POLICY OWNER

This policy is jointly owned by the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and the Office of Vice President for Human Resources.

PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and secure environment for its students, and one that promotes the acquisition of knowledge and nurtures the growth of the individual. Hazing is considered a serious abuse of individuals’ rights and an endangerment of their safety, health, and well-being. The purpose of this policy is to define Hazing, advise the university community that it is prohibited at CSU, and provide resources for anyone who is impacted by Hazing.

APPLICATION OF THIS POLICY

This policy applies to all students, faculty and other employees, academic and business units and auxiliaries of the University, and all others subject to the jurisdiction of the University.

EXEMPTIONS FROM THIS POLICY

None.

DEFINITIONS USED IN THIS POLICY

Hazing: Hazing is (a) any expressed or implied action, activity, or expectation of someone seeking to join or participate in a group or student organization, that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers a person, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate. This includes participating in, condoning, encouraging, requiring, observing, or allowing an opportunity for hazing. (b)  any violation of Hazing prohibitions in the Student Conduct Code or Colorado law, and (c) any act of Hazing as defined in the Stop Campus Hazing Act.

Student Organization: An organization (a) in which two or more of the members are enrolled students, whether the organization is established or recognized by the institution or (b) as defined in the Student Conduct Code. 

POLICY STATEMENT

Hazing is against the law in the state of Colorado, prohibited by CSU, and is a violation of this policy and  the Student Conduct Code. This prohibition includes participating in, condoning, encouraging, requiring, or allowing an opportunity for Hazing. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of Hazing are not neutral; they are violations of this rule. The express or implied consent of the victim will not be a defense. For more information about Hazing, Colorado laws regarding Hazing, resources for those who encounter it, and how to report instances of Hazing, see the CSU End Hazing website.

POLICY PROVISIONS

Reports of Hazing may be submitted through the Report Hazing form on the CSU End Hazing website or any resources listed below. Individuals or organizations found responsible for Hazing may face disciplinary sanctions up to and including expulsion or termination, or revocation of recognition as a Student Organization. CSU engages in prevention and education efforts in alignment with applicable federal and state law and for the betterment of the campus community. Details are available on the End Hazing website. 

Good Faith Reporting and Amnesty

Students who report Hazing in good faith will not face disciplinary action for minor policy violations (e.g., underage drinking) uncovered as part of the investigation. This provision aims to encourage reporting and prioritize student safety. For additional information for students, see the Responsible Action Exemption in the Student Conduct Code

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS POLICY

Hazing perpetrators will face disciplinary action in accordance with policies and procedures as applicable to faculty, staff, and students, up to and including termination from the University.

REFERENCES

Colorado Hazing Law
CSU End Hazing website
20 USC §1092
Compliance Reporting Hotline | CSU System
CSU Policy: Campus Safety (Clery Act)
Student Athletic Handbook
Student Conduct Code
Stop Campus Hazing Act

FORMS AND TOOLS

End Hazing Report
Campus Security Authority (CSA) Reporting Form
Fraternity & Sorority Life Policy Violation Report
Student Resolution Center Incident Report
Hazing Process Guidelines

APPROVALS

Revision approved by Lynn Johnson, Vice President for University Operations, June 19, 2017.

Revision approved by Brendan Hanlon, Vice President for University Operations, on June 13, 2025