Hazing Prevention

Being a part of a campus group or organization is an important and meaningful part of the student experience at the University of Maine.  Hazing can be a hidden problem associated with these groups that undermines the value of the experience.  It is important to provide research-based education and prevention programs that address the harmful effects hazing can have on our students.

Hazing is not only an individual issue, but a concern that counteracts the University of Maine’s mission and threatens permanent damage to the educational experience, careers, and well-being of members of the Black Bear community. The resources listed here are designed to help the University community recognize, prevent, and report hazing in our community.

UMS Hazing Policy UMS Student Conduct Code Student Life

What is Hazing?

Hazing can be broadly defined as any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of any person, student, or student organization or any activity expected of a person, student, or student organization as a condition of joining or maintaining membership in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers the student, regardless of the student’s willingness to participate in the activity.

The links below provide the specific definitions, processes, and examples of behaviors as set by The University of Maine, the State of Maine, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act.

The Hazing Prevention Framework™ (HPF) is the only research-based framework for hazing prevention that provides a comprehensive guide to hazing prevention. Utilizing a public health approach and building on the Strategic Prevention Framework, the HPF was developed from rigorous research as a guide to hazing prevention (Allan et al., 2018).

The 8 Components

1. Commitment: Investment of human, financial, and structural resources and public endorsement of actions to foster a campus climate that is inhospitable to hazing.

2. Capacity: Development of human and structural resources needed to effectively implement comprehensive, campus-wide hazing prevention in a college or university setting.

3. Cultural Competence: Understanding sociopolitical and other identity-based characteristics of students, student organizations, groups, and teams, and of the institutions in which they are situated.

4. Assessment: Use of multiple methods and sources to measure and characterize campus hazing within a given context.

5. Planning: Use of assessment data to develop data-driven, intentional, and measurable prevention goals, including the development of prevention
strategies tailored to specific populations in a given context.

6. Evaluation: Formal documentation of the process and impact of prevention strategies as a means to measure and promote strategies with evidence of efficacy.

7. Sustainability: A process of maintaining commitment and momentum through persistent cultivation of programs, relationships, resources, and
communication.

8. Implementation: Use of specific strategies and approaches considered particularly promising for hazing prevention.

Allan, E. J., Payne, J. & Kerschner, D. (2018). Transforming the culture of hazing: A research-based hazing prevention framework. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 55(4) 412-425. https://doi.org/10.1080/19496591.2018.1474759

Hazing Includes, but is not limited to:

  • Activities and situations which create excessive fatigue or enduring extreme conditions.
  • Physical abuse and psychological shock.
  • Wearing apparel that is conspicuous and not normally in good taste.
  • Morally degrading, humiliating, or embarrassing games, stunts, jokes, or activities, irrespective of whether performed in public or in a private setting.
  • Any activity which requires an unreasonable or inordinate amount of the individual’s time impairs the individual’s academic efforts or requires the individual to miss work.
  • The placement of any liquid or solid matter in the mouth or the rapid consumption of food or liquid.
  • Any action which would place the individual in immediate danger. Obstructing vision is strictly prohibited.
  • Paddling in any form.
  • Requirements that compel the individual to participate in any activity which is illegal, contrary to the individual’s genuine moral or religious beliefs, or which is contrary to the rules and regulations of East Carolina University.
  • Use of alcohol.
  • Quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, and road trips.

Many times, people believe that hazing is difficult to define. They think there is a lot of gray area. Here are some examples of hazing taken from StopHazing.org:

  • Forced or coerced consumption of alcohol
  • Being yelled at or cursed at by other members of the team or group
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Ingestion of vile substances
  • Branding
  • Simulate sex acts
  • Associate with certain people and not others
  • Forced or coerced shaving of heads or other body parts
  • Personal servitude
  • Inflict violence on someone
  • Be whipped, kicked, or beaten
  • Perform sex acts
  • Public nudity
  • Make prank phone calls or harass others
  • Wear embarrassing clothing
  • Deprive self of regular hygiene practices (e.g., brushing teeth, bathing/showering)
  • Destroy or steal property
  • Cheat or help others cheat on an exam
  • “Drop-offs” or “dumps” in unfamiliar locations
  • Being paddled
  • Lock-ups or being confined to small spaces
  • Being duct-taped or some other physical restraints
  • Sacrificing or injuring animals
  • Burning skin

