Letters to the Chronicle

Reporting concerns about hazing

As the University hazing compliance officer, it is my responsibility to ensure that the greater campus community is aware of its obligations in regards to reporting violations of the state's hazing statute. The text of the hazing statute is printed in Undergraduate Rights and Responsibilities 2001-2002, pages 29-30.

As members of the University community who have daily contact with our students, you are often in a position to become aware when something is not right with a student. There are many clues or symptoms that might indicate a student is being subjected to inappropriate expectations or hazing activities. Unfortunately, some of these symptoms are indicators of other concerns and daily stresses:

• Lack of sleep
  
• Level of preparedness decreases without explanation
  
• General lack of cleanliness/poor hygiene/poor health
  
• Academic requirements not being met
  
• Class attendance concerns
  
• Inappropriate behaviors
  
• Self-disclosure of activities
  
  

It is important to note that hazing is a practice that takes place within many organizations and student environments. Fraternities and sororities are not the only organizations in which hazing is a concern. Historically, cases of hazing have been documented in residence halls, student clubs, marching bands, military organizations and athletic teams. (At one point, most educational institutions sanctioned some type of hazing ritual).

It is also important to note that hazing does not always involve an activity that is life threatening. Many hazing activities might appear to be benign, but it is the accumulation of these senseless activities that endangers the welfare of the student.

If you become aware that a student is being hazed, there are two options:
Provide counseling and support to the student, encouraging the student to report the activity to the proper authority; or
Report the concern to the proper office.

Notification about hazing concerns should be reported to either the Dean of Students Office or the Office of Greek Affairs. If we are able to determine what area is responsible for those students who are perpetuating the hazing, that office will be notified. Because the hazing code is part of the University Code of Conduct, charges or complaints against the offenders may be made with the Dean of Students Office.

The Dean of Students Office (5-2684) and the Office of Greek Affairs (5-2711) are both located at 227 Whitmore. Either office will be able to provide you with assistance. Please share this information with your colleagues. The compliance officer may also be contacted by e-mail (michaeldwiseman@stuaf.umass.
edu).

Together, we can make this campus a safer place for all of our community members.

MICHAEL D. WISEMAN
director,
Greek Affairs