Florida Administrative Code
6 - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
6C6 - University of West Florida
Chapter 6C6-3 - STUDENTS
Section 6C6-3.018 - Prohibition of Hazing - Procedures and Penalties
Universal Citation: FL Admin Code R 6C6-3.018
Current through Reg. 50, No. 187; September 24, 2024
(1) Hazing will not be tolerated at the University of West Florida.
(a) University
student groups (e.g. registered student organizations, intramural and athletic
teams, and other student groups) and individual students are prohibited from
hazing.
(b) Hazing is prohibited in
any form both on campus and off campus.
(c) Intentional or reckless hazing that
results in a substantial risk of physical injury or death or which results in
serious bodily injury or death is a crime in the State of Florida, pursuant to
Section 1006.63,
F.S.
(2) Definition of Hazing.
(a) In accordance with Section
1006.63(1),
F.S., "Hazing" is defined as any action or situation that recklessly or
intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or
affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a
postsecondary institution. "Hazing" includes, but is not limited to, pressuring
or coercing the student into violating state or federal law, any brutality of a
physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements,
forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other
forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or
safety of the student, and also includes any activity that would subject the
student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion
from social contact, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment,
or other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or
dignity of the student.
(b) For the
purposes of this regulation, hazing includes observation of hazing activities
by individuals in a position to intervene but who fail to
intervene.
(3) Procedures for Implementation by Student Affairs.
(a)
Allegations of Hazing - Any person having knowledge of any activity or conduct
which may constitute hazing should contact the Dean of Student's Office or the
University of West Florida Police Department.
(b) Self Reporting of Incidents - Student
organization/team members and officers/captains should immediately report any
activity or conduct which may constitute hazing that occurs within their
organization to the Dean of Students Office, provide a detailed description of
the events that have transpired, the names of any individuals involved, and a
description of any actions taken by the organization. Upon receiving the
report, the Dean of Students Office will investigate as described in this
regulation and the organization president and advisor/coach will be notified.
The investigation and adjudication will focus on individual violations of this
regulation, unless evidence discovered in the investigation proves the incident
to have been sanctioned by the organization. If the incident appears to have
been sanctioned by the organization, a follow-up investigation into the
organization's role may be undertaken. If the student organization is
affiliated with a national organization, the national headquarters may be
contacted depending on the severity of the incident, the organization's
involvement in the incident, and the organization's cooperation in the
investigation.
(c) Investigation of
Allegations and Charges - Upon receiving a report of alleged hazing, the Dean
of Students Office will assign the case to a designated investigator. As part
of the investigation, the investigator will:
1. Make contact (if possible) with the
individual(s) bringing forward the allegations of hazing;
2. Make contact with the individual(s)
alleged to have perpetrated the hazing. If the conduct is organizational in
nature, the investigator will contact the advisor and president of the
organization under investigation;
3. Conduct interviews with all parties,
including victims, the accused student(s) and any witnesses. The investigator
may, at his/her discretion, recommend interim action (as described in the UWF
Student Code of Conduct) to the Dean of Students at any point during the
investigation;
(d) The
investigator may, at his or her discretion, require students, or a select group
of students (i.e. all new members of an organization) to participate in an
investigatory meeting at a pre-determined time and location and may exercise
discretion regarding the communication of students during the investigation
process.
(e) The investigator will
provide a written investigative report to the Dean of Students Office. Upon
receipt of this report, the Dean of Students (or designee) will determine if
charges are warranted. If charges are warranted, the Dean of Students Office
will charge the individual student(s), the involved student group(s), and/or
the President or other responsible officers of the involved student group(s)
and/or student bystanders in accordance with the UWF Student Code of
Conduct.
(f) Adjudication -
Adjudication shall be conducted pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct. It is
not a defense to a charge of hazing that:
1.
Any or all participants consented;
2. The conduct was not part of an official
organizational event or otherwise sanctioned or approved by the student group;
or
3. The conduct or activity was
not done as a condition of membership to or affiliation with a student
group.
(g) Sanctions -
Sanctions for violations of this regulation shall be administered by the Dean
of Students.
1. Student groups subject to
University jurisdiction and individual students found responsible for
violations of this regulation shall be sanctioned in accordance with the
Student Code of Conduct. For student groups, sanctions include, but are not
limited to, revocation of registration or denial of application for
registration, loss of University privileges such as the ability to formally
meet on campus and to use campus facilities, or to represent the University of
West Florida, and, in the case of fraternities and sororities, the right to be
recognized or operate at the University of West Florida.
2. Sanctions imposed by the University for
violation of this regulation may be in addition to any penalty imposed for
violation of the criminal laws of the State of Florida and for violation of any
other University regulations or policies.
(4) Distribution to Students.
In accordance with Section 1006.63, F.S., copies of this regulation concerning violations, penalties, and process for enforcement will be distributed to students enrolled in the University, and shall be incorporated in the bylaws or governing documents of every student organization operating under the authority of the University.
Rulemaking Authority 1006.63 FS. Law Implemented 1006.63 FS.
New 12-30-81, Formerly 6C6-3.18, Amended 5-31-87, 2-9-15.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Florida may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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