Hazing Prevention & Reporting

What is Hazing?

Definition of Hazing: "any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person's willingness to participate."

How to Spot It

Hazing typically involves three elements:

• It happens in a group context (teams, clubs, organizations, classes, residence communities). 
• It includes humiliating, degrading, or endangering behavior
• It can occur regardless of consent. 

Examples of Hazing (not a complete list)

• Humiliation, roast nights, or wearing embarrassing clothing
• Being taken to or left at an unknown location 
• Sleep deprivation or being woken in the night
• Being told to carry items or keep objects with you at all times
• Threats, demerits, verbal abuse, or implied consequences
• Forced or coerced consumption of alcohol or any substances; water intoxication/forced ingestion. 
• Watching or performing sexual acts; sexualized tasks or comments
• Prank calls, harassment, or "greeting" rituals that target or isolate people. 
• Compulsory physical tests beyond normal practice or skill building. 
• "Traditions" or "initiations" are presented as membership requirements. 

Where Can it Happen?

Hazing happens at colleges and universities and middle and high schools. Some common places are: 

• Varsity and club athletics
• Fraternities and sororities
• Academic clubs and honor societies
• Performing arts and recreational clubs
• ROTC and service organizations
• Residence halls, lab groups, and course cohorts

What To Do If You Experience or Witness Hazing

• Get safe. Leave the situation if you can; call 911 or University Public Safety for emergencies. 
• Document details (dates, times, messages, screenshots, locations, names)
• Report it (see below)
• Seek support. You're not alone (Counseling, Health Services, Dean of Students)
• Check on others who may be at risk.

Bystander Tips (ACT)

• Alert: Call for help. Use campus safety resources.
• Check-in: Privately ask, "Are you okay? Do you want to leave?"
• Team up: Intervene with friends or teammates. Don't go alone. 

How to Report Hazing?

Refer to the University's hazing policy for guidance on reporting hazing. 

An incident of hazing may be reported in the following ways:

• Director of Student Conduct - 507-537-6470, Dave.Hemp@SMSU.edu
  
  
• University Public Safety - 507-537-7252, FH 108 1st Floor
  
  
• Campus Security Authority (CSA) Reporting Form 
  
  
• Silent Witness Reporting Form 
  
  

Build Health Groups & Teams (Safer Alternatives)

• Do service projects together; support a local cause.
• Use team-building led by trained facilitators; set shared goals.
• Plan inclusive welcome events (no alcohol required).
• Mentor “bigs & littles” with positive, skill-based activities.
• Celebrate achievements without humiliation or secrecy
• Schedule practices that prioritize rest, nutrition, and academics.

Retaliation is Prohibited

Acts or threats of retaliation against anyone who reports, participates in a process, or supports a reporter are strictly prohibited. Report retaliation immediately to the Director of Student Conduct.

Medical Amnesty

Your safety comes first. Students who seek help in emergencies (for themselves or others) may be eligible for amnesty from certain conduct outcomes under Medical Amnesty.