Hazing can take many forms but typically involves some degree of physical risk or mental distress that can be disruptive, demeaning, or dangerous. Many times, alcohol and secrecy are part of the hazing. No matter what it looks like, hazing is never okay.
Some people argue that hazing behaviors promote group bonding but hazing can also create lasting physical and/or emotional damage. Hazing behaviors are varied and fall along a continuum of harm. It happens in different ways, at different times, and to new and current members.
Some of the detriments of hazing can be seen in the list below, as offered by Stop Hazing.Org:

  • Physical harm and death
  • Emotional harm
  • Student attrition
  • Breeding of mistrust among group members
  • Cultivation of a school/campus culture of abuse
  • Bad press for individuals, organizations, and school/campus or community
  • Lawsuits and liability

One does not know the personal histories of every person in the organization, and different hazing practices will affect each person differently, often causing more hurt than good.

University of Maine System Policy and Definition

The University of Maine System (UMS) hazing policy can be found on the UMS Policy Manual – Hazing webpage. The definition for hazing can be found in the Student Conduct Code.

Maine State Policy and Definition

Maine state policy for hazing can be found on the Maine Legislature list of statutes, Title 20-A §10004. The definition is included in the statute.

Stop Campus Hazing Act

Federal policy for hazing (H.R. 5646, public law 118-173), commonly known as the Stop Campus Hazing Act can be found on Congress’ list of house resolutions.

Click here to view the Annual Security Report

Hazing Alternatives

Introducing new members to a group is a process that can create powerful group chemistry and develop high levels of motivation for new members from their very first experience with the group. 

The most effective way to inspire people is to follow the principles that underlay intrinsic motivation.  Hazing rituals are generally about extrinsic motivation, including external reward or punishment associated with performing a particular act.  Intrinsic motivation is optimal when a group’s culture emphasizes four things: connectedness, autonomy, purpose, and mastery. 

