It is important to consider the context of a behavior in determining if something is or isn't hazing.
For example, setting up for and cleaning up after a social event could be hazing if the tasks are only required of new or a limited subset of members, but if all members are expected to participate equally in the task or in other equivalent work, then it would not be hazing.
Hazing can be a lot of different things, and it would be impossible to come up with a fully comprehensive list, but some behaviors that have occurred within UCSB organizations in the past are:
- Singling out and assigning new members "tasks" or acts of servitude such as: cleaning, running errands, delivering food, driving older members around, etc.
- Scavenger hunts in which the list of items includes demeaning, embarrassing, dangerous, or illegal tasks or items.
- Forced or encouraged consumption of gross food combinations.
- Forcing newer members to dress in inappropriate, embarrassing, or otherwise distasteful attire.
- Skits, talent shows, roasts, or other displays that focus on, and/or embarrass or humiliate new members.
- Useless tasks meant to exert control (e.g. forcing new members to carry items around and creating penalties if they are caught without those items.)
- Drills, lineups, workouts (unrelated to coach-led practices required of athletes), quizzes.
- Sleep deprivation.
- Forced or encouraged alcohol consumption.
- Referring to new members as "pledges," "newbies," "kids," or other such names that imply being "less than".
Joining a group should never involve any of the above mentioned behaviors or any act that degrades, humiliates, embarrasses, or harms another person.
The fact that an individual does not object or appears willing to participate does not negate the fact that the activity is hazing.