Anti-Hazing Protocol
Table of Contents
Preamble
The University of Guelph is a learner-centred institution that is committed to the education and well-being of the whole person. We value collaboration and mutual respect, assert the fundamental equality of all human beings and are committed to creating for all members of our community an environment that is hospitable, safe, supportive, equitable, pleasurable and, above all, intellectually challenging (adapted from the University of Guelph Mission Statement, 1995). The Policy on Non-Academic Misconduct states that it is expected that all members of the University community will interact with each other in a manner that is respectful, civil and consistent with these core values. As such, the University of Guelph prohibits student organizations, teams, groups and their members from engaging individually or collectively in hazing activities.
1.0 Purpose and Jurisdiction
The Policy on Non-Academic Misconduct was established to outline the University’s expectations regarding student conduct on and off campus, and to identify a range of responsibilities that students are expected to uphold. The purpose of the Anti-Hazing Protocol is to further define section 11.a. Harassment with regard to “hazing” and to outline the processes for investigation, hearings, appeals and reporting.
1.1 In this document a “student” is any person registered in a diploma, undergraduate or graduate program at the University of Guelph, or otherwise taking credit or non-credit courses offered by the University of Guelph, or any person who was a student at the time the alleged breach occurred.
1.2 This protocol does not apply to students registered at University of Guelph-Humber or the Ridgetown campus. Alleged breaches will be subject to the processes and procedures specific to these campuses.
1.3 Alleged breaches of this protocol may be addressed through the following related policies: the Policy on Non-Academic Misconduct; the Student Organization Policy; Residence Community Living Standards; and/or the Department of Athletics Code of Conduct.
2.0 Definition
Hazing
Hazing is defined as any action or activity that could reasonably be seen to humiliate, degrade or cause psychological, physical and/or reputational harm to a person for the purpose of initial or continued admittance, affiliation or initiation to any student organization, team or group irrespective of the location of actions or activities or the person’s willingness to participate.
In reference to the definition provided above, examples of hazing include, but are not limited to:
- verbal, written or image abuse;
- threats or implied threats;
- drinking games;
- illegal activities;
- inappropriate exposure to the elements;
- nudity or immodest dress;
- physical harm or potential physical harm;
- sleep deprivation; and/or
- physical restraint.
3.0 Protocol
The University of Guelph prohibits its student organizations, teams, groups and their members from engaging individually or collectively in hazing activities.
3.1 Process
If an individual or group is alleged to have breached this protocol, an investigation will be undertaken through the appropriate adjudicating body and in accordance with processes outlined in its respective codes and/or protocols. The Vice-Provost(Student Affairs) will make the final determination as to which adjudicating body has jurisdiction.
Possible outcomes include, but are not limited to:
- restricted access to social or other activities conducted on the University’s premises for such a period of time as is deemed appropriate;
- game suspensions of a varsity athletic team;
- suspension or expulsion from the University;
- player suspension from participating in varsity athletics;
- eviction from residence; and/or
- loss of accredited student organization status.
3.2 Appeals
Students have the right to appeal a decision of the adjudicating body handling the investigation according to that body’s appeal process.
3.3 Record-Keeping
The University keeps records in compliance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). Records are maintained as stipulated by the University’s Record Retention and Disposition Policy. See the University’s statement on Protection of Privacy and Access to Information.
4.0 Reporting Allegations of Hazing
A number of avenues are available for reporting hazing activities and can be discussed by connecting with the University of Guelph’s Student Conduct Support Coordinator by emailing: studentconduct@uoguelph.ca. Students who believe they may have been the target of hazing activities, believe that they have witnessed hazing activities, or suspect that someone they know has been the target of hazing activities can report these observations confidentially to the University officials noted in the policies listed under 5.1 of the protocol. The Campus Safety Office (on-campus) or Guelph Police Services (off-campus) should be contacted immediately if there is an urgent health or safety concern. Generally, a report of hazing activity should be made within one year of the most recent alleged behaviour.
5.0 Resources
Additional information or support about hazing prevention can be discussed by connecting with the University of Guelph’s Student Conduct Support Coordinator by emailing: studentconduct@uoguelph.ca.
5.1 Affiliated University Policies, Codes, Standards and Protocols include the following:
Athletics Code of Conduct
Community Standards Protocol (off campus)
Policy on Non-Academic Misconduct
Residence Community Living Standards
Student Organization Policy
University of Guelph Human Rights Policy
Authorization: Board of Governors
Established: September 2015
Revised: N/A
Editorial Changes: October 8, 2021
Next Review: 2020-2021