Before participating in any activity that you think is questionable and could be considered hazing, stop and ask yourself some of these questions:
1. Would I want to have a photographer from the local newspaper present to take a picture for publication?
2. Would I want my parents to know I was doing this?
3. Could I defend my actions in a court of law?
4. Do I want to jeopardize my membership in the organization or status in the University?
5. Do I want to jeopardize my organization’s status with the University or (Inter)National Headquarters?
6. Would the activity increase the respect for the organization by non-affiliated members?
7. Do my actions serve a constructive, developmental purpose? Is that purpose in line with the values of the organization?

Examples of constructive activities and destructive activities are included below.

Constructive Activities
• Holding mandatory study sessions
• Scheduling a pledge class goal setting retreat
• Educating each new member on the responsibilities of each chapter officer, chairman, and chapter operations
• Expecting high scholastic performance
• Conducting meetings exclusively for new members
• Preparing a new member publication and directory
• Sponsoring new member recruitment events for prospective new members
• Appointing or electing officers and chairmen of the new member class by the new member class
• Participating in team building exercises such as ropes courses, paintball, bowling, etc.
• Expecting basic knowledge of the chapter, its ideals and principles
• Educating new members about proper social and personal development
• Involving new members in campus activities and other recognized student organizations
• Participating in intramural events

Destructive Activities
• Forcing consumption of food or alcohol
• Requiring new members to “line up” or walk in a particular way
• Expecting new members to perform any sort of calisthenics or form of physical training (push-ups, situps, jumping jacks, etc.)
• Forcing new members to way any type of clothing which is embarrassing or identical in nature
• Expecting new members to use separate entrances to a house or housing facility
• Requiring new members to carry items such as rocks, coins, paddles, books, food, etc.
• Preventing or restricting class attendance or sleep
• Mandating any sort of personal servitude (running errands, cleaning rooms, etc.)
• Forcing strenuous physical activities
• Mandating the application of any sort of substance to new members’ bodies
• Marking or branding of new members’ physical bodies
Source: Pi Kappa Alpha, Chapter Statement of Position on Hazing: List of Activities

"As a general rule of thumb, if you have to ask if an activity is hazing,
it probably is......"