REPORT A HAZING OR MISCONDUCT INCIDENT

JMU’s full language for our hazing policy can be found at the JMU Student Handbook and on the Office of Student Life’s About Hazing page. It is the responsibility of student organization leadership to read and understand these policies, and enforce a strict anti-hazing policy, for the safety of every organization member.

If your group would like more information about hazing alternatives Student Leadership and Involvement would be glad to assist you at any time.

JMU is committed to the positive education of new members in the process of joining an organization; this process should create better members through the development of maturity and leadership. We believe that organizations should focus on achievement of positive standards for achieving and maintain membership in a student organization.

The following alternatives are recommended to create positive traditions:

Develop Leadership

Assign and involve new members in organizational committees for fund-raising activities, community service projects, public relations, new member recruitment and retention, etc.

Involve your Organization with the University

Encourage members to participate in university committees, the Student Government Association, First-Year Orientation, intramural sports and other organizations; invite university faculty and staff members to conduct presentations

Instill a Sense of Unity Within Your Organization

Plan special events for members such as a holding a retreat, attending a football game or cultural event, honoring your adviser or having a formal dinner and dance. Remember, retaining members is just as important as recruiting members.

To ensure awareness of the university’s policy against hazing, each organization must affirm that they have read and understand JMU’s Hazing Policy during the Annual Registration Process for student organizations. The student leader completing the registration affirms they read the policy and will inform fellow leadership of the policy. Failure to affirm this policy will lead to the organization losing recognition and privileges.

Student Leadership and Involvement may conduct an orientation for student organizations who have initiation and pledging activities. The orientation will be designed to give all members greater insight into hazing policies and laws and their individual responsibilities.