Hazing Policy

The University of South Carolina Aiken prohibits any form of hazing.  No organization, registered or otherwise, officially or in fact, may participate in the activity of hazing.  Hazing is defined as any action or situation created by individuals, clubs, and organizations, on or off campus, that could cause or has the potential to result in harassment, emotional or physical abuse of harm, embarrassment, anxiety, ridicule, or the violation of a university rule, no matter how good the end result or intent.

Example of hazing, include but are not limited to:

• Tests of endurance
• Submission of members of prospective members to potentially dangerous or hazardous circumstances
• Paddling
• Forced indulgence of alcohol or food
• Forced excessive exercise
• Indecent stunts or dress
• Deprivation of sleep, normal sleep patterns, or adequate study time
• Physical harassment such a pushing, shoving, tickling, yelling, etc.
• Deprivation of normal amounts of food and water
• Individual or group interrogations such as line-ups
• Personal servitude
• Assigning pranks
• Forced or coerced trips such a kidnaps, displacement, and “pledge” dumps

Registered organizations and groups shall be permitted certain initiation ceremonies and activities, which when examined by the ordinary university student, would seem reasonable under the circumstances and justified in view of the purpose for which they are conducted.

It shall not constitute a defense to the charge of hazing that the participants took part voluntarily, that they voluntarily assumed the risks or hardship of the activity, or that no injury in fact was suffered.

For information on the South Carolina Hazing Law, the USC Aiken Hazing Policy, or to initiate a complaint for alleged hazing, contact the Associate Director of Student Life.

In accordance with the Tucker Hipps Transparency Act, the university publishes this report on actual findings of violations involving alcohol, drugs, sexual assault, physical assault and hazing by fraternity and sorority organizations formally affiliated with the institution. The report includes the name of the responsible organizations; the dates of the incident, report, charge, investigation and resolution; and a general description of the incident and the subsequent charges, findings and sanctions placed on the organization.

Link to the Tucker Report: https://www.usca.edu/fraternity-and-sorority-conduct

Revision Reason

Annual Review