Policies on Recognition, Recruitment, and Initiation Practices & Hazing

The College of Staten Island is a public college supported by funds appropriated by the Legislature of the State of New York. As a publicly supported institution, it espouses the principle of access to all student organizations by all members of the student body.

In order for an organization to be officially recognized at the College of Staten Island, membership and participation in it must be available to all eligible students of the College. In addition, in order to be recognized, each organization must agree not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, partnership status, disability, genetic information, alienage, citizenship, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence/stalking/sex offenses, unemployment status, or any other legally prohibited basis in accordance with federal, state and city laws.

Furthermore, the practices commonly referred to as pledging and rushing are not permitted.  New York State law and University policy prohibit hazing, which includes but is not confined to, any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health or involves the forced consumption of liquor or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization.

The same law provides that the governing document of every campus organization is deemed to prohibit the organization from engaging in hazing. This means that your organization’s constitution is considered to contain a provision, which prohibits hazing, even if that organization has not officially adopted such a provision.

It is a violation of acceptable standards of conduct at the College of Staten Island for any individual or organization to engage in the practice of hazing as defined above. Any such violation may result in disciplinary proceedings against the involved students and organization and subject the students to the penalty of expulsion, suspension, restitution, probation, censure, warning, or admonition, and subject that organization to the penalty of rescission of its permission to operate on College facilities.

Non-Discrimination in Activities A Word About Dues

The College of Staten Island is committed to a campus environment that reflects and respects our pluralistic and culturally diverse society. The College admits students without regard of race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, partnership status, disability, genetic information, alienage, citizenship, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence/stalking/sex offenses, unemployment status, or any other legally prohibited basis in accordance with federal, state and city laws. In welcoming new students to our campus, we are committed to providing equal educational opportunity in a learning environment in which students are free to realize their full potential as productive members of the community.

A student organization may not charge dues to its members.  Any group found in violation of the regulation will be subject to disciplinary procedures including freezing of budgets and revocation of its charter.

The above policies and much more can be found in the Student Organization Handbook. Copies are available in the Office of Student Life, Campus Center (1C, room 201).