Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act 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:

1. Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
   
   
2. 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 physical or psychological injury including:
    
   1. 1. Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
      2. Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
      3. Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
      4. Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
      5. Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
         
      6. Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
      7. 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

 

An organization, for the purpose of hazing, at an institution of higher education, is a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.

For all students considering membership in organizations: At MVCC, we believe that involvement in Clubs and Organizations, and in Athletics is an essential part of the student experience, fostering leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. Given our belief in the positive impact of student organizations and athletics, we maintian a zero-tolerance policy for hazing in any form. Hazing undermines our values of respect, inclusivity, and safety - and, it is against the law. Any actions that threaten the well-being or dignity of our students will not be tolerated and will be met with strict disciplinary action. We are committed to maintaining a positive and supportive environment where all students can thrive.   

Code of Conduct – Hazing is considered a violation of the Code of Conduct. Specifically, the Code of Conduct college regulation (CR) on hazing prohibits hazing and incorporates the definition of hazing noted above in this policy. Reported allegations of violation of this Policy will be investigated and managed under the Code’s policies and procedures. Violations of this policy may result in penalties including suspension or expulsion from MVCC  or other appropriate disciplinary action from the College, as deemed appropriate. In the case where a group or organization authorizes such conduct, recission of permission for that organization to operate on campus property may occur.

If the incident is occurring at the present time, call 911 immediately. 

There are two ways to report an incident of hazing:
1- Contact the Department of Public Safety in the Academic Building Room 106 or by telephone at 315-731-5777.

2- Submit a Complaint Form

MVCC encourages the reporting of incidents of hazing and takes every such report seriously. It will investigate all reports diligently and thoroughly in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and/or other applicable laws, policies, and procedures.  (Separate from introduction above, opening statement and then listing the 3 items below)Reporting can occur using a number of avenues.  1. If an incident which threatens individual or group safety is occurring at the present time, you are encouraged to call 911 for immediate intervention and reporting.  2. Contact the Department of Public Safety in the Academic Building Room 106 or by telephone at 315-731-5777. 

Any incident meeting the definition of hazing in this Policy must be reported as outlined in this section. Hazing that occurs at any of the following locations is subject to reporting under this Policy: anywhere on campus, in on-campus student housing, on public property within the boundaries of the campus, on public property immediately adjacent to the campus, and in non-campus buildings and property owned or controlled by the organization that are used for educational purposes and frequently used by students, but not a part of the core campus, or those owned or controlled by a student organization officially recognized by the institution.

Incidents that are reported to the College and meet the definition of hazing in this Policy will be included in MVCC’s Annual Safety Report that is released every fall.

Once a hazing report is submitted, the Judicial Affairs & Community Standards Office will investigate following the standard judicial procedures outlined in the Code of Conduct. Additionally, the Department of Public Safety may conduct an internal criminal investigation or collaborate with an off-campus agency as needed.

MVCC Hazing Prevention Strategies:

• Club & Organization Sign-Up Form – Includes a statement on hazing that students must acknowledge and links to this webpage with definitions.

• Athlete Code of Conduct – Requires athletes to sign a statement regarding hazing, referencing this webpage.

MVCC will publish a report titled Campus Hazing Transparency Report twice a year, beginning January 1, 2026 that will disclose each incident for which a finding of responsibility for hazing was issued against a student organization that is officially recognized by the institution.

New York State

Federal

Any retaliation or threats to retaliate against any MVCC student, faculty or staff member who reports, is a witness to, or cooperates with the investigation of hazing is strictly prohibited.