It is the policy of the Vermont State Colleges (VSC) that no member of the 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 which is affiliated with the Vermont State Colleges or any member College 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 the above acts. Hazing occurs regardless of the consent or willingness of a person to participate in the activity. Hazing may occur on or off the campus of a member College of the Vermont State Colleges. Hazing shall not include any activity or conduct that furthers legitimate curricular, extracurricular, or military training program goals, provided that:
"Organization" means an athletic team, association, corporation, order, society, corps, cooperative, club, or other similar group, whose members primarily are students at a member College, and which is affiliated with the College.
"Pledging" means any action or activity related to becoming a member of an organization.
"Student" means any person who:
(A) is registered in or in attendance at a member College;
(B) has been accepted for admission at a member College where the hazing incident occurs; or
(C) intends to attend a member College during any of its regular sessions after an official academic break.
This policy is to be interpreted consistent with Vermont law.
The University is committed to creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust as well as safety for all students. It provides educational programming (through offices including, but not limited to the CHANGE Initiative and the Wellness Center), procedures, and information designed to work toward eliminating sexual assault and creating a climate where victims feel safe reporting sexual misconduct including sexual assault.