UMB Hazing Policy
V- 9.00 | Student Affairs | Approved June 23, 2025
Responsible VP/AVP: Patty Alvarez, PhD, MS
Policy Statement
“Hazing” is against federal[1] and state[2] law and is strictly prohibited at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (“University”).
All students, including potential new members and current members of any student group or organization, have a responsibility to avoid participating in Hazing. All students, faculty, and staff share the responsibility to oppose Hazing and report acts of apparent Hazing.
[1] The Stop Campus Hazing Act, is a federal law enacted on December 23, 2024, which modifies the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, 20 USC § 1092(f) and implementing regulations, 34 CFR § 668.46.
[2] See Md. Code, Crim. Law, § 3-607.
Definitions
A. “Hazing” is defined as any action taken or situation created, whether on or off campus, intentionally inflicted on a student or students for the purpose of an initiation into a Student Organization recognized, established, or sponsored by the University that creates mental or physical harm, including temporary or permanent diminished physical or mental capacity, emotional distress, humiliation, degradation, or causing or encouraging another person to violate any law or University policy.
Hazing includes any mental or physical requirement, request, or obligation which emphasizes one individual’s or a group’s power over others and/or a perceived necessity/obligation to participate; that could cause pain, disgrace, or injury; that is personally degrading; and/or that violates federal, state, or local law, or University policy.
B. “Student Organization” means a student organization recognized, established, or sponsored by the University.
III. PROCEDURES
A. Reporting
Anyone experiencing or witnessing a violation of this Hazing policy should report the incident to one or more of the following:
- The UMB Division of Student Affairs and/or the appropriate School Office of Student Affairs
UMB Division of Student Affairs:
621 W. Lombard St.
Suite 302
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410)-706-5433
umbstudentaffairs@umaryland.edu
School Offices of Student Affairs:
https://www.umaryland.edu/umb-student-affairs/student-affairs-deans/
2. UMB EthicsPoint Hotline
Online: https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/28588/index.html
Phone (866-594-5220)
3. UMB Police & Public Safety
Pine Street Police Station
214 N. Pine St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Emergencies: 911
Non-Emergencies: 410-706-6882
B. Resources
The below resources provide free and confidential services and will maintain confidentiality except in cases involving a threat of imminent physical injury, or abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult.
1. UMB Student Counseling Center
SMC Campus Center
621 W. Lombard St., Suite 302
Phone: 410-328-8404; Fax: 410-328-5291
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2. Student Health
408 W. Lombard St., between Eutaw and Paca Streets
Baltimore, MD 21201
Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Appointments: 667-214-1899
After hours (urgent questions, available 24/7): 667-214-1800
www.umaryland.edu/studenthealth
C. General
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- Any report or complaint alleging that an individual, group of students, or Student Organization has engaged in Hazing will be referred to the Division of Student Affairs and/or appropriate Office of Student Affairs, which will handle allegations in accordance with its procedures for alleged violations of University and/or School policies, including but not limited to School policies on professional and student conduct, except as otherwise noted in this policy.
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For reports or complaints alleging an act or acts of Hazing that may involve discriminatory conduct, including harassment, the Division of Student Affairs and/or appropriate Office of Student Affairs may consult or collaborate with the Office of Accountability and Compliance to develop an appropriate investigational process for the specific complaint.
2. If the Division of Student Affairs and/or appropriate Office of Student Affairs finds that a
Student Organization has engaged in Hazing, or that the organization did not take reasonable steps to prevent Hazing by its members or affiliates, culpability may be attributed to the individual perpetrators, the Student Organization, its members, and/or its elected or appointed officers, if they could have reasonably prevented the hazing.
3. All students, including potential new members and current members of any student
group or organization, are encouraged to report Hazing.
D. Educational Programs and Prevention
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- Division of Student Affairs
For more information, contact the Division of Student Affairs at (410)-706-5433 or umbstudentaffairs@umaryland.edu. - The Hazing Prevention at UMB Webpage
- Division of Student Affairs
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https://www.umaryland.edu/university-life/student-organizations/hazing-prevention/
3. Blue Light Emergency Telephones
UMB Police & Public Safety blue light emergency telephones, recognized by a blue light affixed to each station, are available throughout the campus for use in an active hazing event or incident. By activating the phone, an individual will be automatically connected to a police communication operator (PCO).
E. Sanctions
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- Student Organization. Sanctions for a Student Organization found responsible for violating this Policy, even for a first offense, may include revocation or denial of recognition or registration, as well as other appropriate sanctions, pursuant to the applicable policies.
- Individual Members of a Student Organization. Individual members of a student organization who participate in acts of Hazing in violation of this Policy may be subject to sanctions up to and including expulsion, regardless of the outcome of any related case brought against a student group or organization.
- Any sanctions against the Student Organization and/or individual members of the implicated Student Organization will be imposed by the Chief Student Affairs Officer and Vice President and/or the appropriate Office of Student Affairs. This decision will include input from University officials, as needed. Previous violations of this policy will also be considered in the sanctioning process.
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