(1) Statement of Policy – Actions or statements which by design or intent amount to intimidation or hazing are prohibited, and shall be prevented and adjudicated by the University whenever possible. This policy shall apply to acts conducted on or off campus whenever such acts are deemed to constitute hazing.
    (2) “”Hazing”” means any group or individual action or activity which recklessly or intentionally inflicts or intends to inflict physical or mental harm or discomfort, or which may demean, disgrace, or degrade any person, regardless of location, intent, or consent of participant(s). The actions of either active, associate or prospective members of an organization may be considered hazing. For purposes of this section, any activity as described herein upon which the initiation or admission into or affiliation with a University organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be a “”forced”” activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity not withstanding. However, it is not necessary to have direct proof that a person’s initiation or continued membership is contingent upon participation in the activity for a charge of hazing to be upheld.
Hazing includes, but is not limited to:
    (a) Interference with a student’s academic performance.
    (b) Forced consumption or intake of any food, alcohol, drug or any other substance.
    (c) Brutality: any brutality of a physical nature such as whipping; beating; branding; exclusion from social contact; forced calisthenics; exposure to the elements; or any activity which could adversely affect the physical and/or mental health or dignity of the individual.
    (d) Deprivation of food or sleep.
    (e) Kidnapping.
    (f) Any activity that would subject the individual to embarrassment, humiliation or potential harm.
    (3) Any person having knowledge of any activity or statement which may constitute hazing should contact the Student Life Office; Greek Affairs Coordinator or Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Actions to enforce the University’s prohibition against hazing will be conducted pursuant to the Student Conduct Code at Fl. Admin. Code R. 6C9-3.381
    (4) Penalties – The penalties described below may be imposed for violation of the prohibition, regardless of whether the violation occurred on or off campus, and shall be in addition to any other penalty to which a student may be subject for violations of the criminal laws of Florida or any other applicable University rule or policy.
    (a) Individuals subject to University jurisdiction found guilty of hazing violations will receive penalties including the imposition of fines, the withholding of diplomas or transcripts pending compliance with the rules or pending payment of fines, and the imposition of reprimand, probation, suspension, or dismissal.
    (b) Organizations subject to University jurisdiction which authorize hazing in blatant disregard of these rules will be penalized by revocation of permission for the organization to be registered, to meet on campus and to use campus facilities, and, in the case of fraternities and sororities, the right to exist at the University of North Florida.
    (c) All penalties imposed under the authority of this subsection shall be in addition to any penalty imposed for violation of any of the criminal laws of this state or for violation of any other rule of the institution to which the violator may be subject.
    (5) Copies of this policy, and rules concerning violations, penalties, and process for enforcement will be distributed to students enrolled in the University, and shall be incorporated in the bylaws of every organization operating under the sanction of the University.
Rulemaking Authority 1001.74(10)(d), 1006.63(2) FS. Law Implemented 1001.74(10)(d), 1006.63 FS. History-New 5-16-04.