  1. Participate in a ropes course, such as Maine Bound
  2. Teambuilding Activities (can be facilitated by your new member educator or a campus professional – there are literally hundreds of these activities that you could use)
  3. Volunteer at a local festival together
  4. Participate in and/or plan a Community Service Project
  5. Plan a New Member Surprise Party hosted by members
  6. Have a Resume Writing Workshop presented by the Career Center
  7. Attend Educational Speaker of new members choice and discuss as a chapter
  8. Leadership Book-of-the-Month/Semester Club facilitated by new members
  9. Invite Faculty Advisor to meet with new members
  10. Have a Discussion about the Relevance of the Creed today
  11. Study Skills Workshop
  12. Successful Alumni Speaker to talk about how their organization gave skills to succeed
  13. Arts and Crafts for a Cause
  14. Participate in a Recruitment Workshop
  15. Invite Governance Council Officers to Speak about Community Governance
  16. Invite Student Involvement staff to speak about lifetime membership
  17. Dinner and a Movie
  18. Shadow an Officer and assist in planning of a program/event
  19. Create a vision and goals for the organization
  20. Plan a fundraiser to pay for initiation fees
  21. lnclude new members in chapter meetings
  22. Include new members in chapter activities
  23. Discuss fraternal values and how they apply (or don’t apply)
  24. Plan and present a speaker on a health/wellness topic
  25. Encourage active membership in at least one organization outside the group
  26. Evaluate the process during and after new member education
  27. Develop a Family Weekend activity
  28. Have consultant or national visitor talk about national programs
  29. Discuss what “national” does for “us” with dues money
  30. Attend Governance Council meeting
  31. Participate in all-fraternity/sorority events
  32. Review parliamentary procedure and its purpose
  33. Ask leadership experts to discuss issues such as motivation and group dynamics
  34. Have new members take the Meyers-Briggs Personality Type inventory
  35. Ask a professor to discuss ethical decision making
  36. Ask a professor to facilitate a conversation on diversity in organizations
  37. Ask a health educator to have a presentation on eating disorders or depression
  38. Ask a professor to discuss the prevention of violence against women
  39. Ask a faculty/staff member to explain volunteer services or Alternative Breaks
  40. Ask the Student Involvement & Leadership  staff to describe what the college offers student organizations
  41. Plan a philanthropy project for a local charity
  42. Have a contest for who can recruit the most new members to join and reward the winner with a fully-paid membership badge or initiation fee
  43. Members and new members make “secret sisters/brothers” gifts for each other
  44. Discuss risk management and liability
  45. Brainstorm ways to recruit new members to present to chapter
  46. Have an all-campus or all-fraternity/sorority “Meet Our New Members” event
  47. Have the new members play on the organization intramural team
  48. Plant a new member class tree
  49. Sponsor a big/little academic challenge with free textbooks to the winner
  50. Have a candlelight/pass the gavel ceremony about what organization means to me
  51. Have a senior Student Affairs administrator talk about history of fraternal organizations on campus
  52. Brainstorm ways to improve scholarship (other than study hours)
  53. Attend theatrical production or athletic event of the new members choosing
  54. Ask the library to give a lecture on effective research methods
  55. Attend a program or event another organization is sponsoring
  56. Have a discussion about membership standards and expectations
  57. Have a chapter goal-setting retreat at an off-campus location
  58. Ask new members to accompany members to regional leadership conference
  59. Attend a local, regional or national leadership conference
  60. Deconstruct past hazing activity to determine intent and brainstorm alternatives
  61. Write a “letter to the founders” to thank them for the opportunity
  62. Attend an Executive Board meeting
  63. Have new members help Executive Board develop an icebreaker for each meeting
  64. Develop a leadership “wish list” or time line of chapter and campus activities
  65. Invite the Career Services to explain their services
  66. Invite Student Involvement staff to present on leadership topics or intercultural education
  67. Develop a faculty advisor appreciation gesture
  68. Chapter and new members collaborate on a community improvement project
  69. Develop an event with a non-Greek organization and ask the University of Maine Student Government, Inc. for additional allocations or apply for a other campus funding
  70. Have new members develop a list of ways to end motivation issues
  71. Ask the town manager to discuss city issues and how the group can help
  72. Ask the Elections Commissioner to discuss politics in the city/county/nation
  73. Encourage members to register to vote and give an incentive to those who do
  74. Encourage members below a 3.0 to attend a study skills program
  75. Develop a program that allows you to begin calling them “new members…” rather than “pledges”
  76. Discuss the founding of the group and how the organization has evolved over time while maintaining the vision. lf it hasn’t, how can the group return to its roots?
  77. Attend leadership workshops or retreats hosted by the Office of Student Involvement & Leadership 
  78. Review the history of hazing, the evolution of Greek new member education and the direction recruitment is headed
  79. Discuss the “old way” of becoming a member versus the “new way”
  80. Develop or co-sponsor a program or event with another sorority if you’re a women’s groups or a fraternity, if a men’s group
  81. Have a professional discuss “Generation Z” and how groups can better recruit based on this research
  82. Offer a discount or reimbursement of part of the initiation fee if a new member completes Alternative Winter or Spring Break
  83. Give highest new member GPA recipient a plaque or $25 gift certificate to nice restaurant
  84. New member who develops best recruitment plan (or scholarship plan) gets a reward
  85. Ask alumni to speak about lessons learned and opportunities to attend
  86. Do a chapter fundraiser to send a new members to a leadership conference
  87. Have a discussion about why new members wear pins and not members
  88. Attend Greek 101 hosted by Student Involvement & Leadership 
  89. Check a book out of the Student Involvement & Leadership Resource Library to read and have a chapter discussion about
  90. Give new members the gift of time to do and be what they want (don’t monopolize their time)
  91. Have a weekly forum for the new members to discuss their feelings
  92. lnvite another group to develop a program to benefit the entire Greek Community
  93. Invite Recreation and Intramural Sports to discuss dietary fads – pros and cons
  94. Ask each member to list the offices/chairs they would be interested in and ask him or her to list five things they would do differently about each; have a constructive conversation
  95. Develop one memento of the new member class to present to the campus
  96. Eliminate the use of “paddles”, no matter their use
  97. Ask a community member to do a workshop on etiquette
  98. Have lunch together once a week on campus with the entire organization
  99. Invite faculty advisor to new member meetings
  100. Visit the national headquarters
  101. Question each activity and evaluate the program each semester with the help of your chapter advisor and Student Involvement & Leadership staff

