The University of Minnesota is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment. Hazing, in any form, is strictly prohibited by university policy and law.
What is Hazing?
As defined in the University of Minnesota Board of Regents policy: Student Conduct Code, hazing means:
“Any behavior or activity that endangers the health or safety of an individual (including, without limitation, an act intended to cause personal degradation or humiliation), for the purpose of initiation in, admission to, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student group or University athletic team, regardless of the individual’s willingness to participate.”
This policy applies to both individual students and student groups, as defined by university policy.
- Student: Student shall mean any person taking courses at the University or enrolled in a University academic program; any person who has taken courses or enrolled in a University academic program within the past three terms (including summer) and who has not withdrawn, transferred, or graduated; any individual who has registered for classes or has been approved for readmission to the University; any person participating as a student in University activities, even if prior to the start of classes; any person previously enrolled within the last three terms (including summer) and who has a continuing relationship with the University through active participation in student groups or University-sponsored activities; any person on an official leave of absence with an intent to return; any person who withdraws, transfers, or graduates after an alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code and before the allegation is resolved; and any already graduated person when the conduct at issue implicates the validity of the person’s earned University degree.
- Student Group: Student group shall mean any group of students that is or has been registered as a University student group under applicable University policies or procedures.
University and Minnesota Statute
University Policy and Response
Hazing allegations are addressed through procedures outlined in the Administrative Policy: Resolving Alleged Student Conduct Code Violations. These procedures apply to both individuals and student groups and are designed to ensure fairness, accountability, and education in the student conduct process.
For more information on student conduct expectations, visit the Student Conduct Code.
Minnesota Statute 135A.155 – Hazing Policy for Postsecondary Institutions
The University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents Policy: Student Conduct Code and the Administrative Policy: Resolving Alleged Student Conduct Code Violations, taken together, meet the expectations outlined in Minnesota Statute 135A.155 – Hazing Policy for Postsecondary Institutions. These policies provide a clear definition of hazing, outline procedures for reporting and responding to incidents, and establish disciplinary processes for both individuals and student organizations. They are publicly accessible through university websites and shared with students through appropriate communication channels.
Identifying & Preventing Hazing
Hazing by any member of the University community is prohibited whenever it occurs on University premises or in connection with any University affiliated group or activity.
Reporting Hazing
The University provides an online reporting system for reporting concerns about hazing. If you would like to consult on a situation, contact our office at 612-624-6073.
Additional Resources
- Student Engagement and Events: 320-589-6080
- University of Minnesota Morris Public Safety : 320-589-6000 (non-emergency line)
- Hazing Prevention Network
- StopHazing
A Definition of Hazing
Student Conduct Code, defines hazing as “any act taken on University property or in connection with any University-related group or activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of an individual (including, without limitation, an act intended to cause personal degradation or humiliation), or that destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation in, admission to, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization."
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
As part of our commitment to transparency and compliance with federal law, the University of Minnesota publishes the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASR) each year. This report includes:
- Three years of campus crime statistics, including any hazing incidents reported within the University’s Clery geography;
- Guidance on how to report crimes such as dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking;
- An overview of what to expect when such reports are made to police or University officials;
- Information about relevant safety policies, resources, and campus support services.
Under the Clery Act, hazing is defined as:
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with others), against another person or persons—regardless of their willingness to participate—that is:
- Part of initiation into, affiliation with, or continued membership in a student organization, and
- Causes or creates a risk of physical or psychological injury..
This definition helps ensure consistent and transparent reporting of hazing incidents, aligning institutional practices with federal safety standards.
Review the most recent Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.