Hazing Prevention at Southside Virginia Community College

You Belong Here - Hazing Is Not Okay

At Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC), we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all students. Hazing goes against our values and is not allowed at SVCC. It is also illegal in Virginia.

This page explains what hazing is, how to report concerns, and where to find important resources — including our Campus Hazing Transparency Report.

What Is Hazing?

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining, staying in, or being associated with a group that causes or risks physical or emotional harm — even if the person agrees to participate.

Hazing can happen on or off campus and can involve individuals or groups, including clubs, teams, bands, or other student organizations.

Hazing can look like:

  • Physical harm (hitting, paddling, forced exercise)

  • Forced or pressured alcohol or substance use

  • Humiliation, embarrassment, or verbal abuse

  • Sleep deprivation or extreme fatigue

  • Forced nudity or sexual acts

  • Being isolated, intimidated, or threatened

  • Being treated like a servant or required to complete unsafe or illegal tasks

👉 Important: Consent is not a defense. A student cannot legally agree to be hazed.

Who Does This Policy Apply To?

The hazing policy applies to everyone connected to SVCC, including:

  • Students

  • Student organizations and clubs

  • Athletic teams and bands

  • Faculty, staff, advisors, and coaches

If it involves SVCC students or organizations, the policy applies - no matter where it happens.

Reporting Hazing - Speak Up, We’ve Got You

If you see or experience hazing, report it. Speaking up helps keep our community safe.

Policy

How to Report:

  • Report concerns through the Student Code of Conduct process:
    👉 Student Conduct webpage

  • If there is immediate danger, contact local law enforcement.

  • Hazing that involves sexual harassment or sexual violence may also be reported under Title IX:
    👉 Title IX webpage

Immunity for Reporting

If you report hazing in good faith and were not involved in the hazing itself, you may receive disciplinary immunity for minor alcohol or drug use related to the incident.

No Retaliation

SVCC does not tolerate retaliation. You are protected when you report concerns or participate in an investigation.

What Happens After a Report Is Made?

  • Reports are reviewed under the Student Code of Conduct

  • Hazing cases may also involve law enforcement

  • Sanctions may apply to individuals or student organizations

  • College discipline does not replace the criminal legal process

Campus Hazing Transparency Report

In compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act and Virginia law, SVCC publishes a Campus Hazing Transparency Report.

This report:

Summarizes any confirmed hazing violations by student organizations

Does not include student names or personal information

Is updated regularly and maintained for at least 10 years

🔗 View the Campus Hazing Transparency Report

Education & Prevention

SVCC is committed to preventing hazing before it happens.

Prevention efforts include:

  • New student orientation

  • Student leadership workshops

  • Required hazing prevention training for student organizations with new members

  • Bystander intervention education

  • Awareness campaigns throughout the year

Advisors and organization leaders are also required to participate in prevention training.