What is hazing?

Hazing is defined as any intentional or unintentional action taken or situation created, whether on or off campus, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule for the purpose of initiation, admission or as a perceived condition of continued membership into any organization, including, but not limited to, sports clubs, athletic teams, fraternities or sororities that operate under the sanction of the University. Hazing is also defined in accordance with any applicable local, state or federal law or USM or University policy.