4.19.4 : Hazing Continuum

Greenville University evaluates any incident of suspected or reported hazing in the context of a continuum. At one end of this continuum are group activities, that when designed and executed properly, can serve a purpose of positive group building. Activities on this end of the continuum do not constitute hazing. On the other end of the continuum, are activities that result in severe psychological trauma, injury, or death. These activities would most certainly constitute hazing. Between the two ends of the continuum are a variety of activities which contain various degrees of severity and risk. 

Where an activity falls on this continuum (as determined by GU) is not based simply on what the act looks like to an outward observer as hazing impacts people in a variety of ways. For this reason, GU when considering whether an activity constitutes hazing will not simply look at the act itself, but the impact on the individual taking part in the activity. Activities occur on campus daily which fall somewhere along the continuum. The university is committed to evaluating these events based on both subjective and objective information related to the event. 

The university provides the below questions as guidelines an individual or groups should consider to determine if their activity would be considered hazing. If your answer to any of the questions below is yes, particularly if the activity occurs in the context of group membership or affiliation, then the activity is likely to be deemed hazing or otherwise inappropriate by the university:

• Would you have reservations about describing the activity to a college official?
• Would you have reservations about describing the activity to your parents?
• Would you have reservations about local or national media being present for the activity?
• Does the activity involve alcohol and/or other drugs?
• Does the activity involve actions which would cause mental distress, such as humiliation or intimidation?
• Does the activity involve any physical abuse (such as sleep deprivation, forced exercise, or other non listed abuse)?
• Does the activity raise any questions about the safety or health of participants?
• Does the activity pose a significant risk of injury?