Hazing (students)

Experiencing or witnessing hazing can be difficult and distressing. Please know there are resources and reporting options available to you. Hazing is prohibited by University policy. 

Related topics

About

Hazing is defined in Student Hazing Prevention and Campus Response policy as 

“any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that–

(I) is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in a student organization; and

(II) 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–

(aa) whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body, or similar activity; 

(bb) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;

(cc) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;

(dd) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;

(ee) any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;

(ff) any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and

(gg) 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.”

Reporting

Resource available for all

Center for Student Conduct

Anyone can report hazing to UC Berkeley, you can submit an online incident report to the Center for Student Conduct.

Hazing is not permitted at UC Berkeley. The Dean of Students Hazing website provides a information about reporting hazing, supporting affected students, and more. 

Resource available for all

University of California Police Department (UCPD)

If you need emergency support related to a threat of harm (including situations in which a person is an imminent risk of harm to themselves or others), please call 911.

To report to local law enforcement, you may make a report to UCPD by calling the non-emergency line, (510) 642-6760.

Student resources

Resource for students

Hazing Prevention Collaborative

The Hazing Prevention Collaborative is a multidisciplinary group of students and staff who have come together to reduce and prevent hazing in the UC Berkeley community.

Resource for students

Organization Advising & Student Involvement Services (OASIS)

OASIS staff advises individuals, student organizations, student government, and various other campus communities.

Resource for students

Ombuds Office for Students & Postdoctoral Appointees

The Ombuds Office for Students & Postdoctoral Appointees (confidential) can offer assistance sorting through a campus-related conflict or concern, including how to report and address hazing.

Resource for students

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

UHS Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (confidential) provides services to support the emotional, psychological, educational, social and cultural development of all UC Berkeley students.

When reporting is required

Campus Security Authorities (CSAs)

CSAs are required under the Jeanne Clery Act to report alleged crimes, including hazing, using the online Campus Security Authority (CSA) form. CSAs should provide the Notice of Rights and Options for Survivors of SVSH to any reporting parties of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. You can find more information on the UC Berkeley Clery Division website.

Mandated Reporters

You must report observed or suspected child abuse/neglect, elder or dependent adult abuse/neglect, and/or that a person poses a risk of imminent harm to themselves or someone else. California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (“CANRA”) Mandated Reporters must report observed or suspected child abuse or neglect to agencies designated to receive such reports. These include police and sheriff’s departments, such as the UC Police Department, and county welfare departments.

UC employees

Please remember that unless you are a designated confidential resource, you are required as a Responsible Employee to inform the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) when, in the course of your work, you learn that someone has experienced sexual violence. For more information about this obligation, please visit the Responsible Employees page of the campus SVSH hub website.

For more information about these reporting requirements, please refer to the Understanding Reporting Obligations page of the campus SVSH hub website.