Hazing Prevention and Awareness

Our Commitment to Student Well-being

At Onondaga Community College (OCC), we believe student involvement in clubs, organizations, and athletics is essential to a well-rounded college experience. These opportunities foster leadership, teamwork, friendship, and personal growth. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where all students can thrive.

That’s why OCC maintains a zero-tolerance policy for hazing. Hazing undermines everything we value—it threatens the safety and dignity of our students and violates the law. Any form of hazing will be met with strict disciplinary action.  Hazing is specifically addressed in the prohibited behaviors section of the code of conduct, and any form of hazing will be met with strict disciplinary action.

What Is Hazing?

Hazing is defined as: Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person of persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that:

  1. Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
  2. 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 physical or psychological injury including: 
    • 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 using 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.

Consent is not a defense. Even if someone agrees to participate, the act is still considered hazing.

Who Does This Apply To?

  • All OCC students (individually or in groups)
  • All student clubs and organizations
  • Varsity and club sports teams
  • Any affiliated group involving two or more enrolled OCC students, regardless of official
    recognition status

Our Approach to Prevention and Transparency

OCC is proactive in preventing hazing and promoting a healthy campus culture through the following
strategies:

  • Education & Awareness
    • Club & Organization Sign-Up Forms require acknowledgment of this policy
    • Athletes must sign a hazing statement within the Athlete Code of Conduct
  • Hazing Language Visibility
    • Relevant local, state, and Tribal hazing laws are available on the OCC website
  • Data Transparency
    • Publishing a Campus Hazing Transparency Report
  • Primary Prevention Programming
    • Providing research-informed, campus-wide programs to raise awareness and 
      prevent hazing

How to Report Hazing

If a hazing incident is happening right now, call 911 immediately.
Otherwise, you can report hazing in two ways:

  1. Contact OCC Department of Public Safety: 315-498-2478
  2. Submit an Incident Reporting Form

What Happens After a Report is Made?

Once a report is submitted:

  • The Office of Students' Rights & Responsibilities will conduct an investigation per the Student Code of Conduct
  • Campus Safety and Security may also conduct a criminal investigation or work with law enforcement as needed

Legal Context

Hazing is a criminal offense in many states, including New York. It may result in criminal charges, civil liability, and college disciplinary sanctions, up to and including expulsion.

Final Message

At OCC, we stand for leadership without harm, unity without abuse, and growth without intimidation. If you're unsure whether something might be considered hazing—don’t ignore it. Ask. Report. Speak up. You are not alone, and there are resources here to protect and support you. Together, we can make sure every member of the OCC community feels safe, respected, and empowered.

Questions?

Contact the Office of Students' Rights & Responsibilities or Campus Safety and Security for more
information.