Hazing Policies
It is a violation of Florida state law, Board of Regents policy and University of Florida policy for students to engage in any activity that may be
described as hazing. Hazing is a broad term encompassing any action or activity which does not contribute to the positive development of a person; or
which inflicts or intends to cause mental or physical harm or anxieties; or which may demean, degrade or disgrace any person regardless of location,
intent or consent of participants. In addition, hazing can be defined as any action or situation, which intentionally or unintentionally endangers the
physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation or full admission, or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction
of the University of Florida. The University believes that any activity, which promotes a class system within organizations, is inappropriate. Subservience
in any form is unacceptable. Subsequently, activities, which facilitate inappropriate levels of authority over students, may be deemed as hazing and will
not be allowed. Any student organization found to have violated this policy may face loss of recognition as a student organization. Further, any student
found to be involved in any hazing activity will face disciplinary action, and is subject to a maximum sanction of expulsion or suspension from the
University. Students, as well as their respective organizations, are also subject to civil and criminal action as it relates to the state law prohibiting
hazing. For more information, contact the Dean of Students Office (352.392.1261) or refer to Florida State Statute 240.252.
- Hazing Policy: Actions or statements which by design or intent amount to intimidation or hazing are prohibited, and shall be
prevented and adjudicated by the University whenever possible.
- Definition of Hazing: As defined by Section 240.262, F.S., "hazing" means any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally
endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization
operating under the sanction of a university. Such term shall include, but not be limited to, brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating,
branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical
activity which could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the individual, and any activity which would subject the individual to extreme
mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other
forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual. Any activity as described above upon which the initiation
or admission into or affiliation with a university organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be "forced" activity, the
willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding.
- Procedures for Implementation: Any person having knowledge of any activity or statement which may constitute hazing should contact
the University office or agency with jurisdiction over the students or organization involved. Such office or agency shall take appropriate University
action as necessary to enforce the prohibition. Actions shall be conducted pursuant to the Student Conduct Code, 6Cl-4.0l3 through 6Cl-4.026, F.A.C.
Penalties for violations of the prohibition shall be administered by the Vice President for Student Affairs through the appropriate University office
or agency.
- Penalties: The penalties described below may be imposed for violation of the prohibition, regardless of whether the violation
occurred on or off campus, and shall be in addition to any other penalty to which the student may be subject for violations of the criminal laws of
Florida or any other applicable University rule.
- Individuals subject to University jurisdiction found guilty of hazing violations may receive penalties including the imposition of fines, the
withholding of diplomas or transcripts pending compliance with the rules or pending payment of fines, and the imposition of reprimand, probation,
suspension, or dismissal.
- Organizations subject to University jurisdiction which authorize hazing in blatant disregard of these rules may be penalized by revocation of
permission for the organization to be registered, to meet on campus and to use campus facilities, and, in the case of fraternities and sororities,
the right to exist at the University of Florida.
- Copies of this policy, and rules concerning violations, penalties, and process for enforcement will be distributed to students enrolled in the
University, and shall be incorporated in the bylaws of every organization operating under the sanction of the University.
- Amendments to approved rules will be submitted to the Board of Trustees for approval as required by Section 240.252(5), F.S.
