The start of the academic year is also an opportunity to meet, reconnect, and welcome new students. To ensure that orientation remains a festive moment, everyone has a part to play. Whether you’re organising or participating in parties, follow this guide to enjoy your orientation safely!
Joining the party – taking your responsibilities!
Orientation is an important part of the academic year: outings, parties, weekends… These events are a gateway to discovering your classmates, student life, and your university city! To ensure festive events remain friendly and safe, we all have a role to play.
If you’re attending a party, here are a few simple steps to take care of yourself and those around you:
- Drink more water, less alcohol: know yourself! No one should encourage you to consume excessive amounts of alcohol or any other substance, even for “having fun” or trying to “lighten the mood”.
- Be supportive: if you see someone feeling unwell, don’t leave them alone. Keep them company and call for help.
- Keep an eye on your drink and those around you: better stay in a group than alone… or in bad company. Surround yourself with people you trust, and always keep an eye on your drink.
If you are organising a party, you are responsible for the event running smooth and the well-being of the participants. If you need support in organising an event, the French government has published a guide on student parties and orientation events (in French).
Preventing and combating abuse
During the evening, so-called “tricks” can be pulled – derogatory remarks, dares, an older classmate encouraging alcohol drinking… No, the atmosphere is not “hot.” Regardless of the situation, consent is not optional, and the integrity of individuals must always be respected.
Forcing someone to commit, say, or endure humiliating or degrading propositions or acts in order to better “fit in” is hazing. And hazing is a crime.
Hazing: an act prohibited by law and punishable by a fine and/or a prison sentence of less than 10 years. Acts must take place during an event or gathering related to school, sports, or socio-educational activities. Hazing is punishable by a 6-month imprisonment and a €7,500 fine. These penalties are doubled if the victim is a vulnerable person.
Hazing is an offense that applies to:
- all students
- any person belonging to an organisation with teaching, sports, or socio-educational activities.
When violence, threats, or sexual assault are involved, such acts become offenses. Offenses are punishable by fines or imprisonment of up to 10 years.
What should you do if you are a victim or witness of hazing?
The university firmly condemns and is committed to fighting all forms of violence, discrimination, and intimidation, whether physical, psychological, or sexual. If you experience or witness abuse, you can:
- Report any reprehensible act: 0 800 142 144
- File a complaint (in French) at the police station or gendarmerie of your choice.
- Inform the institution’s administrative authority immediately:
- the head of your department and/or the university
- the Student Health Service (SSE): sse.secretariat@unicaen.fr or +33 2 31 56 52 30
- the Sexual and gender-based violence prevention and support service, whose mission is to combat violence and discrimination: mission-egalite@unicaen.fr
- If the violence is based on sexism or sexuality, the university has established a dedicated support unit: cellule-ecoute@unicaen.fr
The institution’s management must report the incident to the public prosecutor. Disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against the perpetrators and staff members who contributed to the hazing.
