Greek Life Hazing Policy
Policy Applies to Individuals & Organizations
Causing or permitting a person, incident to initiation into or membership in a society, club, or similar organized group, to participate in any activity that subjects that person or others to risks of physical injury or mental distress or personal indignities of a highly offensive nature, whether or not such person has consented to participation in the activity, is prohibited.
Specific activities that constitute hazing which are also prohibited include:
1. Forced consumption of alcohol
2. Calisthenics, push-ups, sit-ups, runs, etc.
3. Paddling
4. Road trips (dropping off pledges to find their way back)
5. Line-ups (lining up people and harassing them verbally)
6. Running personal errands of the members
Who Handles Cases
Allegations of hazing violations for individuals are investigated by the Student Attorney General & the Student Court. Organizations that are accused of hazing incidents are investigated by the Student Affairs Office.
All allegations are reported to the chapter's advisor & their national headquarters.
Groups found guilty of Hazing are noted and kept on file with the Office of Greek Life.
Possible Penalties
Mandatory risk management education seminar for 80% of the chapter
Permanent 6-week pledge period limit, with further reductions for further violations
(4 weeks for the next violation, 2 weeks for the next, and so on)
College approval of all future pledge programs
Chapter suspension for a specified period of time
Loss of college facilities
A record of the violation is kept for 3 years, to be used if further violations occur
Probation and suspension from Wofford College for individuals who violate the hazing policy
To report possible violations in the strictest confidence call the Office of Greek Life at 597-4048.
You do not have to give your name in order to report a hazing incident.
5 Questions to Ask to Determine if it's Hazing?
To determine if an act is hazing, simply ask the following questions.
1. Would you let a newspaper reporter see and report what you are doing?
2. Would you tell prospective members what they will go through?
3. Would you tell the parents of your members what you are doing?
4. Would you let Student Affairs know what you are doing?
5. Would you let your national headquarters know what you are doing?
If you hesitate on any of the above questions, then it’s hazing!
You should be proud of all the activities you ask your new members to do.
Therefore, you should not hesitate to let everyone know.
If you hesitate, that is telling you something.
Remember it is difficult to keep a secret in the Greek Community.
It’s usually only a matter of time before what your group is doing gets out!
To report hazing anonymously 24 hours a day, call 597-2222.
You will not have to reveal your identity at anytime.