There have been numerous cases of political and religious organizations practicing “deceptive recruitment” at the university without revealing their
real objectives. They mainly target new students, and attempt to recruit members by claiming to represent extracurricular groups conducting surveys, dinner parties, study groups, concerts, self-improvement activities, human resource development, volunteer, or sports activities. Such organizations also include so-called “cults,” as reported by the mass media.
Recently, they have begun using methods other than on-campus recruiting, such as social networking sites and visiting the students’ apartments. Please be vigilant as their tactics can be very subtle.
Contents
Be careful if you are asked any of the followings:
- Do you ever think about the meaning of life?
- Are you satisfied with your student life?
- Please fill out a questionnaire.
- Would you like to see a music concert?
- Won’t you come to our party?
- Would you like to participate in a volunteer activity?
- Do you want to play sports with us?
- Do you want to study with us?
- Where is the cafeteria?
If you feel suspicious:
- Be careful about opening your apartment door to strangers.
- Refuse firmly.
- Do not provide personal information, such as your name, phone
number, address, or social media contact information. - Report the incident to the University Counseling Center or Student
Services Division.
If you join:
- You will be asked to perform tasks for the benefit of the group, unrelated to the objectives and activities you were originally told.
- You will suffer financial losses in the form of membership fees or
donations. - You may be encouraged to perform illegal actions.
- You may be pressured to cut off ties with your friends or family.
- You may be asked to take a leave of absence or withdraw from university, thus ending your academic career.
Policy on Deceptive Recruitment on Campus
- Tohoku University forbids organized activities by unsanctioned university groups on campus.
- Deceptive recruitment is unacceptable, no matter where it is conducted.
- The university does not forbid or limit the freedom of thought or belief by any individual student.
