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Campus Safety

Vassar College

Campus Hazing Transparency Report

In accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, Vassar College began collecting hazing incident statistics January 1, 2025. 

In the year 2025, there were zero (0) reports of hazing. If reports are received this website will be updated 2 times per year by Community Expectations and include the following information:

  • The name of the student organization
  • A general description of the violation that resulted in a finding or responsibility, including whether the violation involved the abuse or illegal use of alcohol or drugs, the findings of the institution, and any sanctions placed on the student organization by the institution
  • The dates on which the incident was alleged to have occurred
  • The date on which the investigation into the incident was initiated
  • The date the investigation ended with a finding that a hazing violation occurred
  • The date the institution provided notice to the student organization that the incident resulted in a hazing violation

Vassar’s Hazing Prevention and Response Policy can be found in its entirety in the Vassar Policy Library here . Hazing is strictly prohibited by Vassar College through Community Expectations, the Vassar Student Association, Vassar Student Athletics, and federal and New York State law. Hazing violations may be reported to any campus security authority including but not limited to Community Expectation administrators, athletic administrators, and the Campus Safety Office.

For reporting statistics for incidents of hazing, the Stop Campus Hazing Act establishes the following definitions:

‘Hazing’ means 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—

  • whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
  • causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
  • causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
  • causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
  • any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
  • any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
  • 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.

‘Student Organization’ means an organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.

The New York State Penal Code defines hazing as a criminal misdemeanor offense under New York State law (Penal Code § 120.16): Hazing in the first degree occurs when a person, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury. Hazing in the second degree, Penal Code § 120.17, is a violation level offense when this same conduct occurs but without injury to the person.

Hazing prevention and awareness educational programming is provided as part of Vassar’s New Student Orientation, summer programs’ safety orientation, the Athletic Department and the Residential Living and Wellness Office training, including bystander intervention and leadership programming. Important aspects of hazing prevention programming include but are not limited to the following:

  • The significance of understanding what hazing is and discussing it openly.
  • Making sure everyone knows that new organization members and athletic recruits should be treated the same as senior members and teammates.
  • Ensuring that all members and/or teammates know that reports of hazing incidents can be initiated by anyone, not just the targeted persons. It’s important that bystanders not ignore hazing activity. Silence in these instances is tantamount to collusion. Be an upstander not a silent partner.
  • Planning healthy activities that will enhance bonding and be sure all are welcome and involved. 
  • Stressing that acceptance is developed through positive means. 
  • Assuring new members know you will support them in resisting any participation in hazing activities. 
  • Ethical leadership, including creating positive traditions and not tolerating negative behavior or activities.
  • Recognizing you have tremendous influence over the newest members and making sure you use your influence in positive and supporting ways. 
  • Emphasizing the importance of reporting violations to the College.
  • Anyone may report hazing violations to Campus Safety by calling (845) 437-7333 or by contacting a coach, an athletic administrator, a Community Expectations administrator, a Campus Activities administrator, any campus security authority as defined by the Federal Clery Act, or any law enforcement agency. 

Those found responsible may be subject to sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion from college. If processed criminally legal sanctions may include fines, probation and/or imprisonment. 

All reported hazing violations will be investigated by the College and if relevant, the law enforcement department in which the violation occurred.