Each national organization has its own policies regarding risk management, alcohol, hazing, and related issues. Old Dominion University's fraternity and sorority chapters are obligated to follow the risk management guidelines of their national organizations as well as those of Old Dominion University. Not all organizations make their risk management policies open to the public.
University Statement Against Hazing
It is the responsibility for all student organizations to encourage an atmosphere of learning, social responsibility, and respect for human dignity. "Hazing" is an unproductive and hazardous custom that has no place in our university life, either on or off campus.
Description & Examples of Hazing
A. Hazing refers to any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off campus to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Consent to hazing is never a defense to a violation of this policy and allowing yourself to be hazed is also a violation of this policy.
B. Examples of Hazing include, but not be limited to forcing, requiring, or expecting pledges, associate members, prospective members, new or members, or members of university organizations to participate in any of the following actions or activities:
- Requiring persons to consume alcohol or drugs, liquid, food, or other substance;
- All forms of physical activity which are used to harass or which are not part of an organized athletic or ROTC/military context and not specifically directed toward constructive work;
- Nudity;
- Requiring exposure to uncomfortable elements or any strong odor that could make an individual feel ill or uncomfortable;
- Intentionally or recklessly requiring that a person do or submit to any act that will alter physical appearance (e.g., branding; tattooing; using makeup, paint, or markers on a person; or shaving the head or body);
- Forcing, coercing, someone to wear apparel that is conspicuous and not within community norms or which are not part of an organized athletic or ROTC/military context;
- Carrying any item (shields, paddles, bricks, hammers, etc.) that serve no constructive purpose or that are designed to punish or embarrass the carrier;
- Requiring activities that disrupt a person's normal schedule. A normal schedule includes the opportunity for sufficient eating and rest, course requirements (class, labs, practicums, and internships), time required for study outside of scheduled class hours, and reasonable time for personal hygiene;
- Timed quests, treasure hunts, or scavenger hunts, or any activity which requires members to search for various items around a location in a specified amount of time;
- Hitting or pretending to hit an individual; paddling in any form;
- Misuse, theft, damage, or destruction of property;
- Spray painting or pelting with any substance;
- Verbal Harassment
- Any violation of the Code of Student Conduct such as threatening, physical restraint or abuse (being held down, tied up, taped), kidnapping, transporting, or abandoning a person;
- Any violation of the University's Discrimination Policy such as sexual violence, targeting on the basis of their actual or perceived race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, political affiliation, marital status, disability, or other legally protected status.
- Interrogating individuals in an intimidating or threatening manner;
- Requiring a person to perform acts of servitude or perform personal errands for others;
- Deceiving new members prior to their gaining membership in an attempt to convince them that they will not be initiated or will be hurt;
- Blindfolding and parading individuals in public areas, blindfolding and transporting in a motor vehicle, or privately conducting blindfolding activities that serve no constructive purpose;
- Binding or restricting any persons arms or legs that would prohibit them from moving on their own;
- Engaging in activity that compels an individual or group to remain in a certain place or transporting anyone without their knowledgeable consent (e.g., taking a person on a road trip to an unknown destination, or kidnapping);
- Requiring a pledge or associate period of unusual length (more than 10-12 weeks) for reasons other than achieving academic requirements.
Sanctions for Violations
Organizations found in violation of this policy and/or Virginia Law may face sanctions ranging from a warning to a loss of status as recognized student organization. Individuals found to be in violation of this policy may face sanction ranging from a warning to a dismissal.
- Introduce yourself - This is the first step in building a relationship with your neighbors. Saying hello will go a long way and will help grow the relationship through the year.
- Keep your neighbors informed - Contact your neighbors before engaging in an activity that will affect your neighbors such as throwing a party or getting a dog.
- Know City Ordinances and Neighborhood Expectations - Know the local ordinances of the city and the expectations of the neighbors. Each neighborhood has a different culture and expectation for its residents. Talk to your neighbors to better understand the feel of the neighborhood.
- Be the Helping Hand - Acts of kindness and neighborly gestures contribute to a positive neighborhood environment. Helpful acts build and further the relationship between you and your neighbors.
- Parking Etiquette - When parking, be sure not to block anyone's access through the street or to anyone's driveway. Do not over-rev your engine in the morning or late at night. Park in front of your home and not your neighbors.
- Cut the Grass - When renting a house, you may be responsible for the upkeep of the house's exterior. Mow your lawn regularly and keep trees, brushes and flowers trimmed appropriately. Put yard equipment away as soon as you are finished.
- Manage the Trash - Keep your yard free of trash and litter. Only put out trash on the day of its collection.
