Hazing Policy & Prevention

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Hazing Policy & Preventi...

Hazing Policy & Prevention

The UMS Board of Trustees reaffirms its policy that the hazing of any student enrolled at any
institution of the University of Maine System is prohibited. Any violation of this policy, including any
violation of State and/or Tribal Laws governing hazing by any UMS student or employee should be
reported to the contacts listed below under “How to Report”.

Maine Title 20-A: EDUCATION Part 5: POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION Chapter 401: GENERAL PROVISIONS Policy Manual

University of Maine System Hazing Definition

Hazing includes any intentional, knowing, or reckless action or situation, including harassing behavior, or any activity expected of an individual that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers the individual, 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 is committed in the course of initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in a student organization; or otherwise 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 psychological or physical injury; recklessly or intentionally.

Some examples including, but 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 person 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.

Student Organizations

They are voluntary associations of University students that are student initiated and student run. Student organizations are recognized by the University and may have access to certain University-controlled benefits and resources, such as facilities use and funding eligibility. Varying opportunities and requirements exist to be a recognized student organization. University-recognized Student Organizations, including those operating under probation or suspension, are subject to the Student Conduct Code.

Amnesty

Students who make a hazing complaint in good faith, or victims of hazing who participate in an investigation, will not be charged with other University policy violations that are brought to light in the course of the investigation that arose out of, or were committed as a direct result of, the hazing incident(s) under investigation (i.e. students forced to consume alcohol as part of a hazing incident will not be charged with violations of the University’s alcohol policy). The University reserves the right to follow up with those students related to those issues as appropriate in a non-disciplinary setting.

How to Report

If there is reason to believe that someone is in danger you should dial 911.
Any person who believes they have been subject to hazing, has witnessed hazing, or has knowledge of
any activity or conduct which may constitute hazing is encouraged to report their concerns to the Student
Conduct Officer or the University Police Department on their campus, if applicable, or submit a report
using the UMS Hazing Reporting Form. Hazing is a crime and can also (or independently) be reported to
the Police Department in the jurisdiction where the hazing occurred.
Reports may be made anonymously. Please be aware that if you include any identifying information you

may be contacted for further details. Should you choose to file an anonymous report, the University may
be limited in responding to or fully investigating the complaint.

Online Reporting Form Campus Hazing Transparency Report UMF’s Information on Hazing

Retaliation

It is a violation of University policy to retaliate or take adverse action towards any person for reporting an alleged violation of this policy or for cooperating with a University investigation related to any policy. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, verbal or implied threats, physical or psychological abuse, intimidation, harassment (verbal or written), or any other action intended to create a hostile environment for the intended target of the retaliation. Students concerned about retaliation should contact the Student Conduct Office and/or the Campus Police Department; if applicable.

Prevention & Awareness Programs

The University of Maine System is dedicated to eliminating and preventing hazing through education, awareness, training, and early intervention. Each campus offers ongoing programs for students, organizations, and athletic teams to help them prevent, recognize, respond to, and report hazing. Prevention efforts include orientation activities, workshops, speaking events, National Hazing Prevention Week programs, and team-building exercises. Students can also request additional workshops through Student Affairs. Education and training are provided to new and continuing students, faculty, and staff, with specialized sessions for Greek organizations, athletic teams, and first-year classes. Resident Assistants and Peer Educators receive extra training to share information, while bulletin boards and campus displays promote ongoing awareness and reporting.

Bystander Intervention Training:

Training programs include bystander intervention techniques, empowering individuals to recognize and safely intervene in potential hazing situations.

Student Organization Ethical and other Values-based Leadership Training:

Leaders of student organizations receive training on their responsibilities in preventing hazing and enforcing this policy.

Training Sessions:

Student Organization members and their Advisors participate in anti-hazing education sessions covering the definition of hazing, the dangers of hazing, Maine State Hazing law, University policy, and hazing reporting procedures.

Written Policy Distribution:

The University Hazing Policy is provided to all student organizations.

Regular Policy Review:

University policy and related procedures will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure effectiveness and compliance with current laws and best practices for eliminating hazing.

Campus Hazing Transparency Report

The Campus Hazing Transparency Report (CHTR)—a key part of the Stop Campus Hazing Act—requires colleges and universities receiving federal financial aid to collect and publicly share information about student organizations found responsible for hazing. Starting July 1, 2025, institutions must track hazing incidents and publish reports on their websites by December 2025 (or within six months of a finding). Each report must include the organization’s name, a description of the violation (including alcohol or drug involvement), findings and sanctions, and key incident and investigation dates.

Meet our Team

Sarah Carew

Housing & Title IX Coordinator

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Duncan Farley

Area Director Student Life

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