UMB students take pride in being part of a community in which all members treat each other with dignity and respect. Activities which detract from the goal of fostering the personal and intellectual development of our students have no place on our campus. Hazing in any form by any student in the process of joining any organization poses a serious threat to the health and safety of our students and will not be tolerated. UMass Boston Athletics and Recreation directly align with the guidelines that are detailed in the campus
Hazing Policy.
The Massachusetts Education Code defines hazing as, “any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization which causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm, to any student or other person attending any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in this state.”
Hazing may also include: “Any action taken, or situation created, intentionally, or unintentionally, whether on or off [University] premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; line-ups; creation of any excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips, kidnapping, or any other such activities; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or policy, or the regulation and policies of the educational institution, or applicable state law.”
The University of Massachusetts Boston (UMB) in compliance with the Massachusetts State Law, Chapter 269 Sections, 17, 18, 19 and the Board of Higher Education, prohibits any form of humiliation or hazing. The policy in effect protects the students and employees of UMB. Hazing is outlined in the Massachusetts General Law. Consent shall not be an excuse or defense against any form of hazing. In addition, whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing and is at the scene of such a crime, shall, without danger or peril to self or others, report such a crime to an appropriate law enforcement official or to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or designee, as soon as possible.
Whoever fails to report or is a principal organizer in the crime of hazing, shall be punished by a fine or by imprisonment. In addition to criminal charges, any alleged violations shall be reported to the Office of the Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs for disciplinary action, according to the Code of Student Conduct.
All student-athletes are required to sign a statement of eligibility at the beginning of the academic year that encourages ethical conduct and specifically discourages hazing. If student-athletes have concerns or questions about hazing or permissible team activities, they should contact Assistant Athletic Director of Compliance and Student-Athlete Development or the Dean of Students office.
Standards of behavior have been established to promote cooperation, respect, and orderliness within the UMB on-campus housing community. These standards of behavior apply to all on-campus housing residents, community members, and guests while in the on-campus housing community and surrounding properties. All student-athletes who become members of the on-campus residence community are voluntarily choosing to become members of this community and therefore are bound by the responsibilities and rights of this membership. Student-athletes are responsible for making themselves aware of and abide by the on-campus housing regulations. These regulations have been developed to create and maintain safe, supportive, and inclusive living-learning communities that engage residents to foster their academic success, personal growth, and responsible citizenship.
Residents are maturing adults, capable of making their own decisions, as well as accepting the consequences for those decisions. If there are any allegations of violating on-campus standards, student-athletes may receive a written summons that they must respond to in a timely manner. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action including, but not limited to, a hold being placed on a student-athletes record.
If you have questions regarding the standards of behavior for the on-campus housing community, please contact your Resident Director. Additionally, student-athletes may contact the Assistant Athletic Director of Compliance and Student-Athlete Development with questions.