 Developed by Allison Swick-Duttine, Director of Fraternity/Sorority Life & Leadership Development at the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh. Adapted for the University of Maine by the Center for Student Involvement

1. Foster Unity

  • Have the members of your group/organization work together on a community service project.
  • Visit a ropes course to work on group cohesiveness, communication and leadership skills.
  • Work together with another group to plan a social or athletic event.

2. Develop Problem-Solving Abilities

  • Have new members discuss weaknesses/challenges that the group has, such as poor recruitment, apathy, and poor scholarship, and develop solutions to solve those problems with current group members.

3. Develop Leadership Skills

  • Encourage participation in school/campus activities outside of the organization.
  • Encourage new members to get involved in organizational committees and/or leadership roles.
  • Develop a peer mentor program within your group for leadership roles.
  • Invite school/community/business leaders into the organization to share their experiences.

4. Instill a Sense of Membership

  • Plan special events or get-togethers for all members to attend a movie, play, or church service.
  • Plan a “membership circle” when actives and new members participate in a candlelight service in which each person has a chance to express what membership means to them.

5. Promote Scholarship

  • Take advantage of your school/college/university academic and tutoring services.
  • Designate study hours for members of your organization.
  • Invite college/university or community experts to discuss test-taking skills, study methods, time management etc.

6. Build Awareness of History

  • Invite an older member to talk about the organization’s early days, its founding, special traditions, and prominent former members.

7. Aid Career Goals

  • Use college resources for seminars on resume writing, job interview skills; various careers.

Hopefully these examples will help you think other ways you can eliminate hazing in your organization. Strategies to eliminate hazing work best when they are developed by the group and are related to the unique culture and personality of the organization. For each activity your organization engages, make sure you know how that activity relates to the mission and values of the organization and how the activity meets the objective of membership development.

StopHazing Research Lab. (2021). Building Healthy Groups and Teams: Group goals and activities to promote belonging, well-being, and inclusion. StopHazing Consulting. https://stophazing.org/resources/alternatives

In order to play a role in preventing hazing, there are six steps that individuals must go through (adapted from Berkowitz, A., 1994) to move from being bystanders to active change agents:

  1. Recognize the existence of hazing. Individuals may become aware of that hazing is occurring through observations or reports from others. One barrier to recognizing hazing is a lack of understanding of the indications of hazing. For example, a student who is being hazed may exhibit excessive fatigue or appear disheveled. Or the sign may be more explicit, such as wearing odd clothing. Another barrier to recognition is avoidance of questions about high-risk situations. If you know that someone is going through something called “hell week,” you may need to ask him or her questions to find out what that involves.
  2. Interpret the practices as a problem. Even when people are aware that someone is being hazed, they may not view the activities as being problematic. They may consider the practices to be silly or stupid, but not recognize them as being harmful or illegal. They may or may not consider what is occurring to be hazing, but even if they do they must see it as a problem or else they will not take action to challenge it.
  3. Believe that they have a responsibility to do something. Even if individuals recognize that hazing is occurring and they interpret the behavior as a problem, they will not do anything about it if they do not believe that they have a responsibility to do so. But in a community, the responsibility to challenge harm to others is a shared one. It is therefore important for individuals to recognize the potential role they have in stopping hazing.
  4. Know what to do. Some individuals are aware of hazing and feel a responsibility to do something about it, but they do not know what should be done. Whether there is a need to encourage someone to leave a group, make an anonymous report, or challenge a group to change its practices, it is important for bystanders to have some understanding of what should be done in order to make a difference.
  5. Acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to act. Someone who is motivated and knows what must be done may still need to acquire specific knowledge (e.g., how to make a report, what alternatives to hazing exist) and the skills (e.g., a rehearsed plan of what to say) to execute what he or she knows will be required for change.
  6. Overcome fear of potential negative consequences. If a person possesses the knowledge and skills to take action, he or she may still not take action because of fears (e.g., anger from the person they are trying to help or retaliation from the group being challenged).
  7. Take action. If steps 1-6 are met, a person will be prepared to take action to help stop hazing. Some people pass through steps 1-6 in an instant, while others may struggle over time and not reach the point of action.

