In accordance with Minn. Stat § 135A.155 hazing is prohibited at St. Cloud State University.
Hazing is defined by our Student Code of Community Standards as any action taken or situation created, intentionally or unintentionally, whether on or off university premises, that endangers the mental, physical, or emotional health or safety of a student, or that subjects a student to humiliation, degradation, or ridicule, regardless of the individual's willingness to participate. This definition applies to actions taken for the purpose of, or perceived as being related to, initiation, admission into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any group, organization, club, athletic team, or other University-affiliated entity.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Acts that endanger physical safety (such as forced consumption of substances or extreme physical exertion).
- Acts that endanger mental health (like sleep deprivation, social isolation, or degrading language).
- Activities that violate University policy or law (including destruction or removal of public or private property or forced illegal acts).
- Any activity meeting this broad definition is considered hazing, even if not specifically listed.
Shared Responsibility:
Knowingly allowing, or assisting another individual to violate, or failing to appropriately address known or obvious violations of the hazing portions of the Student Code of Community Standards, is a violation of this policy.
Duty to Report Hazing Incidents:
Any individual who has information about or suspects that hazing has occurred or is occurring must notify the SCSU Public Safety Department (Public Safety) and/or The Dean of Students Office as soon as possible.
If a student’s safety is endangered, call 911 and notify Public Safety (320-308-3333).
Prevention and Awareness Programs:
The Department of Athletics will incorporate information on hazing into the Athletic Student Handbook and orientation of staff, coaches and athletes. The Division of Student Affairs will incorporate information on hazing into the required training necessary for University registration of a student organization and education programs for organization leaders and advisors.