any person should be reported immediately to the police.
   1. MSU Department of Police and Public Safety (MSU DPPS) 
      1. 1120 Red Cedar Road, East Lansing, MI 48824
      2. Non-Emergency: (517) 355-2221
      3. Emergencies: 911
2. Acts or potential acts of hazing that do not constitute an emergency should be reported to the Office of Student Support and Accountability (OSSA)
   1. Office of Student Support and Accountability
      1. 556 E. Circle Drive Room 175, East Lansing, MI 48824
      2. (517) 884-0789
      3. conduct@msu.edu
   2. Submit a report through the OSSA public reporting tool: https://ossa.msu.edu/student-conduct-0
3. Concerns may also be reported anonymously through the MSU Misconduct Hotline
   1. Submit a report through the online hotline: https://misconduct.msu.edu/ 
   2. Anonymous calls can be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (800) 763-0764

Those impacted by hazing may choose to report to law enforcement, to the university, to both, or to neither as the individual may choose.

Employees designated as Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) under the Clery Act may have additional reporting responsibilities. Under the Mandatory Reporting for Relationship Violence, Sexual Misconduct and Stalking Policy, university employees and volunteers, as defined under the policy, may also have reporting requirements (https://u.policies.msu.edu/doctract/documentportal/08DBAFDC9D2AEC3A1CD680BEF116DAE5).

Anyone can file a report with the Office of Student Support & Accountability (OSSA), whether the person is a victim, witness, or observer. Reports should include specific details of the violation that occurred. They can be submitted using the Public Reporting Tool. Please be advised that anonymous reports will limit OSSA's ability to respond. 

The university will review all reports submitted. Be advised that the submission of anonymous reports severely limits the university’s ability to investigate and respond to report of hazing. We encourage individuals to include their name and contact information when submitting a report so that the university can investigate more thoroughly. 

Per the MSU Student Rights & Responsibilities, anonymous complaints generally will not be accepted unless the allegations warrant urgent action by the university. 

The Office of Student Support and Accountability will review all concerns related to hazing and work collaboratively with campus partners to ensure the concerning behavior is addressed appropriately.

If you have questions or need assistance related to hazing, please contact the Office of Student Support and Accountability (OSSA) at:

• 556 E. Circle Drive Room 175, East Lansing, MI 48824
• (517) 884-0789
• conduct@msu.edu