Answer Key

6. False. 

It is not difficult to instill membership within a group without hazing.  In fact, it is the minimum expectation of all students and organizations at Florida State University that membership and affiliation will be developed without hazing.  One way to test whether or not an activity is hazing is to ask the question, “How does this activity contribute to a new member’s understanding of what it means to be a part of our organization?”  If the answer is: “to bring the new members together…” Or, “to increase their commitment to our group…” then read Florida State University’s definition of hazing to make sure that the activity doesn’t violate the policy. 

The faculty and staff at Florida State University believe that all students should be able to participate in campus activities free of concerns of hazing.   There are many ways to accomplish group commitment without engaging in hazing activities. Small businesses, large corporations, and non-profit organizations concerned about these same issues have found multiple ways to increase commitment levels and create a sense of ‘team’ without hazing. For ideas contact The LEAD Center, the Student Activities Center, Athletics, and/or the Dean of Students department.