Hazing Prevention
All members of the community play a role in creating a campus where students can thrive socially and academically, and the Caltech Code of Conduct and the Honor Code hold our community to the highest standards of integrity and respect. As a form of intimidation, humiliation, or harassment, hazing has no place in the Caltech community and is strictly prohibited by federal and state law.
Definition of Hazing
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person against a student (regardless of that student's willingness to participate), that:
It is important to know that hazing can happen regardless of an individual's willingness to participate. The peer pressure and desire to belong in a student organization can create a coercive environment where true consent cannot be given. Merely giving consent does not erase the power differential that exists between an individual and a group.
Intimidation hazing refers to activities and behaviors that emphasize a power differential between new members and the group that may cause humiliation, ridicule or embarrassment. Examples include:
- Social isolation
- Deception
- Assignment of duties not assigned to other members
- Withholding privileges on the basis of class year, standing, or other designation
- Line-ups, drills, and required memorization
Harassment hazing refers to activities and behaviors that can cause mental anguish or distress or demonstrates disregard for another person's dignity or well-being. Examples include:
- Sleep deprivation
- Verbal abuse
- Throwing substances or objects at targeted groups or individuals
- Servitude
- Requirement to wear situationally inappropriate attire
- Skit nights or other activities that include deception or exposure to degrading or humiliating acts
- Extreme calisthenics or other contests that may be extreme, aggressive, or demeaning
Violent hazing refers to behaviors that are likely to cause physical, emotional, or psychological harm. Examples include:
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Engaging in or simulating sexual acts
- Forced or coerced consumption of any substances (including but not limited to alcohol, illegal drugs, food, water, and vile or undesirable substances)
- Kidnapping
- Blindfolding
- Participation in illegal activities or activities in violation of Caltech policies
Reporting Hazing
It is the responsibility of every member of the Caltech community to report concerns about suspected hazing behaviors. Reports can be submitted via the online reporting form or to the following offices:
Maura McDinger, Director of Conduct and Community Standards
[email protected]
Office of Student and Family Engagement
Vanessa Tejada, Director of Residence Life
[email protected]
Campus Security
(626) 395-5000 (emergency) or (626) 395-4701 (non-emergency)
security.caltech.edu
Pasadena Police Department
Call 911 for emergencies only
(626) 744-4501 (general information)
(626) 744-4241 (non-emergency requests)
You can report a crime or access records at cityofpasadena.net/police
Hazing Prevention Education
Caltech is dedicated to proactive hazing education and prevention through multiple means of intervention:
- All incoming students, student athletes, and returning student leaders take part in a nationally recognized, evidence-based training module that introduces students to the definition of hazing, types and warning signs of hazing, and how to create healthy group cultures.
- The Director of Conduct and Community Standards leads a follow-up presentation during Orientation that reinforces the importance of hazing prevention and instructs students in how to recognize, prevent, and report hazing. This session also provides guidance in joining and fostering healthy group cultures.
- Throughout the academic year, student leaders receive ongoing training that addresses how to develop positive group cultures.
- Students and staff receive bystander intervention training that addresses how to identify and disrupt problematic behavior.
- Institute staff and faculty receive training that reviews the definition and types of hazing, the duty to report as a responsible employee and CSA, and mechanisms for reporting.
Transparency Reporting
The Campus Hazing Transparency Report includes incidents involving hazing and student groups where there was a finding of responsibility. Caltech will publish its first Campus Hazing Transparency Report by December 23, 2025, as required by the Stop Campus Hazing Act.