University of Northwestern Ohio

Definitions

Hazing

Ohio law 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 of abuse, as defined in section 3719.011 of the Revised Code.”

Examples of hazing under this Policy include, but are not limited to the following:

• forced consumption of food, alcohol, or other substances;
• threats of harm;
• actual physical harm (e.g., paddling, whipping, beating, branding), or other forced physical activities that would adversely affect the health or safety of the student;
• or any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, exclusion from social contact, or any other forced conduct that would be demeaning or result in extreme embarrassment.

Coercion

Coercion is defined as using unreasonable pressure to persuade someone to do something, possibly by force or threat. In the event that another person makes it clear they do not want engage in a particular activity, that they want to stop a particular activity, or that they do not want to go past a certain point with respect to a particular activity, the act of using unreasonable pressure to persuade the person to engage in the activity, continue the activity, or go beyond a certain point, can be coercive.

Student

An individual enrolled at the institution from the time that person has begun classes at the University of Northwestern Ohio through commencement, including all breaks during the academic year. 

Student Organization

An organization or group recognized by, or operating under the sanction of an institution, including national or international organizations with which a group is affiliated.

Student organizations include, but are not limited to:

• Athletic teams (i.e., varsity teams, junior varsity teams, intramural teams, club teams, etc.)
• Groups affiliated with academic programs
• Student Clubs with a specific focus (i.e. Autocross, Diesel, FFA, etc)
• Military organizations
• Honor societies

Employee

An individual employed by the University of Northwestern Ohio, including both full and part-time employees, administrators, faculty members, instructors, student employees, and graduate assistants.

Alumni

An individual who is a graduate or former student of the University of Northwestern Ohio.

Volunteer

An individual who freely, with or without compensation, takes part in a task intended to benefit the University and/or a Student Organization, and does so in an official and professional capacity.

Consultant

A paid representative from an international or national organization who, acting in a professional capacity, provides advisement to a student organization or student group.            

Retaliation

Intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by this policy, or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this policy.

Independent Student Organization

A group of students who choose to associate with one another, but who have not sought or received University recognition. Independent student groups are not sponsored, endorsed, or supervised by the University and may not represent themselves as acting on behalf of the institution.

Student Organization Advisors

Employees or volunteers who serve as a connection between student organizations and the university.