Public Safety

In accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, Section 485(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. § 1092(f)), and Vermont State University Policy 313 (Hazing), Vermont State University publishes a Campus Hazing Transparency Report documenting substantiated findings of hazing involving student organizations.

The Campus Hazing Transparency Report includes, when applicable, the name of the student organization, the date(s) of the hazing behavior (if known), the date the incident was reported, the date a finding of responsibility was issued, a brief description of the violation, whether the hazing involved the abuse or illegal use of alcohol or drugs, and the date the organization was notified of the violation. Only incidents resulting in a formal finding of responsibility under Policy 313 are included.

The report is updated at least twice each academic year, no later than ten calendar days prior to the start of the fall and spring semesters, and when practicable within 14 days of a finding of responsibility. Records are maintained for ten years following initial disclosure, consistent with federal requirements.

Annual hazing statistics are published in the University’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report in accordance with the Clery Act. These statistics reflect reported incidents meeting the federal definition of hazing and do not represent findings of responsibility which are documented in the Campus Hazing Transparency Report.

Student organizations under active investigation are not listed unless and until a finding of responsibility has been issued.

Hazing in any form is prohibited by Policy 313 and is inconsistent with Vermont State University’s commitment to a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.

Vermont State University (VTSU) is committed to eliminating and preventing hazing behavior and/or inappropriate team, group, club, or student organization bonding or initiation activities which humiliate, demean, or devalue the worth of another individual. The University supports only those activities which are constructive, educational, and inspirational and that contribute to the intellectual and personal development and well-being of students.

No member of the Vermont State Colleges (VSC) community may participate or be involved in hazing. A student or employee will be subject to disciplinary action for: (1) engaging in hazing; (2) soliciting, directing, aiding or abetting, or attempting to aid or abet another person engaged in hazing; and (3) knowingly failing to take reasonable measures within the scope of the person’s authority to prevent hazing. It is not a valid defense against charges of hazing that the student against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.

Hazing means any act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization affiliated with the Vermont State Colleges or any member institution thereof, and which is intended to have the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to have the effect of, humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning the student or endangering the mental or physical health of a student.

Hazing also includes soliciting, directing, aiding, or otherwise participating actively or passively in such acts. Hazing occurs regardless of the consent or willingness of a person to participate. Hazing may occur on or off campus.

Hazing does not include any activity that furthers legitimate curricular, extracurricular, or military training program goals, provided that (1) the goals are approved by the institution and (2) the activity furthers those goals in a manner that is appropriate and consistent with practices at other educational institutions.

Definitions

Student: Any individual currently registered, accepted, or intending to attend VTSU during a regular session.

Organization: An athletic team, association, corporation, order, society, corps, cooperative, club, or other similar group affiliated with VTSU whose members are primarily students.

Pledging: Any action or activity related to becoming a member of an organization.

Specific actions and activities which are prohibited under this policy include, but are not limited to:

• Initiation activities designed to humiliate, degrade, or abuse individuals.
• Forcing or pressuring consumption of alcohol or drugs.
• Physical alterations, forced grooming, or marking the body.
• Exposure to indecent conduct or media.
• Forced errands or tasks of servitude.
• Exposure to unsafe or extreme environments.
• Forced consumption of undesirable substances.
• Activities inducing fear or emotional distress.
• Unsupervised, extreme physical conditioning.
• Criminal behavior or pranks.
• Sleep deprivation or disruption.
• Physical abuse, striking, or paddling.
• Embarrassing or inappropriate public stunts.
• Social exclusion, nudity, or exposure to pornography.
• Applying or throwing substances at others.
• Psychological harassment or ridicule.

This policy governs the conduct of all students, faculty, staff, contractors, and visitors on all Vermont State University campuses and property. University leaders, coaches, captains, student-athletes, and organization officers are expected to act with integrity, refrain from hazing, and report any incidents to appropriate advisors or administrators.

This policy is to be interpreted consistent with Vermont and Federal laws.

Reports of hazing should be made to the Dean of Students or, in their absence, Public Safety. Public Safety will notify the Dean at the earliest opportunity. An investigation will begin immediately using the appropriate Code of Conduct or employee policy. If a crime may have been committed, and it is permissible under federal and state law, a report will be made to law enforcement.

To File a Report:

1. Contact DeanOfStudents@Vermontstate.edu
2. Contact Public Safety
3. File an online Incident Report

Students found responsible for hazing may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Employees may face sanctions up to and including dismissal. Organizations that authorize or permit hazing may face suspension or revocation of recognition.

VTSU will deliver campus-wide, research-informed hazing prevention and primary prevention programs. All students and employees will receive education on the Hazing Policy and appropriate reporting mechanisms.

Enrolled students and VSC employees can view our hazing prevention resources on the Public Safety SharePoint site using your VSC credentials.

This policy aligns with Vermont state law on hazing, specifically 16 V.S.A. § 570j, which prohibits hazing in connection with educational institutions.

For further information, please refer to the official Vermont State Colleges Policy 313 on Hazing.