Hazing Prevention

Franciscan University of Steubenville

OHIO LAW

Ohio has laws against hazing. The Ohio Anti-Hazing Act (Collin’s Law) makes acts of hazing a second-degree misdemeanor and acts of hazing that include coerced consumption of alcohol or drugs or abuse that result in serious physical harm a felony of the third degree. Moreover, Collin’s Law expands the definition of hazing, increases penalties for hazing and failure to report hazing, expands requirements for reporting, and mandates training for students, employees, and volunteers at colleges and universities.

The Ohio Revised Code, Section 2903.31 defines hazing as “doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization or any act to continue or reinstate membership in or affiliation with any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person, including coercing another to consume alcohol or a drug or abuse, as defined in section 3719.011 of the Revised Code.”

UNIVERSITY’S POLICY ON HAZING

The University’s Policy on Hazing can be found here. The intent of this policy is to prohibit hazing and to create a positive and safe learning and living environment in conformity with the University’s commitment to promote and to defend the human dignity of all persons. Hazing undermines the mission of our University, strikes against the University’s Catholic and Franciscan values, and threatens the educational experience and well-being of our campus community.

Hazing prevention is everyone’s responsibility, and there is no tolerance for hazing within our community. All members of the University community are responsible for knowing the information and procedures outlined in this policy. The University reserves the right to make changes to this policy as necessary, and once the changes are posted online, they are in effect. Therefore, all members of the University community are responsible and strongly encouraged to regularly check online for the updated version of this policy.

UNIVERSITY CONTACTS TO REPORT HAZING

Any of the following agencies can receive a report regarding hazing:

  • Dean of Students & Hazing Prevention Coordinator, Kelly Colangelo, J.C. Williams Center, 740-284-7230
  • Office of Student Life, J.C. Williams Center, 740-283-6441
  • Department of Public Safety, 1519 Assisi Heights, 740-283-6333
  • Office of Human Resources, Starvaggi Hall, 740-283-6398 (Note: Hazing violations by University employees should be reported to this office.)
  • If you wish to make an anonymous report, you may do so by completing a secure Anonymous Online Form.

NOTE: If a member of the University community is aware of immediate physical danger to a student or others, he or she must contact the Department of Public Safety at 740-283-6911 or dial 911.

INSTITUTIONAL REPORTING

The University will maintain an Anti-Hazing webpage on the University’s website, which will include a report of all violations reported to the University that result in a charge of violation of this policy. The University will update the report bi-annually on January 1 and August 1 of each year and will post the updated report on the University website for the current academic year as well as for the previous five (5) academic years. This report will include a brief description of the alleged misconduct, the outcome/finding concerning the alleged misconduct, and any corrective action or discipline taken.

Spring 2024
No groups, teams or organizations were found in violation during this semester.
Fall 2023
No groups, teams or organizations were found in violation during this semester.
Spring 2023
No groups, teams or organizations were found in violation during this semester.
Fall 2022
No groups, teams or organizations were found in violation during this semester.
Spring 2022
No groups, teams or organizations were found in violation during this semester.
Fall 2021
No groups, teams or organizations were found in violation during this semester.
Spring 2021
SubjectPrince of Peace Household-Spring 2021 

Brief Description of Alleged Misconduct and Investigation:  The Office of Student Life was notified early in the spring 2021 term of an alleged hazing activity by the Prince of Peace Household. The alleged hazing activity involved a coerced alcoholic drinking activity involving underage students. Thereafter, an investigation was conducted.

Conduct Hearing and Sanctions: A conduct hearing was held in March 2021 and an appeal hearing was held in May 2021. The sanctions imposed were suspension of the household, with conditions set for re-consideration of the suspension following the spring 2022 semester.

Current statusPrince of Peace Household was reactivated in spring 2024.

Fall 2020
No groups, teams or organizations were found in violation during this semester.
Spring 2020
No groups, teams or organizations were found in violation during this semester.
Fall 2019
No groups, teams or organizations were found in violation during this semester.
Spring 2019
No groups, teams or organizations were found in violation during this semester.
Fall 2018
No groups, teams or organizations were found in violation during this semester.
Spring 2018
No groups, teams or organizations were found in violation during this semester.