Hazing Policy

Hazing

UT Health San Antonio is committed to providing a safe educational environment for everyone and does not tolerate hazing by any group or individual affiliated with the university. The university expects that all students and organizations will observe and fully comply with state law, university regulations, and administrative rules associated with the prohibition of hazing.

Participation in hazing activities is against the law. Violation of the University’s hazing policy, whether on or off campus, may subject participants, including students and organizations, to arrest, prosecution, and/or disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, suspension or expulsion of students and the revocation of an organization’s registration and/or recognition at the University. Consent to our acquiescence in hazing activity is not a defense.

Federal Hazing Definitions

Student Organization: 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, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution
Hazing: Per the statute, Hazing is defined as:
- An intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with other persons, against a student, regardless of that student's willingness to participate, that — was committed in connection with an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, an organization (such as a club, society, association, athletic team, fraternity, sorority, or student government); and causes or is likely to contribute to a substantial risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical training necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical injury or psychological injury including—
  - whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
  - causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
  - causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
  - causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
  - any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
  - any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, state, tribal, or federal law; and
  - 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.

Examples of Hazing

Hazing includes a range of activities that can be intimidating, harassing or violent. Any form of hazing, as described in university policy, is prohibited. Statistics show that hazing activities that are intimidating or harassing happen more often in organizations but often go unrecognized as hazing. Hazing activities that are violent occur less often in organizations, however they are more likely to be recognized as hazing.

Intimidation

Lies, tricks or dishonesty
assigning demerits
silence periods with implied threats for violation
socially isolating new members
demeaning names
expecting someone to have certain items with them at all times

Harassment

verbal abuse
threats or implied threats
asking new members to wear embarrassing clothes
asking new members to wear to act as personal servants to current members
skit nights with degrading or humiliating acts
requiring new members to recite facts, songs or chants
sleep deprivation
sexual simulations

Violence

forced or coerced consumption or food, drink, alcohol or drugs
beating, paddling, or other forms of physical assault
branding
forced ingestion of vile substances
abduction or "kidnaps,"
sexual assault

State Law

University Policies

The University of Texas Health San Antonio Prohibition of Hazing

Student Organizations found to have violated State Law Education Code Subsection – Organization Hazing Offense 37.153, in terms of hazing will be sanctioned.
Individual students who participate in hazing activities can also face sanctions. Again, the severity of the sanction will depend on many factors. The individuals at the most risk are the leaders and anyone who organizes or leads the activities. A complete listing of possible sanctions can be found in the Student Conduct and Discipline Policy under Regents’ Rules and Regulations, Rule 50101 and the Rules of the University of Texas Health San Antonio 14.1.1.

State law does not affect or in any way restrict the right of UT Health San Antonio to enforce its own rules against hazing, and the University may take disciplinary action for conduct that constitutes hazing regardless of whether public authorities prosecute students under state law.

Report Hazing

According to law, a person can commit a hazing offense not only by engaging in a hazing activity but also by soliciting, directing, encouraging, aiding, or attempting to aid another in hazing; by intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly allowing hazing to occur; or by failing to report in writing to the Chief Student Affairs Officer firsthand knowledge that a hazing incident is planned or has occurred. The fact that a person consented to or acquiesced in a hazing activity is not a defense to prosecution for hazing under the law.

In an effort to encourage reporting of hazing incidents, the law grants immunity from civil or criminal liability to any person who reports a specific hazing event to the Chief Student Affairs Officer and immunizes that person from participation in any judicial proceeding resulting from that report.

How to Report

Call 911 if you or someone else is in danger.

Anonymous Reports

Hazing can be reported anonymously through the Compliance Hotline; however, staff may not be able to complete their investigation without being able to speak to the person who made the report.

To make an anonymous report:

call 210-567-2014 or
submit an anonymous Report Online

Additional Reporting Options

Chief Student Affairs Office
210-567-7000

Compliance
210-567-2014
http://uthscsa.edu/ReportNow

Office of Student Life
210-567-2654
Briscoe Library Room 3.094

Office of Educational Support Services & Title IX
210-450-8131
ALTC B106

University Police Department
210-567-2800, utpolice@uthscsa.edu
Or visit their office.

UT Health SAfe App
https://utpolice.uthscsa.edu/mobile-app/

Student Organizations
210-567-2688

Report hazing by visiting the School of Deans Office, UTPD Police, Student Life, or by filling out the Crime Report Form.

Hazing incidents need to be reported when they occur, because there is no such thing as harmless hazing. Anyone who knows of hazing activity should report it to the Chief Student Affairs Officer. Anyone can file a report, and all reports are investigated. Important details to include in a report are:

names of people and/or organizations involved,
dates,
where it happened,
a specific description of what happened

The University's ability to investigate hazing, enforce policy, and protect students depends on accurate and specific reports. You are encouraged to provide as much specific detail as possible so that the reported behavior can be addressed.

