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. However, we have 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.
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.
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:
- Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance
of membership in, a student organization; and
- 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:
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- 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.
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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
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.
Student Code of Conduct – Specifically addresses hazing in CR 20, which prohibits any action threatening the mental, psychological, or physical health of another person, including those for initiation or affiliation with an organization.
MVCC Hazing Prevention Strategies:
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Club & Organization Sign-Up Form – Includes a statement on hazing that students must acknowledge and links to this webpage with definitions.
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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.