Today's Messages

Dear Fraternity and Sorority Life Members and Supporters,

Buffalo State University remains committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and hazing-free campus community. In accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, Buffalo State continues to maintain and publish its Campus Hazing Transparency Report, which provides information regarding student organizations found responsible for hazing through the University's conduct processes.

What Is Hazing?

Under the Stop Campus Hazing Act, hazing is defined as:

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by one or more persons—regardless of a person’s willingness to participate—that occurs as part of initiation, affiliation, or ongoing membership in a student organization, and that creates a risk of or causes physical or psychological harm.

Some examples of hazing include:

• Physical acts such as striking, beating, or applying harmful substances
• Coercing sleep deprivation, extreme physical activity, or exposure to the elements
• Forcing consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
• Inducing others to engage in sexual acts or criminal behavior
• Threatening words or actions that cause fear of bodily harm

Campus Hazing Transparency Report

As required by federal law, Buffalo State University publishes a Campus Hazing Transparency Report twice each year. The report includes any institutionally recognized student organization found responsible for hazing through the University's conduct process.

The Campus Hazing Transparency Report is available on the Student Leadership & Engagement website under the Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) section and will remain publicly accessible for five (5) years in accordance with federal requirements.

Buffalo State’s Commitment & Policies

Buffalo State continues to maintain comprehensive hazing prevention and education efforts through:

• Fraternity and Sorority Life Policy Manual – Outlining expectations, reporting procedures, investigation processes, and accountability measures related to hazing and organizational conduct.
• Mandatory FSL Interest Meeting - All potential new members of Greek-Letter Organizations are required to attend a FSL Interest Meeting. This meeting covers eligibility and information about hazing (laws, how to report, and definitions).
• Recruitment and New Member Education Protocols – Ensuring a safe and positive experience for new members.
• Greek-Letter Achievement Program (GAP) – Supporting organizations in fostering leadership and ethical behavior. 

Prevention & Awareness Programs

We remain dedicated to hazing prevention education through:

• National Hazing Prevention Week – Workshops and discussions promoting anti-hazing culture.
• FSL Development Day – Mandatory for all students who are a part of a fraternity or a sorority. This training teaches students how to recognize and prevent hazing.
• New Member Training – Mandatory for all students newly initiated into a fraternity or sorority. This training covers what hazing is, bystander intervention, and how to report hazing.

How to Report Hazing

If you witness or experience hazing, please report it immediately:

• Online Report
• University Police Department (UPD): (716) 878-6333
• Student Leadership and Engagement Office: (716) 878-4631; sle@buffalostate.edu; Campbell Student Union Suite 400

Creating a culture of safety, accountability, and belonging is a shared responsibility. We appreciate the continued partnership of our students, alumni, advisors, faculty, and staff in promoting positive and healthy organizational experiences.

For questions regarding Fraternity and Sorority Life, hazing prevention, or the Campus Hazing Transparency Report, please contact the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement at sle@buffalostate.edu.