Initiations, sometimes known as hazing, are events organised by student groups, societies or sports teams. The are activities such as rituals, challenges, and other activities that humiliate, degrade, abuse or endanger participants (regardless of their willingness to take part) which are expected of someone joining or being part of a group.
These behaviours are not permitted at the University of Nottingham, or by the Students’ Union and may be investigated under the Student Code of Conduct (Non-Academic) or the UoN SU Members’ Code of Conduct / Complaints Policy.
Hazing/Initiation is not limited to the start of the academic year and can happen at any time. It can range from relatively benign 'pranks', to protracted patterns of behaviour that rise to the level of abuse or criminal misconduct.
The University and SU have defines initiation or hazing activities as any activity or behaviour which:
These behaviours are not permitted at the University of Nottingham, or by the Students’ Union and may be investigated under the Student Code of Conduct (Non-Academic) or the UoN SU Members’ Code of Conduct / Complaints Policy.
Hazing/Initiation is not limited to the start of the academic year and can happen at any time. It can range from relatively benign 'pranks', to protracted patterns of behaviour that rise to the level of abuse or criminal misconduct.
The University and SU have defines initiation or hazing activities as any activity or behaviour which:
- Is expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers them,
regardless of their willingness to participate. - Involves taking improper advantage of another person as a result of a power imbalance or position within a club,
society or organisation - Involves tacit or explicit improper coercion or manipulation of students to their physical or mental detriment, or
which compromises their human dignity.
Although this is not an exhaustive list, examples of initiation/hazing activities can include:
- Pressure, whether tacit or explicit, to consume alcohol, drugs or obnoxious substances, in excessive quantities
- Organised activities that are dangerous, unlawful in any way, or involve humiliating people (includes pressure,
whether tacit or explicit, to be publicly naked/semi naked) - Acts perpetrated against a person’s body (e.g. shaving hair/eyebrows)
- Psychologically and/or physically tormenting people (e.g. locking them in darkened rooms, playing disturbing
noises, etc) - Sexual assault, harassment or misconduct
- Victimisation, where a group of students (e.g. 1st years, the 3rd team) are targeted for any of the above activities
- Pressure, whether tacit or explicit, to buy anything (e.g. equipment, clothes, food, drinks) or attend social activities
that is excessive and results in financial hardship.