- Control your dog - When walking your dog, keep it on a leash and make sure to clean up after it. Noisy dogs may become a source of contention between you and your neighbors.
Information coming soon.
University Statement Against Hazing
It is the responsibility for all student organizations to encourage an atmosphere of learning, social responsibility, and respect for human dignity. "Hazing" is an unproductive and hazardous custom that has no place in our university life, either on or off campus.
Description & Examples of Hazing
A. Hazing refers to any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off campus to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Consent to hazing is never a defense to a violation of this policy and allowing yourself to be hazed is also a violation of this policy.
B. Examples of Hazing include, but not be limited to forcing, requiring, or expecting pledges, associate members, prospective members, new or members, or members of university organizations to participate in any of the following actions or activities:
- Requiring persons to consume alcohol or drugs, liquid, food, or other substance;
- All forms of physical activity which are used to harass or which are not part of an organized athletic or ROTC/military context and not specifically directed toward constructive work;
- Nudity;
- Requiring exposure to uncomfortable elements or any strong odor that could make an individual feel ill or uncomfortable;
- Intentionally or recklessly requiring that a person do or submit to any act that will alter physical appearance (e.g., branding; tattooing; using makeup, paint, or markers on a person; or shaving the head or body);
- Forcing, coercing, someone to wear apparel that is conspicuous and not within community norms or which are not part of an organized athletic or ROTC/military context;
- Carrying any item (shields, paddles, bricks, hammers, etc.) that serve no constructive purpose or that are designed to punish or embarrass the carrier;
- Requiring activities that disrupt a person's normal schedule. A normal schedule includes the opportunity for sufficient eating and rest, course requirements (class, labs, practicums, and internships), time required for study outside of scheduled class hours, and reasonable time for personal hygiene;
- Timed quests, treasure hunts, or scavenger hunts, or any activity which requires members to search for various items around a location in a specified amount of time;
- Hitting or pretending to hit an individual; paddling in any form;
- Misuse, theft, damage, or destruction of property;
- Spray painting or pelting with any substance;
- Verbal Harassment
- Any violation of the Code of Student Conduct such as threatening, physical restraint or abuse (being held down, tied up, taped), kidnapping, transporting, or abandoning a person;
- Any violation of the University's Discrimination Policy such as sexual violence, targeting on the basis of their actual or perceived race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, political affiliation, marital status, disability, or other legally protected status.
- Interrogating individuals in an intimidating or threatening manner;
- Requiring a person to perform acts of servitude or perform personal errands for others;
- Deceiving new members prior to their gaining membership in an attempt to convince them that they will not be initiated or will be hurt;
- Blindfolding and parading individuals in public areas, blindfolding and transporting in a motor vehicle, or privately conducting blindfolding activities that serve no constructive purpose;
- Binding or restricting any persons arms or legs that would prohibit them from moving on their own;
- Engaging in activity that compels an individual or group to remain in a certain place or transporting anyone without their knowledgeable consent (e.g., taking a person on a road trip to an unknown destination, or kidnapping);
- Requiring a pledge or associate period of unusual length (more than 10-12 weeks) for reasons other than achieving academic requirements.
Sanctions for Violations
Organizations found in violation of this policy and/or Virginia Law may face sanctions ranging from a warning to a loss of status as recognized student organization. Individuals found to be in violation of this policy may face sanction ranging from a warning to a dismissal.
- Introduce yourself - This is the first step in building a relationship with your neighbors. Saying hello will go a long way and will help grow the relationship through the year.
- Keep your neighbors informed - Contact your neighbors before engaging in an activity that will affect your neighbors such as throwing a party or getting a dog.
- Know City Ordinances and Neighborhood Expectations - Know the local ordinances of the city and the expectations of the neighbors. Each neighborhood has a different culture and expectation for its residents. Talk to your neighbors to better understand the feel of the neighborhood.
- Be the Helping Hand - Acts of kindness and neighborly gestures contribute to a positive neighborhood environment. Helpful acts build and further the relationship between you and your neighbors.
- Parking Etiquette - When parking, be sure not to block anyone's access through the street or to anyone's driveway. Do not over-rev your engine in the morning or late at night. Park in front of your home and not your neighbors.
- Cut the Grass - When renting a house, you may be responsible for the upkeep of the house's exterior. Mow your lawn regularly and keep trees, brushes and flowers trimmed appropriately. Put yard equipment away as soon as you are finished.
- Manage the Trash - Keep your yard free of trash and litter. Only put out trash on the day of its collection.
- Control your dog - When walking your dog, keep it on a leash and make sure to clean up after it. Noisy dogs may become a source of contention between you and your neighbors.
Information coming soon.