Policies & Procedures

Hazing

The University of Washington prohibits student organizations and their members from engaging individually or collectively in hazing activities. The Student Conduct Code (CH. 478-120 WAC) includes hazing or conspiracy to engage in hazing as an instance of misconduct. Hazing includes:

Any method of initiation into a student organization or living group, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization or living group, that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious mental or emotional harm, to any student or other person attending the University; and/or
Conduct associated with initiation into a student organization or living group, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to an organization or living group not amounting to a violation of Number 1 above, but including such conduct as humiliation by ritual act and sleep deprivation. Consent is no defense to hazing.

Student organizations whose members participate in hazing activities, and the student members themselves, may be subject to appropriate University disciplinary action. In accordance with state law, students who participate in hazing of another shall forfeit any entitlement to state-funded grants, scholarships or awards in addition to other sanctions which may be imposed. Questions or complaints regarding hazing may be referred to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Director of Student Activities and Union Facilities or the University Ombudsman.