Resources

Welcome to the Chapter Resources page, where you'll find essential tools, guidelines, and support to help your chapter thrive within the fraternity and sorority community

Hazing is prohibited under California law. The California Penal Code 245.6 provides:

“Hazing” means any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in this state. The term “hazing” does not include customary athletic events or school-sanctioned events.

USD Code of Conduct

Behavior that may not constitute “hazing” under the California Penal Code nevertheless may constitute a violation of university policy. For the purpose of this policy, hazing includes the definition set forth under the California Penal as well as any action taken or situation created which, regardless of location, intent or consent of the participants:

• produces, or is reasonably likely to produce, bodily harm or danger, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, fright, humiliation, intimidation, degradation, or ridicule, or otherwise compromises the dignity of an individual;
• compels an individual to participate in any activity which is unlawful, perverse, publicly indecent, contrary to the rules, policies or regulations of the University, or which is known by the compelling person to be contrary to the individual’s genuine moral or religious beliefs; or
• will impair an individual’s academic efforts.

FSL Guidelines, Section III. Health and Safety

III.B. - Hazing Prevention

• Includes a more defined definition for fraternities and sororities
• Includes a list (not exhaustive) of unacceptable actions or behaviors
• Includes examples of responsibility for chapter members and officers