Hazing Prevention

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person against a student (regardless of that student's willingness to participate), that:

1. is connected with an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, an organization (e.g., a club, athletic team, fraternity, or sorority);
2. causes or is likely to contribute to a substantial risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization, of physical injury, mental harm, or degradation.

It is important to know that hazing can happen regardless of an individual's willingness to participate. The peer pressure and desire to belong in a student organization can create a coercive environment where true consent cannot be given. Merely giving consent does not erase the power differential that exists between an individual and a group.

It is the responsibility of every member of the Caltech community to report concerns about suspected hazing behaviors. Reports can be submitted via the online reporting form or to the following offices:

Caltech is dedicated to proactive hazing education and prevention through multiple means of intervention:

• All incoming students, student athletes, and returning student leaders take part in a nationally recognized, evidence-based training module that introduces students to the definition of hazing, types and warning signs of hazing, and how to create healthy group cultures.
• The Director of Conduct and Community Standards leads a follow-up presentation during Orientation that reinforces the importance of hazing prevention and instructs students in how to recognize, prevent, and report hazing. This session also provides guidance in joining and fostering healthy group cultures.
• Throughout the academic year, student leaders receive ongoing training that addresses how to develop positive group cultures.
• Students and staff receive bystander intervention training that addresses how to identify and disrupt problematic behavior.
• Institute staff and faculty receive training that reviews the definition and types of hazing, the duty to report as a responsible employee and CSA, and mechanisms for reporting.

In accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, Caltech biannually publishes a Hazing Transparency Report which includes summaries of incidents where a student organization has been found responsible for violating the Hazing Prevention Policy. These summaries include the name of the organization, date and description of the hazing incident, investigation and adjudication timelines, findings, and sanctions.

Any reports and investigations of hazing incidents that did not result in a finding of responsibility are not included in the Hazing Transparency Report.