Student Development Policies

Student development policies

Here you will find links to various Student Development policies, reports and processes.

2025-2026 Student Handbook

Student Complaint Process

Hazing Policy

St. Thomas Aquinas College (“STAC” or the “College”) is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of its community. Hazing in any form is contrary to the College’s values and is strictly prohibited. This policy outlines STAC’s definition of hazing, reporting procedures, investigation processes, sanctions, prevention efforts, and transparency measures in compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act of 2024 and New York State law.

This policy applies to all STAC  students and student organizations, whether or not they are recognized by the College, in all schools and locations, including varsity and club sport teams.  This policy also applies to any individuals associated with those organizations, including advisors, alumni, and volunteers.

A. STAC Definition of Hazing:
Any action taken or situation created, intentionally or unintentionally, whether on or off College premises and whether presented as optional or required, that produces: mental, physical, or emotional discomfort; servitude; degradation; embarrassment; harassment; ridicule; or causes or encourages violation of law or STAC policy, for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or admission to, or as a condition for continued membership in a group, team, or other organization, regardless of an individual’s willingness to participate.

B. Federal Definition of Hazing:
For the purpose of reporting statistics on hazing incidents in STAC’s Annual Security Report (ASR), as required by the Stop Campus Hazing Act of 2024, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (individually or in concert with others) against another person, regardless of willingness to participate, that:

  1. Is committed in the course of initiation into, affiliation with, or maintenance of membership in a student organization; and
  2. Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk inherent in organizational participation, of physical or psychological injury, including but not limited to:
    • Sleep deprivation, confinement, exposure to elements, or extreme calisthenics
    • Coerced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
    • Coerced participation in sexual acts
    • Threats or activities creating fear of bodily harm
    • Any activity involving a criminal violation of law

C. New York State Law Definitions (Penal Law §§ 120.16–120.17)

  • Hazing in the First Degree (Class A misdemeanor): Intentionally or recklessly engaging in conduct during initiation or affiliation that creates a substantial risk of physical injury and thereby causes such injury.
  • Hazing in the Second Degree (Violation): Intentionally or recklessly engaging in conduct during initiation or affiliation that creates a substantial risk of physical injury.

D. Student Organization
Any club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, or student government in which two or more members are STAC students, whether or not formally recognized by the College.

A. Examples of Hazing

    1. Physical Abuse and Endangerment

      • Beating, striking, whipping, branding, or shocking
      • Forced exposure to extreme elements or confinement in small spaces
      • Sleep deprivation or extreme exertion
      • Denial of basic hygiene
      • Placement of harmful substances on the body
  • Emotional and Psychological Abuse
      • Verbal abuse, degradation, or mental manipulation
      • Public or private humiliation, including nudity
      • Forced servitude or menial tasks under duress
      • Excessive assignments interfering with health or academics
  • Forced Consumption and Substance Abuse
      • Coerced or forced use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances
      • Excessive or degrading food or liquid consumption
      • Providing alcohol to minors in organizational activities
  • Illegal or Criminal Acts
      • Theft, property destruction, coerced criminal behavior
      • Sexual assault or other criminal violations
      • Physical restraint or abandonment in unsafe locations
  • Threats, Coercion, and Intimidation
    • Use of threats, intimidation, or coercion
    • Any activity placing another in reasonable fear of harm

B. Supporting and Condoning

Any form of participation in hazing—including planning, assisting, observing without reporting, or submitting to hazing—may result in discipline.

C. Retaliation

No person may retaliate against an individual who reports hazing or participates in an investigation.

D. Sanctions

Violations may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to:

  • Written warning or probation
  • Removal from a team, club, or organization
  • Suspension or expulsion from the College
  • Revocation of recognition or privileges for student organizations

Other sanctions deemed appropriate by the College.

STAC encourages prompt reporting of hazing to College officials or law enforcement. Reports may be made to:

Anonymous reports may limit the College’s ability to investigate.

Amnesty for Reporting: Students who report hazing may be granted limited amnesty from disciplinary action for minor policy violations (e.g., personal alcohol or drug use) that are revealed in the course of a hazing report.

  • Allegations against student organizations will be investigated by the Office of Student Development under Student Organization Procedures.
  • Allegations against individual students will be adjudicated under the Student Code of Conduct.
  • Interim measures may be imposed pending investigation.
  • Outcomes and sanctions will be included in the Campus Hazing Transparency Report.

STAC implements research-informed prevention and awareness programs annually, including anti-hazing training for student leaders, athletes, and organization members.

STAC will maintain and publish a Hazing Transparency Report summarizing violations by student organizations. The report will be:

  • Updated at least twice per year
  • Maintained for five years from each publication date
  • Reported in the Annual Security Report (ASR) and Daily Crime Log in compliance with the Clery Act

Entries in the Daily Crime Log will be made within two business days of receiving a report, unless prohibited by law or confidentiality requirements.

This policy will be reviewed and updated regularly by the Office of Student Development and Office of Campus Safety to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and alignment with best practices in hazing prevention.

Effective Date: June 23, 2025
Supersedes: Prior Anti-Hazing Policy and Student Code of Conduct Hazing Section
Issuing Authority: Vice President and Dean of Student Development
Responsible Officer: Associate Dean of Student Development

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