The UMS Board of Trustees reaffirms its policy that the hazing of any student enrolled at any institution of the University of Maine System is prohibited. Any violation of this policy, including any violation of State and/or Tribal Laws governing hazing by any UMS student or employee should be reported to the contacts listed below under “How to Report”.
University of Maine System Hazing Definition
Hazing includes any intentional, knowing, or reckless action or situation, including harassing behavior, or any activity expected of an individual that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers the individual, 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 initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in a student organization; or otherwise 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 psychological or physical injury; recklessly or intentionally, including, but not limited to:
- 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.
Student Organizations
Student Organizations are voluntary associations of University students that are student initiated and student run. Student organizations are recognized by the University and may have access to certain University-controlled benefits and resources, such as facilities use and funding eligibility. Varying opportunities and requirements exist to be a recognized student organization. University-recognized Student Organizations, including those operating under probation or suspension, are subject to the Student Conduct Code.
Amnesty
Students who make a hazing complaint in good faith, or victims of hazing who participate in an investigation, will not be charged with other University policy violations that are brought to light in the course of the investigation that arose out of, or were committed as a direct result of, the hazing incident(s) under investigation (i.e. students forced to consume alcohol as part of a hazing incident will not be charged with violations of the University’s alcohol policy). The University reserves the right to follow up with those students related to those issues as appropriate in a non-disciplinary setting.
Retaliation
It is a violation of University policy to retaliate or take adverse action towards any person for reporting an alleged violation of this policy or for cooperating with a University investigation related to any policy. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, verbal or implied threats, physical or psychological abuse, intimidation, harassment (verbal or written), or any other action intended to create a hostile environment for the intended target of the retaliation. Students concerned about retaliation should contact the Student Conduct Office and/or the Campus Police Department; if applicable.
Prevention & Awareness Programs
UMS is committed to eliminating and preventing hazing through awareness, education, training, and early intervention. Each campus provides ongoing prevention and awareness programs for recognized organizations and athletic programs throughout the year to equip and support students with the skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to and to report hazing. The programs may include, but are not limited to, awareness tabling at New Student Orientations, Move-in, and Welcome Weekend, events during National Hazing Prevention Week, Invitations to Speaking Events and Small Group Workshops for specific communities, Programs sponsored by the Resident Assistants, Annual Reviews of Recognized Student Organization Expectations, Bystander Intervention Workshops, and Team-Building Activities where student organizations are encouraged to conduct non-coercive, inclusive exercises that promote trust, mutual respect, and collaboration.. Additionally, students can request workshops and consultations from their division of Student Affairs anytime for their student organization.
These educational programs promote awareness and reporting of hazing and include primary prevention and awareness programs for incoming and transfer students and new employees, and ongoing prevention and awareness campaigns for students, faculty, and staff. Primary prevention efforts also include live training to Greek organizations, athletic teams, and first-year student classes during the fall semester. Resident Assistants and Peer Educators are also provided with additional training to help disseminate the information to their peers. Bulletin boards and notification TVs provide ongoing awareness campaigns and how and to whom reports and concerns should be made.
Bystander Intervention Training
Training programs include bystander intervention techniques, empowering individuals to recognize and safely intervene in potential hazing situations.
Student Organization Ethical and other Values-based Leadership Training
Leaders of student organizations receive training on their responsibilities in preventing hazing and enforcing this policy.
Training Sessions
Student Organization members and their Advisors participate in anti-hazing education sessions covering the definition of hazing, the dangers of hazing, Maine State Hazing law, University policy, and hazing reporting procedures.
Written Policy Distribution
The University Hazing Policy is provided to all student organizations.
Regular Policy Review
University policy and related procedures will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure effectiveness and compliance with current laws and best practices for eliminating hazing.