What is the Campus Hazing Transparency Report?

At Buffalo State University, we are committed to upholding a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of hazing. To remain consistent with our policy and in accordance with federal law, Buffalo State publishes this report twice a year, listing any student organization found responsible for hazing. It will be published at the conclusion of the Fall and Spring semesters.

Investigative Processes

For Greek-Letter and SLE-Recognized Student Organizations

The process for handling a hazing allegation within Student Leadership and Engagement at Buffalo State University would follow these steps: 

  1. Complaint Received: An initial complaint is made to the SLE office regarding hazing in a Greek-Letter or SLE-Recognized Student Organization. 
  2. Initial Review: 
    1. SLE reviews the complaint details of the hazing allegation. 
    2. SLE consults, if necessary, with Student Conduct and Community Standards Office to confirm procedural alignment for hazing cases.
  3. Contacting Involved Parties: 
    1. Complainant: SLE reaches out to the complainant to gather more information on the nature and specifics of the allegation. 
    2. Respondents: SLE contacts the members of the organization alleged to be involved, ensuring they understand their rights and the process.
    3. Advisors: SLE reaches out to the Staff/Faculty Advisors to gather information on advisors’ awareness of current happenings with the Org
    4. Witnesses: Potential witnesses are identified and contacted by SLE for statements or corroborative evidence. 
  4. Evidence Collection: 
    1. SLE collects any available documentation, physical evidence, communications, or records that may substantiate or refute the allegations. 
    2. This may include social media records, video footage, or testimonials from other organization members. 
  5. Preliminary Investigation: 
    1. SLE conducts an initial investigation, interviewing involved parties and compiling findings. 
    2. During this phase, SLE collaborates with the Student Conduct and Community Standards Office for procedural accuracy purposes only. 
  6. Creation of Final Initial Investigation Report: 
    1. SLE creates a detailed report summarizing the findings from the preliminary investigation, including any statements, evidence, and an initial assessment of potential policy violations. 
    2. The report highlights any immediate concerns for student safety and any recommendations for interim measures. 
  7. Referral to Student Conduct: 
    1. SLE prepares and submits an incident report to Student Conduct. 
    2. The final initial investigation report is attached to the referral and submitted to the Student Conduct and Community Standards Office for further action, including adjudication and any applicable sanctions. 
  8. Follow-Up and Support: 
    1. SLE follows up with the complainant and the organization, providing updates on the process and ensuring any needed support resources are available.
    2. SLE collaborates with the Student Conduct and Community Standards Office to implement any educational or preventative measures for the organization involved. 

Allegations not involving a Greek-Letter or SLE-recognized Student Organization will follow the Student Conduct Process as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct [CLICK HERE]

Appeals

  1. All appeals for sanctions as a result of a conduct hearing through the Student Conduct and Community Standards Office must follow the appeals process as outlined by the Student Code of Conduct [CLICK HERE].  

 

The Details of the Report

  • The name of the organization involved in the hazing incident

    This does not include any identifiable information.

  • A general summary of the incident

    This includes: 

    • whether drugs or alcohol were involved,
    • what the institution concluded, and
    • any outcomes the institution imposed on the organization (if any).

  • Key dates

    This includes:

    • when the hazing was alleged to have happened,
    • when the institution started investigating,
    • when the institution concluded with a finding of hazing,
    • and when the organization was officially notified of that finding.

Spring 2025

0 allegations

Fall 2024

delta Delta Phi Zeta

Date Investigation Initiated – October 7th, 2024

Date Investigation Ended – December 3rd, 2024

Type of Incident – Hazing & Disruptive Behavior 

Description of Incident – Evidence revealed that their new member intake process included inappropriate dares and social media bans. No drugs or alcohol were reported to be involved in the incident.

Date Charge –  December 6th, 2024

Outcomes – Suspension of New Member Intake through the Spring 2025 semester; Required Compliance:  Mandatory New Member Intake Education Workshops for all members. This consisted of a two-part training focusing on anti-hazing practices, facilitated by the Student Leadership and Engagement Office.