Prevention and Awareness programs

To cultivate a campus environment prioritizing student safety and well-being, UMaine implements comprehensive hazing prevention and awareness programs. These initiatives focus on educating the university community – including students, faculty, staff, and alumni – about the definition of hazing, its harmful physical and psychological effects, and the legal ramifications for individuals and organizations involved.

These programs emphasize positive group building activities and healthy team dynamics as alternatives to hazing, while also clearly outlining reporting procedures and the University’s policy towards such behaviors.

The following is a list of touch points Student Life Staff have and cover hazing and hazing prevention.

  • New Student Orientation Parent and Student Presentations
  • Email messaging in conjunction with the Annual Safety Report (prior to October 1 each fall)
  • Student Organization Officer and Advisor Meetings throughout the year
  • Student Athlete trainings
  • New Member Education training for Fraternity and Sorority members
  • All Greek Meeting
  • Meetings with Sport Club officers
  • Hazing Prevention Week in September

If you are interested in the trainings below, contact Fraternity and Sorority Life at fsl@maine.edu.

All Greek Meeting

The All Greek Meeting happens at the beginning of each fall semester and is mandatory for all members of a fraternity or sorority. The meeting covers hazing identification, hazing alternatives, and how to report hazing with all members of the Greek community.

New Member Orientation

New Member Orientation occurs twice each semester and every new fraternity or sorority member is required to attend one session. The orientation goes in depth on what hazing identification, hazing alternative, how to report hazing, and supports if they are currently experiencing hazing.

If you are interested in the trainings below, request them through the Student Wellness Request Form.

Medical Amnesty / Good Samaritan

The Medical Amnesty and Good Samaritan program is designed to encourage students to call for help during a substance-related medical emergency on campus. This program has the potential to remove formal university disciplinary action, but may still involve an educational component. It is structured to alleviate the concerns of a student regarding conduct violations, allowing them to reach out for help without serious repercussions. More information can be found here.

Bystander Intervention

Bystander Intervention is a program meant to raise awareness and provide education regarding how to respond to situations that exhibit harmful behaviors. Discussion centers on developing confidence and motivation when helping peers. Bystander Intervention presentations are given in conjunction with alcohol education and Title IX education to all athletes, first year students, Greek Life members, and by request. More information can be found here.

Campus Hazing Transparency Report

Pursuant to Section 485(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)), the University provides a report of past hazing misconduct involving student organizations. The information below includes the name of the student organization, the dates (if known) of the hazing behavior, the date such behavior was reported to the University, the dates of investigation and when the organization was found responsible, and a description of the findings. Beginning in Spring 2025 and in accordance with Section 485(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(f), the information will also include whether any findings of hazing involved the abuse or illegal use of alcohol or drugs and the date(s) the University provided notice to the student organization that the incident resulted in a hazing violation. Reports of hazing that did not result in a finding of responsibility are not included. The report will be made public on The University website and updated within 6 months of any new findings of responsibility for a hazing incident. The University will maintain the information for ten years following the date of initial disclosure.

Annual statistics on hazing are available in the University’s Annual Fire Safety and Security Report. Please note that hazing statistics will be included beginning with the 2026 report (issued in 2027). Hazing statistics include incident reports that meet the federal definition of hazing in Section 485(f)(6)(A) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C 1092(f)(6)(A)). Such statistics do not reflect actual findings of hazing behavior, which are included in the Campus Hazing Transparency Report.   

