Ailyn Quiroz 

Staff Writer 

VSU Student Conduct & Title IX and the Hazing Prevention Committee hosted events from Aug. 31 through Sep. 4, but there are still more campus awareness events to come.  

On Aug. 31 through Sep. 4, the Hazing Prevention Committee alongside VSU Student Code of Conduct hosted events that inform students about hazing. 

The Hazing Prevention Network defines hazing as “a power dynamic behavior aimed at screening, fostering bonds, or establishing standing in organizations that risks the health and safety of individuals.”   

The Hazing Prevention Committee, worked diligently in having fun and informative events, such as the Passport to Prevention Fair and Purple Out & Pledge Day. 

“A lot of times people misunderstand hazing, that think that it’s something that can only be done in sororities and fraternity or it can be done physically to harm you, but hazing can be subtle,” said Shataira Hightower, a junior in psychology and a Student Justice with the Student Code of Conduct. “It’s feeling obligated to do something that you’re uncomfortable with, someone teasing you in a certain way, but you deal with it because you’re trying to get into a certain group,” 

The Student Conduct Advisory Council underneath the Office of Student Conduct & Title IX worked with Student Life, Fraternity and Sororities Life. Blazer Wellness, Counseling Center, and VSU Police as the Hazing Prevention Committee to bring awareness and prevention information to students. 

“Our main job is to inform students of their student code of conduct and are aware of the rules and regulations,” explained Hightower. 

These awareness weeks have also helped inform students about the Office of Student Conduct & Title IX. 

“We often get associated with the police, but we aren’t, our focus is to make sure everyone has a safe time on campus so that someone else’s bad choices don’t affect anyone else’s experience on campus.” said Hightower. 

She also noted how everyone in the Office of Student Code of Conduct & Title IX works diligent in making sure students have a safe experience at VSU.  

“There’s three women that work in the office, it a small office that handles a lot of cases. They should be greatly appreciated because of the work they do and it only three of them plus our grad assistant.” said Hightower.  

The Office of Student Conduct & Title IX staff is Director Selenseia Holmes. Mrs. Myia Miller is the Title IX Compliance Officer and Investigator; works on all sex-based violations and assists with conduct overflow. Mrs. Marie Dison is their Student Conduct Compliance Officer, who oversees the student judicial process at VSU and our Student Conduct Advisory Council (SCAC) who serve on the student conduct hearings. Finally, Deighton ‘Lexi’ Byrant is this year’s graduate student. The Student Conduct Advisory Council is also looking for new members to join. 

“There are approximately nine of us right now, but we are currently accepting applications,” said Hightower. “We’re just looking for somebody who is honest, wants to uphold the Blazer’s Creed, and people who are willing to lend a voice.” 

There are also other awareness week/months that the Office of Student Code of Conduct & Title IX will be working on during the year. 

“Each month of the year has causes and issues that are nationally highlighted, so we use this as a guide when determining our events.” Explained Mrs. Marie Dison, Student Conduct Compliance Officer. “For example, September’s focus is on Hazing Awareness, October’s focus is usually on Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer Awareness, February focuses on Teen Dating Violence, April focuses on awareness for those subjected to Sexual Assault, and so on.” 

For more information or to send in your application go to the VSU website for the Office of Student Conduct & Title IX or email Mrs. Marie Dyson at mndison@valdosta.edu.