Joining a campus organization is often one of the most rewarding parts of college life. Not only can students form professional connections and gain valuable skills, but they can also develop lifelong friendships. However, participation in a college community also exposes students to the risk of hazing allegations. Hazing accusations often affect entire organizations, not singular members, and you might be at risk even if you did nothing wrong.
It's important to act fast when facing hazing allegations at University of the Pacific. The Lento Law Firm has direct experience guiding students through UOP disciplinary processes and can help prevent serious sanctions from coming your way. Call the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential online form to get started.
Hazing at University of the Pacific
University of the Pacific defines hazing as any action or activity related to initiation, pre-initiation, or membership in an organization that causes physical, emotional, or psychological harm. The university's policies align with California's strict hazing laws, meaning many actions that students believe are simple fun might actually be considered hazing.
University of the Pacific's Student Code of Conduct provides examples of specific activities that fall under its hazing definition, including:
- Usage of alcohol
- Psychological and physical shocks.
- Paddling
- Creating excessive fatigue.
- Requiring participation in scavenger hunts, road trips, or quests.
- Requiring participation in humiliating or morally degrading activities
Remember, not all these activities, like alcohol usage, immediately result in hazing accusations. The focus is on whether the actions and group activities cause harm to students. That also means that innumerable activities not on this list might result in hazing accusations—no matter how innocuous they seem or where they occur—if the end result is student harm or discomfort.
In addition, it's important to remember that these hazing policies protect everyone. The university explicitly states that consent is not a valid defense; even if an individual willingly participates, the activity may still qualify as hazing under university policies. Similarly, hazing policies include activities involving current members, not just prospective ones.
If you face accusations of hazing at University of the Pacific, you must take them seriously. The school is clear that hazing is not tolerated and is even required by law to take action. Contact the Lento Law Firm as soon as you learn of pending hazing accusations, and give our Student Defense Team as much time as possible to craft your defense.
Disciplinary Process for Hazing Allegations at University of the Pacific
Hazing accusations are just the first step. After receiving accusations at the University of the Pacific, individual students and student organizations, such as Greek Life, can defend themselves during formal disciplinary proceedings. In both cases, the university must prove the allegations based on a "preponderance of evidence" standard. Instead of proving overwhelming guilt, this standard simply requires that the evidence proves hazing in violation of school policies more than likely occurred.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team has vast experience defending students accused of hazing, including at University of the Pacific. The school's Student Conduct Review Processes are challenging to understand without the help of attorneys who understand internal college processes and know what type of evidence can defend against hazing accusations. University of the Pacific explicitly allows students to receive assistance from attorneys during disciplinary proceedings to protect their rights and help prove their innocence.
Initial Investigation and Notice
The Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards intakes misconduct allegations and sends them to the Dean for review. If the Dean determines there is sufficient evidence of a policy violation based on an initial review and investigation, they will initiate the disciplinary process. Students and organizations receive written notice of the hazing accusations and a deadline for meeting with hearing officers.
Initial Review Meeting
At an Initial Review Meeting, the student or organization leadership receives all relevant evidence and information regarding the hazing allegations. The purpose of this meeting is to allow respondents to provide their account of the incident and any supporting information that the school does not have. The Hearing Officer then determines whether the respondent is "Responsible" or "Not Responsible" for the hazing conduct.
A finding of Not Responsible immediately ends the conduct case, while a Responsible finding results in sanctions fitting the severity of the hazing conduct. Respondents do not have to attend this hearing, but it eliminates their ability to provide evidence and request another review hearing.
Student Conduct Review Board Hearing
Students or organizations found "Responsible" after attending their initial hearing may request a Review Board Hearing. This process voids the initial outcome and provides a fresh review by a panel. If you did not have legal assistance to help avoid disciplinary punishment initially, this review hearing is the perfect opportunity to defend your name with the Lento Law Firm. University of the Pacific requires these review hearings within a quick timeframe, so contact our Student Defense Team as soon as possible after your initial hearing.
Appeal Process
Respondents have the right to appeal decisions within three business days of receiving their outcome letter through their Pacific email account. Unlike review hearings, appeals are limited and must be based on specific grounds, such as:
- The introduction of bias or prejudice due to procedural errors
- The availability of new evidence that was not previously feasible to obtain
- The sanctions are disproportionate for the hazing conduct.
The Appeals Committee reviews the case, but they do not relitigate the entire issue. Instead, they focus entirely on addressing problems with your previous hearing. For example, if sanctions are too harsh, they can adjust them to fit the severity of the hazing conduct better. Or, if new evidence has been found, they can return the case to the Review Board. The Appeals Committee itself will not clear your name or throw out your case.
Defending Against the Risks of Hazing Accusations
Some acts of misconduct don't typically carry harsh penalties, but hazing is a serious offense. Not only can hazing place students at risk, but news of the incident often negatively impacts the college's reputation. After a finding of Responsible, hazing accusations at University of the Pacific may result in significant sanctions, including:
- Disciplinary Probation: Temporary restrictions on activities and increased scrutiny of behavior.
- Housing Suspension: Loss of campus housing privileges.
- University Suspension: Temporary separation from the university with a record on the transcript.
- Dismissal: Permanent expulsion with a lasting academic record notation.
The appeals process is highly time-sensitive, and sending an appeal after the deadline will lead to dismissal. Student Defense attorneys have the best chance at protecting your future when they have ample time to work on your case and craft a unique appeal for your situation.
The Lento Law Firm's experienced Student Defense Team can help during any part of your disciplinary proceedings after hazing accusations. Call today at 888-535-3686 or contact us through our website to get started.
