UB confirms identity of student victimized in suspected hazing

University at Buffalo officials can confirm the identity of the undergraduate student who was the victim of a suspected hazing incident early Friday morning.

He is Sebastian Serafin-Bazan, an 18-year-old freshman. His hometown is Port Chester, N.Y.

We can also confirm that he is a patient at Buffalo General Hospital. However, we cannot provide an update on his medical condition because of federal privacy laws protecting patient information.

Out of respect for the family’s privacy, the university will have no other comment at this time.

What is the condition of the student?

Because of federal laws protecting student and patient privacy, the university cannot give an update on the student’s medical condition.

Who is investigating this incident?

University Police are working closely with Buffalo Police as they investigate the incident involving the Sigma Pi fraternity, and university officials also will conduct an internal review into the fraternity’s activities. Anyone with any information about this incident is urged to immediately contact University Police at 716-645-2222.

Is Sigma Pi a recognized fraternity?

Sigma Pi is a nationally recognized fraternity with more than 120 chapters in the U.S. and Canada; the UB chapter has approximately 20 members.

UB has approximately 1,000 students participating in more than 35 recognized social fraternities and sororities affiliated with our campus. These organizations are expected to complement the university's educational mission and to comply with campus policies, rules and regulations, as well as federal, state and local laws.

Do UB’s Greek-letter, social, fraternal organizations reside in or own houses in the community?

There is only one organization that owns a house. All others live in a variety of off-campus residences and the addresses of those residences do not remain consistent from year to year. There are no on-campus Greek houses at UB.

What leads/rumors are police investigating?

Because this is an active investigation, we cannot comment on its status but we will police findings after the investigation concludes.

How is the university responding to this incident?

We are in contact with the student’s family and will provide whatever assistance and comfort we can during this very difficult time, as we hope for the very best for our student who is an undergraduate student at UB.

At the direction of UB President Satish K. Tripathi, effective immediately and until further notice, the official activities of all fraternities and sororities are suspended.

The university cannot state strongly enough that we have zero tolerance for hazing and will aggressively pursue any suspected incidents of hazing. All Greek-letter, social, fraternal organizations will again be strongly counseled about UB’s zero tolerance policy on hazing and will be cautioned about the serious consequences of hazing.

Beginning this week, the university will launch an internal review into the activities of Greek-letter, social, fraternal organizations at UB. An internal review committee, formed by UB Vice President for Student Life A. Scott Weber, will examine each organization's health and safety educational programs, policies and practices, with a special focus on anti-hazing.

What sort of disciplinary actions will be taken against members of the fraternity involved?

While federal privacy law prohibits UB from commenting on disciplinary proceedings involving individual students, whenever there is a serious violation of UB’s student code of conduct, such as hazing, students face suspension and the possibility of expulsion from the university.

UB is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for our students to pursue their studies and participate in appropriate activities that are an essential part of the university experience.

Where can I learn more information about the university's policies regarding Greek organizations?

More information is available at http://www.buffalo.edu/news/key-issues/hazing.html.

How many students are enrolled at the university and how can I learn more about UB?

UB's enrollment is 31,503. To learn more about the University at Buffalo, go to http://www.buffalo.edu/about_ub/ub_at_a_glance.html.