For all incidents prior to July 1, 2025 please see the list below. All incidents occurring after July 1, 2025 can be found here (Site TBD).

Theta Chi

Date of Hazing Incident(s): 2024-10-24

Date Reported: 2024-10-24

Dates of Investigation: 2024-10-25 thru 2024-12-04

Date of Responsible Finding: 2025-03-25

Conduct Code Violations:

III.B.9.b. Alcohol Beverage and Drug Policy
III.B.9.c. Hazing Policy
III.B.9.l. Event Management Policy
III.C.3. Endangering Health or Safety
III.C.9. Violation of UMS or Institution Alcohol, Drug, or Tobacco and Smoke Free Policies

Sanction(s):

Disciplinary dismissal and permanent separation from the University of Maine for a period of five years. Theta Chi will not be allowed to function as a fraternity, be part of the Interfraternity Council or be recognized as a student organization while dismissed.

Description of Hazing Incident(s):

Following an investigation into Theta Chi into hazing allegations, the University found sufficient evidence to support that Theta Chi engaged in the following hazing behaviors:

– During Big Brother Initiation new members of Theta Chi
– Had phones collected by active members to ensure no video or photos were taken
– Coerced or forced to consume alcohol with their big brother to the point of being ‘blacked out’
– Coerced or forced to consume various foods found within the fraternity house, to the point of vomiting.

During the investigation it was noted by fraternity leaders that those in charge were acting without the consent of the chapter and as individuals. Where the entire new member class was involved, sufficient evidence was collected to prove this assertion false. Individual members will be referred to the University conduct process as appropriate.

There were no findings of hazing behavior during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Phi Kappa Sigma

Date of Hazing Incident(s): 2022-10-01

Date Reported: 2022-10-04

Dates of Investigation: 2022-10-05 thru 2022-10-14

Date of Responsible Finding: 2022-10-21

Conduct Code Violations:

III.B.9. Violation of Student Activity Regulations
III.B.9.c. Hazing Policy
III.B.9.l. Event Management Policy
III.C.3. Endangering Health or Safety
III.C.9. Violation of UMS or Institution Alcohol, Drug, or Tobacco and Smoke Free Policies

Sanction(s):

– Disciplinary probation from 2022-10-21 thru 2023-12-31
– One week visit from National Representative
– Comprehensive Risk Management Training
– Participation in the Men of Honor National Program
– $1,000 fine by National Organization

Description of Hazing Incident(s):

At the conclusion of a formal investigation, the University had sufficient evidence to support the following hazing behaviors:

– Cigarette burns on a member as part of a ‘talent show’
– Alcohol given to underage and new members during the talent show

The Nationals was heavily involved in the investigation and worked with University staff on interviews and outcomes. All decisions were supported both by the University and the National headquarters.

Women’s Rugby

Date of Hazing Incident(s): 2022-11-28

Date Reported: 2022-11-30

Dates of Investigation: 2022-11-30 thru 2022-12-08

Date of Responsible Finding: 2022-12-09

Conduct Code Violations:

III.D.8. Hazing

Sanction(s):

– 50 hours of community service
– Deferred disciplinary suspension
– Hazing Prevention Training
– Social Media Hazing Prevention Campaign
– Formal apology letters
– Event management hold until completion of other sanctions

Description of Hazing Incident(s):

At the conclusion of a formal administrative resolution meeting, the University had sufficient evidence to support the following hazing behaviors:

– List of tasks for new members to complete prior to holiday party

The club executive members were very cooperative and took responsibility for the alleged task list. Once made aware this constituted hazing, the executives took all reasonable action to remove the list and attend hazing prevention training.

Kappa Kappa Psi

Date of Hazing Incident(s): Fall 2021, Spring 2022

Date Reported: 2022-02-24

Dates of Investigation: 2022-03-02 thru 2022-03-14

Date of Responsible Finding: 2022-03-16

Conduct Code Violations:

III.B.9. Violation of Student Activity Regulations
III.B.9.b. Alcohol Beverage and Drug Policy
III.C.9. Violation of UMS or Institution Alcohol, Drug, or Tobacco and Smoke Free Policies
III.D.7. Harassment
III.D.8. Hazing

Sanction(s):

Deferred Disciplinary Suspension: A specific period of time during which the organization’s continued recognition at the University is clearly in jeopardy. Any further violation of the Code during that time will minimally result in the imposition of the deferred sanction and any additional sanctions deemed necessary. Deferred Sanction of Disciplinary Suspension: Effective April 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022.