Reporting Considerations

Retaliation

Retaliation is a violation of the Institutional Rules for Protection from Retaliation for Reporting Suspected Wrongdoing, found in Institutional Handbook of Operating Procedures (2.5.2). Students concerned about retaliation for reporting hazing should contact Chief Compliance and Privacy Officer.

Immunity

Students who report hazing before being contacted by the Office of the Dean of Students, who cooperate in good faith and provide complete and factual accounts may be eligible for Immunity from Institutional Discipline 14.1.1. 7(e).

Investigation Process

The Dean will conduct an investigation, determine whether to proceed with the charges, and if so, propose an appropriate sanction. For cases where there are students from different schools, the Student Affairs Deans will work collectively or separately depending on the case. Following the conduct process outlined in the Institutional Rules Governing Student Conduct and Discipline, Subchapter 14.1.1(F) Student Conduct Investigations and Disciplinary Process

Prevention and Training

Current Prevention Initiatives

UT Health San Antonio is committed to eliminating hazing through research, education, and early intervention. These initiatives represent the ongoing effort to make lasting changes through innovation. The following is a list of training programs offered by UT Health San Antonio that are designated to meet the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) training requirement and promote a safe co-curricular experience:

New Student Organization’s Risk Management & Annual Renewal Training
New Student Organization Leadership Training
Faculty and Staff Annual Campus Security Advisor Compliance Training
Title IX and Hazing Training for New Student, Staff and Faculty – In development.

Risk Management Training Program

The Risk Management Training & Bystander Intervention program is a state-mandated annual training required for all student organizations. The program covers health and safety topics for student organizations, including Bystander Intervention, and how to identify hazing and how to report.

Student Organization Leadership Training

This training is to teach new student organization leaders about basic leadership skills and student organization policies and procedures.

Annual Campus Security Advisor Compliance Training

Training for an official of an institution whose functions involve significant contact with students and those individuals with significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including but not limited to, student housing, student discipline and campus judicial proceedings.

Hazing Violations

In alignment with state law, and to inform students in their choice to join student groups, UT Health San Antonio publishes and distributes this report of hazing violations, and the organizations disciplined.

There have not been any hazing incidents reported within the last three years.

Information about Organization Hazing can be found in State Law Education Code, Subsection - Organization Hazing Offense (37.153)

Hazing Transparency Report

The Campus Hazing Transparency Report, which includes the violations that institutions begin documenting in July 2025, must be publicly available by December 23, 2025. The Campus Hazing Transparency Report must be updated at least two times a year.

Each institution must compile and publish on a prominent location of their public website a hazing transparency report that summarizes findings concerning any student organization found to be in violation of the institution’s standards of conduct related to hazing. The report will include:

The name of the student organization;
A general description of the violation that resulted in a finding of responsibility; and
Related dates (the date of the alleged incident, the date of the initiation of the investigation, the date the investigation ended with a finding, and the date the institution provided notice to the organization of the finding).

Additional Support

If you think you or someone you know has been hazed or witnessed hazing, there are campus resources available to help.

We CARE. Campus Awareness Requires Everyone

Call 567-CARE to share a concern about a Health Science Center colleague, friend or perhaps even yourself, who may need help in dealing with a difficult situation. This is a nonemergency phone number answered by the UT Health Science Center Police Department. Dispatchers will help determine whether an immediate response is needed or whether a referral for assistance is the best approach.

Call: 210-567-CARE (2273), Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Email: kaulfus@uthscsa.edu
Visit: Student Services Building (SSB) G1.404, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Office of the University Ombuds for Students

The University Ombuds for Students provides a safe space where you can share your issues or concerns confidentially and discuss potential solutions. The Student Ombudsperson does not advocate for individuals, groups, or entities, but rather for the principles of fairness and equity.

Call: 210-567-2651(Le’Keisha Johnson) 210-567-2688 (Austin Cervantes)
Email: johnsonld@uthscsa.edu , cervantesa5@uthscsa.edu

Student Counseling Center

The Student Counseling Center provides confidential appointments to discuss issues, explain university policies, and explore options to move forward. There are no fees for services provided in the Student Counseling Center.

Call: 210-567-2648, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Email: scc@uthscsa.edu (To schedule virtual appointment)
Walk-in: Student Counseling Center (Dental School Building) Rm 3.100R.1, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
After Hours Appointment: UT Health SA students can access virtual services through TimelyCare by clicking here https://timelycare.com/uthscsa. If you are in crisis after hours you can reach by phone (210-567-2648, Press option 2)

What services are provided by the Student Counseling Center and what services are provided by TimelyCare?