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Starting in 2025, Piedmont University adopted the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) as signed into federal law in 2024. The SCHA defines the term hazing to mean any intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person to participate, that

1. is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in a student organization (e.g. a club, athletic team, fraternity, or sorority); and,
2. causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in Piedmont University or the organization, of physical or psychological injury.

                         This includes, but is not limited to:

1. whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body, or similar activity;
2. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
3. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
4. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
5. any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
6. any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
7. any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.

 

Piedmont University also adopted the Stop Campus Hazing Act definition of a student organization, which is “an organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at institute of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.”

 

In addition to the SCHA, Piedmont University also administers the hazing definition as laid out in Code of Georgia is GA Code § 16-5-61 (2024)

    (a) As used in this Code section, the term:

        (1) "Haze" or "hazing" means to subject a student to an activity which endangers or is likely to endanger the physical health of a student or coerces the student through the use of social or physical pressure to consume any food, liquid, alcohol, drug, or other substance which subjects the student to a likely risk of vomiting, intoxication, or unconsciousness regardless of a student's willingness to participate in such activity.

        (2) "School" means any unit of the University System of Georgia, any unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, or any private postsecondary school, college, or university in this state.

        (3) "School organization" means any association, corporation, order, club, society, fraternity, sorority, athletic team, or a group living together which has students or alumni as its principal members, including local affiliate organizations.

        (4) "Student" means any person enrolled or prospectively enrolled in a school in this state.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to haze any student in connection with or as a condition or precondition of gaining acceptance, membership, office, or other status in a school organization.

(c) Any person who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.

 

All student organizations, clubs, and teams must file a hazing policy compliance form with the Office of Student Life. This document will be provided to the organization’s advisor/coach and completed copies will be kept on file with the Director of Student Life and the University compliance officers.

 

In addition to the examples provided in the SCHA, Piedmont University expands the definition for hazing activities.  It is important to remember that these examples are considered hazing regardless of willingness to participate. The University includes in its definition as examples of hazing: 

 

1. Restraint and/or restriction of a person's movement or senses. Examples include blindfolding and sensory deprivation/overload using lights, sounds, or other methods.
   
   
2. Simulating sexual acts.
   
   
3. Forced participation in calisthenics that are not sanctioned through a University-sponsored activity and overseen by a University staff member (e.g. athletic teams training with oversight of University coach and/or trainer).
   
   
4. Digital/Cyber sexual acts, such as Snapchat, Signal and other digital means.

 

The examples provided are not intended to be an exhaustive list of every possible hazing violation. The base definition of “any intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person to participate” is measure used to gauge and determine whether an action/behavior is considered hazing.

 

How to Report Hazing Incidents

To report a hazing incident, fill out a form on Advocate with as much information as possible.  Use the following link to access Advocate:

https://piedmont-advocate.symplicity.com/collections/student_life

 
If you prefer to remain anonymous, use this form: General | Campus Safety Team | Microsoft Teams 

Responsible employees must report all incidents they suspect could violate hazing policy immediately but no later than 24 hours of learning of the incident. 

 

The Process used to Investigate Hazing Incidents

The University will follow the process set out in the Code of Conduct policy in the Student Handbook. Hazing investigations will follow the formal hearing procedures outlined in the Code of Conduct in the Student Handbook. Student Organization violations will be investigated through the formal process with a representative from Student Life and/or Athletics involved depending on the nature of the organization.

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF POLICY REGARDING PREVENTION AND AWARENESS PROGRAMS RELATING TO HAZING

 

Hazing, in any form, physical or mental, is strictly prohibited and sanctions for such conduct may include immediate dismissal from Piedmont University.  Each member of the Piedmont community is responsible for supporting the safety and well-being of every individual at Piedmont University, regardless of their status as student, employee, guest, etc.

 

Hazing awareness and prevention programs include online training for students, faculty and staff through Vector Solutions, at least once each academic year.  The training provided through Vector Solutions is researched based/evidence based and updated in accordance with the SCHA as of June 23, 2025.  The Vector Solutions training includes topics such as how to identify elements of hazing behaviors, leadership strategies to prevent hazing, bystander intervention strategies, and trauma-informed content, learners understand impact of hazing on individuals and the Piedmont University community. 

 

Students must complete the training within 45 days of the first full session day each year.  If a student’s first day as a Piedmont University student is the Spring or Summer semester, they must complete the Vector training within 45 days of the first day of the full session.  Students must complete the training annually.  Failure of any student to complete and pass the Vector hazing training module within 45 days of the first day of full session of their first semester and with 45 days of the first day of the full session annually will result in violation of the Student Code of Conduct.  Students must score at least 80% to pass.  The University student conduct case managers will work with the University compliance officers for completion updates.

 

Additionally, the University plans to partner with various campus partners and student organizations to provide continual education throughout the year. One example of this is a program designed around the University of Virginia’s Gordie Center-produced video The Longly Dog. This 15-minute video addresses hazing and substance misuse in a narrative format based on the death of Alasdair Russell.  An emphasis is placed on providing bystander intervention training to students on a regular basis. The University will also utilize passive measures to display policy reminders, reporting methods, and safety resources through bulletin boards, stickers, and digital signage around campus.

 

TRANSPARENCY

Piedmont University has not found a recognized or established student organization responsible for a hazing violation as of the publication of this policy. The University will include hazing as part of it’s annual Clery Campus Safety reporting information and it will be displayed on the Campus Safety website for public access. This information will be updated each semester.

 

Discrimination Relating to Race, Color, Ethnic or National Origin, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Age, Disability, or Veteran Status

Any student, faculty member or staff member who believes that their rights have been invaded, violated or ignored by a member of the faculty, staff, or by a student has the right to submit a grievance to the Title IX Coordinator or the Director of Human Resources at: