The West Liberty University Greek Community Risk Management Policy applies to all fraternities and sororities at the University. All chapters are obligated to annually instruct their members regarding the Risk Management Policy and obtain their signed acknowledgements that they have received and reviewed a copy of the Policy. Further, fraternities and sororities must publish a copy of the Risk Management Policy in their constitution and maintain an updated copy on their premises for review by members, alumni and key volunteers.
The Risk Management Policy includes an anti-hazing policy that prohibits hazing and hazing activities, as described below. Each chapter president and risk manager shall ensure that all chapter members review the anti-hazing policy on a regular basis, at least once each academic year, and understand its provisions.
GREEK ANTI-HAZING POLICY
No chapter, colony, student or alumnus shall conduct or condone hazing activities. Permission or approval by a person being hazed is not a defense. Hazing activities are defined in the Risk Management Policy as “any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off university premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.” Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts; scavenger hunts; road trips or any other such activities carried on or off campus; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternity/sorority law, ritual or policy; or the policies of the University, or applicable law. The University’s Student Code of Conduct also contains a prohibition against hazing (by University students, organizations, groups or teams, and it provides for disciplinary action against individual students and organizations in the event of a violation. Further the State of West Virginia Code provides that reckless, knowing or intentional hazing constitutes criminal recklessness, which is a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the nature and seriousness of the act. That criminal statute defines hazing as “forcing or requiring another person: (1) with or without the consent of the other person; and (22) as a condition of association with a group or organization, to perform an act that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury.
If you have questions, please contact studentlife@westliberty.edu.