Description of Hazing Incident(s):

Following an investigation into Kappa Kappa Psi, the University of Maine band service coed fraternity, the University found sufficient evidence to support that Kappa Kappa Psi engaged in the following hazing behaviors:

– Internal ‘demerit’ system where members were ‘beneath’ others with a higher ranking
– A ‘Happy Funtime Sleepover’ where members were coerced or encouraged to share secrets that could be used against them
– Engaging in underage drinking at Kappa Kappa Psi events
– Giving members derogatory nicknames based on their physical attributes or embarassing stories

Based on information obtained in the investigation, Kappa Kappa Psi was prohibited from entry to their chapter room, mandated to conduct a member review, and complete bystander, alcohol, and risk management training. In addition to these sanctions, Kappa Kappa Psi is placed on deferred disciplinary suspension.

There were no findings of hazing behavior during the 2020-2021 academic year.

There were no findings of hazing behavior during the 2019-2020 academic year.

There were no findings of hazing behavior during the 2018-2019 academic year.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon

Date of Hazing Incident(s): 2018-04-28

Date Reported: 2018-05-03

Dates of Investigation: 2018-05-04 thru 2018-06-01

Date of Responsible Finding: 2018-06-15

Conduct Code Violations:

12. Violation of Student Activity Regulations (University Hazing Policy):
12. Violation of Student Activity Regulations (Alcohol Beverage and Drug Policy):
14. Endangering Health or Safety:
28. Hazing:
32. Physical assault:

Sanction(s):

Disciplinary dismissal and permanent separation from the University of Maine for a period of five years. SAE will not be allowed to function as a fraternity, be part of the Interfraternity Council or be recognized as a student organization while dismissed.

Description of Hazing Incident(s):

Following an investigation into Sigma Alpha Epsilon into hazing allegations, the University found sufficient evidence to support that Sigma Alpha Epsilon engaged in the following hazing behaviors:

– Members of SAE were branded with “SAE” on their bodies
– 3 received significant medical treatment
– 5 others received brands

During the investigation it was noted by fraternity leaders that the branded members were acting as ‘rogue’ fraternity members and that the chapter was uniformed of the policies and standards set by the UMS Student Conduct Code. Given the frequency interactions with the conduct code, the University has sufficient evidence to conclude this was false and that members knew and were either passive to, or encouraging of, the branding.

Report Hazing

If you are currently in a dangerous situation, call 911 for immediate assistance. 

Any person who believes they have been subject to hazing, has witnessed hazing, or has knowledge of any activity or conduct which may constitute hazing is encouraged to report their concerns to the offices below or submit a report using the UMS Hazing Reporting Form.  Hazing is a crime and can also (or independently) be reported to the Police Department in the jurisdiction where the hazing occurred.

Reports may be made anonymously.  Please be aware that if you include any identifying information you may be contacted for further details. Should you choose to file an anonymous report, the University may be limited in responding to or fully investigating the complaint. Should the University take action on an anonymous report, the reporter is still protected from retaliation. If you file an anonymous report and are retaliated against, please contact the Office of Community Standards, Rights, and Responsibilities immediately.

  • UMaine Police Department
    (207) 581-4040
    The UMaine Police Department can provide non-emergency assistance. They also offer the anonymous reporting tool, Campus Eyes.
  • Division of Student Life
    (207) 581-1406
    The Division of Student Life will direct you to the appropriate resource if you are unsure how to proceed.
  • Fraternity and Sorority Life
    (207) 581-1796
    Staff members in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will assist with issues involving fraternities and sororities on campus.

Questions?

Contact the Office of Community Standards, Rights, and Responsibilities at communitystandards@maine.edu