Hazing Disclosures

What is the Stop Campus Hazing Act?

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) is a federal law signed on December 23, 2024, aimed at improving hazing prevention and reporting in colleges and universities. It requires institutions to include hazing statistics in their annual security reports and implement hazing prevention policies and education programs. Additionally, hazing is a criminal offense under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61, the Max Gruver Act). It is unlawful for any person to haze a student in connection with gaining or maintaining membership or status in a school organization. Hazing includes activities that endanger physical health or coerce consumption of substances that risk intoxication or unconsciousness, regardless of the student’s willingness to participate. A violation is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature and may result in criminal penalties in addition to university discipline.

For the definition of hazing under the Clery Act and further information, read more.

For the UGA’s SCHA policy, including UGA’s definition of hazing under the Code of Conduct, read more. For general information regarding UGA’s Clery Act compliance resources, including the annual Safe & Secure report, read more.

The process for reporting and investigating hazing allegations is outlined in the UGA Code of Conduct. All members of the University community are encouraged to report suspected hazing to ensure a safe and respectful campus environment.

Hazing Policy Summary

Hazing is defined as any intentional, negligent or reckless action, activity or situation that is forced, required, or otherwise expected of someone in connection with initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in a student organization, regardless of the individual’s willingness to participate; and endangers or is likely to endanger the physical health of an individual; causes an individual pain, embarrassment, ridicule, harassment, or severe emotional distress; and/or meets the definition of “hazing” under applicable Georgia law, including but not limited to the “Max Gruver Act” and the federal “Stop Campus Hazing Act.”

Anyone may report. Reporters may request that their identity be withheld; however, the University cannot guarantee confidentiality, as it must balance these requests with campus safety and legal reporting requirements. Reports of hazing may be made to the Office of Student Conduct by phone at 706-542-1131 or by emailing Rebecca Scarbro at rcw34@uga.edu. Suspicion of hazing may also be reported to UGA Police.

Investigation Process for Students and Student Organizations

Hazing allegations involving students or student organizations are adjudicated by the Office of Student Conduct per the processes outlined in the University of Georgia Code of Conduct.

After a report is received, the Office of Student Conduct conducts an initial review and may implement appropriate interim measures pending resolution of the conduct process.

The accused student or organization receives a written Notice of Allegations and an opportunity to respond.

Cases may be resolved through either the Informal Resolution Process or the Formal Resolution Process, which includes an investigation and possible hearing. If the student or organization decides to resolve the conduct charges informally, and all conditions for such resolution are met, the Respondent will receive a written copy of the decision.  The decision will be completed by the administrative officer handling the case, and upon review, the Respondent will sign the decision indicating agreement with the method of resolution. An executed agreement, because voluntary on behalf of the parties, is not eligible for appeal and is the final disposition of the matter.

If the student or organization disputes that a violation of conduct regulations has taken place, rejects the informal resolution, or does not agree with the sanctions resulting from the informal resolution, the case shall be resolved through the formal resolution procedures outlined on page 11 of the Code of Conduct, which includes an investigation and possible hearing.

Possible sanctions include educational sanctions, disciplinary probation, suspension, expulsion, loss of organizational privileges or recognition, and other sanctions authorized by the Code of Conduct.

Hazing Transparency Report:

As part of the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA), UGA must create and maintain a transparency report.

Reports will contain the following information:

• Findings of any person or student organization found to have violated the University’s Hazing Policy;
• Criminal convictions for hazing, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 16- 5-61; and
• Other criminal convictions arising from any incident of hazing.
  Note: The Report shall not include or otherwise reveal any personally identifiable information, including about any student in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.