Hazing Prevention and Reporting
ĢӰ Boulder seeks to stop hazing before it happens through ongoing prevention programs, which are prosocial, asset-based, support student decision making, and make clear the rules and expectations of the university.
What is hazing at ĢӰ Boulder?
“Any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the health, safety, or welfare of, or causes a risk of bodily injury to, an individual for the purpose of initiation, participation, admission into, or affiliation with any organization or ĢӰ Boulder group. Hazing includes but is not limited to: any abuse of a mental or physical nature, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drugs, or substances, any forced physical activity that could adversely affect the health or safety of an individual, any activity that would subject the individual to embarrassment or humiliation, or any forced violation of ĢӰ Boulder policy, and/or local, state, or federal law. The willingness of the participant in such activities are notwithstanding.”
It is important to know that hazing can happen in any group, including:
- Club sports teams
- College athletics
- Academic clubs
- Honor societies
- Fraternities and sororities
- Intramural sports teams
- Performing arts organizations
- Political or religious organizations
- Residence hall floors
- Student organizations
Reporting options
If you or someone you know has experienced hazing, you can file a report with SCCR. Anonymous reporting is available, but outcomes may be impacted.
If the threat is imminent, call the ĢӰ Police Department at 303-492-6666 or 911. Then, submit a report to SCCR.
What to do if you are being hazed
- Maintain a balance between friendships/relationships and the organization. Do not lose contact with friends and family you have outside of the organization.
- Be open about what you are going through. Your family and friends want to support you regardless of if hazing is occurring. They cannot do that without open communication.
- Remember, you still have control over how you participate. You can refuse to participate. You can leave the group. You can unite and work with other members who are also being hazed.
- Seek out advice from family, friends, health care professionals, administrators, advisors etc. They want what is best for you.
Investigation process
The following is an overview of the investigation process after a report is made. SCCR may initiate interim measures at any point during the process to ensure safety and compliance.
Initial review: After an incident is reported, SCCR reviews the information and determines the appropriate next steps.
Support outreach: Relevant internal stakeholders (such as the student leadership of the organization or other person) and external parties (such as the recognized student organization (RSO) advisor or national chapter advisor) are notified. SCCR shares information about the report with relevant department(s) to support the organization and/or individuals.
Notice of resolution meeting: SCCR sends a formal notice to the organization and/or individuals involved, initiating a resolution meeting(s).
Investigation and findings: SCCR conducts an investigation and determines findings based on the evidence.
Resolution outcomes: SCCR determines appropriate outcomes and collaborates with both internal and external stakeholders. There are three types of resolution outcomes: administrative outcomes, educational outcomes and restriction outcomes.
- Administrative outcomes impact the organization and/or individual status with ĢӰ Boulder.
- Educational outcomes are educational activities assigned to help address factors impacting behavior, and the impact of their behavior.
- Restriction outcomes impact the ability to interact with campus and/or communicate with others.
Resolution outcomes can contain any combination of the three types of resolution outcomes.
Outcome notification: The organization is formally notified of the resolution outcomes.
Find support
Signs of someone you know being hazed:
- Prioritizing group/membership activities over other areas in their life (e.g. school, relationships, etc.).
- Expressing fear or hesitation about what might happen to them if they do not participate in a specific group activity, even if it makes them uncomfortable.
- Changes to their behavior or mood, including depression, anxiety or restlessness while participating in a new group.
- Missing class, work or outside social events in order to join a group.
- Describing “traditions” that sound like hazing.
- Changes to sleep habits, including fatigue to participate in a specific group activity.
- Posting concerning or odd things on social media in relation to a group.
- Secrecy related to group membership or “traditions.”
Responses to hazing vary from person to person and can cause someone to experience physical, emotional and psychological distress. Feelings can range anywhere from seeing the activities as a personal challenge to feeling a sense of abuse and harassment.
How to help someone being hazed
Knowing what hazing looks like can help you understand what is okay and what crosses the line. To help identify if an action may be considered hazing, ask the following questions:
- Is this part of the membership process for a particular group?
- Could this cause harm, including feelings of embarrassment, humiliation or degradation?
- Are people involved being pressured or coerced to participate?
- What will happen to someone who does not want to participate?
It is important to know that groups who participate in these types of hazing activities or rituals often swear members to secrecy about all aspects of the group, including initiation requirements and activities. Speaking up about hazing, even when it interferes with a group’s expectations, can help prevent it from escalating or happening to other members.
If you are concerned about a friend who may be experiencing hazing, here are some ways to start the conversation.
- Start from a place of care. Show the individual that you care about them and are concerned. For instance, you can say something like “I’ve noticed you’ve been spending more time with [group], and I’m concerned about how it has been affecting you.”
- Describe what you have observed (e.g., lack of sleep, changes in your friend’s mood). Sometimes individuals being hazed do not realize they are being hazed.
- Listen without judgment. Show the person it’s okay to come to you for support, even if it is a hard subject to talk about.
- Validate that hazing is wrong, it’s not okay and it’s not the person’s fault.
- Empower the individual to take some sort of action by suggesting options or resources (e.g., talking to a professional, leaving the organization, reporting the organization, etc.).
- Stay connected. Not all individuals going through hazing are ready to take action and need time to process. It is vital that you are still there for support as they could need you later on.
Phone: 303-492-8855 | Email OVA
OVA provides free and confidential information, consultation, support, advocacy and short-term, trauma-focused counseling services for students, grad students, faculty and staff who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic, disturbing or disruptive event. This includes hazing.
People can disclose an incident confidentially and/or make a report to the university.
Completing the OVA confidential form does not constitute a report to the university and will not initiate any law enforcement, judicial or administrative action against a perpetrator/respondent.
SOAS provides individualized support to students. SOAS case managers connect students with campus partners, community resources and support systems, while building a trusting relationship and coaching them toward self-advocacy.
The Dean of Students supports and advocates for students and connects them with resources. If you are unsure how to advise a student in need of support, call the office at 303-492-9048 for assistance and referrals.