Hazing Policy at Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University strictly prohibits hazing in all forms. Hazing is inconsistent with the University’s values of integrity, inclusion, and mutual respect, and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The University is committed to providing a safe and supportive campus environment that promotes academic and personal success for all students.
Download EMU's Complete Hazing Policy
Hazing Defined
EMU’s Student Code of Conduct defines hazing as any action or activity committed by either active members, associate members or pledges of an organization for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization which inflicts or intends to cause physical or severe emotional distress and/or may demean, degrade, or disgrace any person.
The federal Stop Campus Hazing Act also includes a definition of hazing, which EMU recognizes as being incorporated into its own definition of hazing.
How to Report Hazing
Eastern Michigan University encourages all members of the campus community to report any suspected incidents of hazing. Reports may be submitted by any individual, including those not directly involved in the incident. Prompt reporting allows the University to take appropriate action to protect students and uphold community standards.
- Emergencies: If a situation poses an immediate threat to health or safety, contact EMU Police at 734.487.1222 or dial 911.
- Anonymously Online: Use the University’s Behavioral Misconduct Reporting (accessible via the Dean of Students website) or either of these other sites.
- Student Handbook: Report an Incident
- Athletics: Anonymous Reporting
- In Person or by Phone: Contact the Dean of Students Office at 734.487.1107 or visit at 246 Student Center
All reports are taken seriously. Retaliation against any person who, in good faith, reports hazing or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.
Hazing Prevention and Education Training
The University provides research-informed campus-wide hazing prevention programs designed to reach students, staff, and faculty, which includes:
- Skill building for bystander intervention.
- Information about EMU’s current policies relating to hazing, including the definition of hazing, how to report incidents of such hazing, and the process used to investigate such incidents of hazing and information on applicable local, State, and Tribal laws on hazing.
- Promotion of strategies for building group cohesion without hazing.
- Prevention strategies intended to stop hazing before hazing occurs.
Details on how to obtain such training will be posted on this website in the future.
Hazing in the State of Michigan
Hazing is also a crime in the State of Michigan pursuant to the law commonly known as "Garret's Law," which is codified at MCL 750.411t.