Hazing Prevention at Middle Georgia State University

At Middle Georgia State University (MGA), student safety and respect are fundamental. Hazing in any form is a violation of MGA values, the Max Gruver Act (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61), and the Stop Campus Hazing Act (20 U.S.C. § 1092(f)(1)(F)).

Together, these laws ensure that all colleges and universities receiving federal funding maintain transparent reporting on hazing incidents and implement prevention programs for students and staff.

MGA is committed to maintaining a campus environment where all students can thrive—in organizations built on integrity, leadership, and belonging.

What Is Hazing?

MGA’s definition of hazing comes directly from the University's Anti-Hazing Policy. This definition meets or exceeds state and federal requirements for hazing under:

Definitions

Hazing: Any intentional, knowing, reckless, or coercive act—whether individual or collective—occurring in connection with an individual’s initiation into, affiliation with, or continued membership in a student or school organization that, regardless of the individual’s willingness to participate, which:

  • Causes, or creates a substantial risk of, physical, emotional, or psychological harm;
  • Involves behaviors including, but not limited to:
    • Physical abuse (e.g., whipping, beating, striking, electric shocking, or applying harmful substances);
    • Coerced consumption of substances (e.g., food, alcohol, drugs) that could likely risk vomiting, intoxication, or unconsciousness;
    • Exposure to extreme conditions (e.g., sleep deprivation, confinement, extreme exertion);
    • Sexual coercion or threats of bodily harm;
    • Violation of any local, state, tribal, or federal law.

School or Student Organization: Any group, formally recognized or informally established, composed of MGA students or alumni, including fraternities, sororities, clubs, societies, athletic teams, bands, student governments, or “a group living together which has students or alumni as its principal members, including local affiliate organizations.”

Hazing Laws: Max Gruver Act & Stop Campus Hazing Act

The Max Gruver Act (Georgia Law) requires Georgia colleges to:

  • Define and prohibit hazing
  • Provide hazing prevention education
  • Publish disclosures of substantiated hazing violations

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (Federal Law)

The federal Act expands hazing prevention and reporting requirements under the Clery Act. Colleges must:

  • Treat hazing as a Clery-reportable crime
  • Publish a Hazing Transparency Report
  • Provide clear reporting mechanisms
  • Maintain timely public disclosures following adjudication

MGA’s Commitment to Transparency & Accountability

MGA fulfills its legal and ethical obligations by:

  • Publishing annual Hazing Transparency & Max Gruver Reports
  • Reporting hazing as a Clery crime
  • Offering confidential and anonymous reporting mechanisms
  • Ensuring prompt, documented investigations and due process
  • Posting violations within 15 days of final adjudication
  • Retaining hazing disclosures for a minimum of five years

Transparency builds trust and MGA is committed to providing clear, accessible information to our campus community.

Reporting

REPORTING HAZING

Individuals can report acts of hazing via the Middle Georgia State University online by submitting a Behavior Incident Reporting Form or via the 24/7 Middle Georgia State University Ethics and Compliance Reporting Hotline: 1-877-516-3460.


Hazing Disclosures

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Middle State University must publicly disclose all hazing incidents per the Max Gruver Act and the Stop Campus Hazing Act. This page will be updated within 15 days of any substantiated violation or criminal conviction, in accordance with state and federal law.