Reporting Hazing

Hazing should always be taken seriously—there is no such thing as harmless hazing. All incidents must be reported as soon as they occur. If you are aware of any hazing activity, please report it to the one of the following sources:

• Call 911 if you or someone else is in danger
• The Office of Public Safety 812-488-2051 or 6911
• Office of the Dean of Students 812-488-2500
• Reports can be submitted anonymously through the hazing reporting form linked below.

Report Hazing

Reports can be submitted by anyone, and every report will be thoroughly investigated and handled with discretion.

Scope of Hazing Policies

This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, student organizations, volunteers, and short-term contracted employees. It covers conduct that occurs both on- and off-campus and applies regardless of whether the individual subjected to hazing has given consent. Hazing behavior falls within the scope of this policy when it involves two or more enrolled students and is connected to university-related business or activities. This includes, but is not limited to, conduct occurring during approved internships, student teaching placements, clinical rotations, study-away programs, activities of recognized student organizations, athletic events (home or away), university-affiliated trips, or events hosted at university facilities.

What is Hazing?

The University of Evansville is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus environment that empowers each student to think critically, act bravely, serve responsibly, and live meaningfully in a changing world. Hazing is antithetical to our values and mission and is strictly prohibited. This policy is established to prevent hazing in all forms and to promote accountability, transparency, and education across the campus community. The University of Evansville strictly prohibits hazing in any form. Student organizations which participate in hazing will face University and/or legal disciplinary action that may result in loss of privileges or status as a recognized student organization.

Definitions

• Hazing includes any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other people) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate. Hazing can occur with or without the consent of the person being hazed.
  
  While not all hazing incidents rise to the level of a criminal offense, behavior that does not violate criminal law may still constitute a violation of University policy and result in disciplinary action through the Dean of Students Office. Conversely, some acts of hazing may also meet the threshold for criminal prosecution under state or federal law. (see definitions of the Stop Campus Hazing Act and Indiana Code 35-42-2-2.5 below). The University of Evansville distinguishes between policy violations and legal definitions, ensuring that all reported incidents are addressed appropriately through institutional processes, and, when applicable, referred to law enforcement.

• Student Organization is defined by The Stop Campus Hazing Act as “an organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.’’

Prohibited Conduct

Per the Stop Campus Hazing Act, prohibited hazing activities include but are not limited to:

• “whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
• causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
• causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
• causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
• any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
• any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
• any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.’’.

Educational Programs and Prevention

The University of Evansville proactively incorporates hazing prevention education into the following programs:

• Student Organization Training: All Student Organization Presidents and Vice Presidents are trained annually during the Student Leadership Retreat.
• National Hazing Prevention week programming open to all students and employees.
• Faculty Guide
• Greek Life Education:
  • All Greek Life officers and Greek Life new members (individuals who joined during that academic year) attend a University-led leadership conference called Greek Advance, held each spring semester. This conference features a variety of sessions on topics including but not limited to: hazing prevention, bystander intervention, alcohol and drug awareness, and ethical leadership. These sessions are led by both internal and external professionals, using research-based approaches.
  • New Greek Members receive hazing prevention education during Primary Recruitment Orientation, including:
    • The Hazing Prevention Network Facts
      • The Hazing Prevention Network’s “Hazing Facts” page highlights the widespread nature and serious consequences of hazing in both high school and college settings. It emphasizes that hazing is not limited to fraternities or sororities, but occurs across many types of student groups and organizations. The page also underscores the physical, emotional, and academic harms associated with hazing, reinforcing the importance of awareness, education, and proactive prevention.
    • The Spectrum of Hazing
      • Developed by Dr. Elizabeth Allan and Dr. Dave Kerschner of the University of Maine’s StopHazing research initiative, The Spectrum of Hazing is a research-informed model that helps individuals and organizations better understand the range of hazing behaviors and their impact.
      • Rather than viewing hazing as a single type of misconduct, the Spectrum illustrates that hazing exists along a continuum—from subtle and seemingly benign behaviors to violent and dangerous acts. This framework enables students, staff, and campus leaders to identify and address hazing at all levels, not just in its most extreme forms.
      • The Spectrum is typically divided into three categories:
        • Subtle Hazing: Behaviors that may appear harmless but reinforce power dynamics or group hierarchy (e.g., mandatory tasks unrelated to group goals, social isolation).
        • Harassment Hazing: Actions that cause emotional distress or discomfort, often under the guise of tradition or bonding (e.g., verbal abuse, threats, humiliation).
        • Violent Hazing: Acts that risk physical harm or involve illegal behavior (e.g., forced alcohol consumption, physical assault, branding).
      • By recognizing hazing as a spectrum, this model encourages early intervention, promotes safer group cultures, and helps fulfill legal and ethical obligations under the Stop Campus Hazing Act.
    • Learn more at: stophazing.org
    • The Hidden Harm of Hazing
      • While some hazing practices may appear harmless or are often dismissed as “tradition” or “bonding,” research and lived experiences show that hazing can cause deep and lasting harm—even when no physical injury is visible. The Gordie Center highlights the hidden harms of hazing to help students, staff, and campus leaders understand that the impact of hazing often goes far beyond what meets the eye.
      • These hidden harms include:
        • Emotional and psychological distress: Anxiety, depression, and trauma are common in those subjected to hazing—often worsening over time.
        • Academic disruption: Fear, stress, or exhaustion caused by hazing can lead to declining academic performance or disengagement from school.
        • Loss of trust and belonging: Instead of fostering community, hazing can alienate students and damage peer relationships and group cohesion.
        • Barriers to seeking help: Fear of retaliation, shame, or normalization of abuse often prevents students from reporting hazing or accessing support.
        • Substance misuse and risk-taking: Hazing often involves forced or coerced alcohol and drug use, increasing the risk of overdose, injury, or death.
    • By raising awareness of these hidden harms, campuses can shift cultural norms away from hazing and toward safer, more inclusive practices that support student well-being and meaningful connection. This message aligns with the goals of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, which requires institutions to take active steps in educating and protecting students from the full spectrum of hazing’s impact.
    • For more on hazing harm prevention, visit the Gordie Center.
• Athletics: Student-athletes attend annual hazing prevention presentations and are required to sign a Hazing Awareness and Accountability Agreement. All athletic staff members receive hazing prevention training each semester.

Bystander Intervention Training

Bystander training is a key component of our prevention strategy. These programs teach students how to:

• Recognize hazing behaviors
• Safely intervene and support peers
• Report violations to university officials

Investigating Hazing Violations

When a hazing complaint is received by any University Campus Security Authority or “Responsible Employee,” the information is forwarded to the University's Office of Public Safety for an initial inquiry. A report is completed along with a safety assessment to determine any need for a campus timely warning or other intermediate actions to protect student and employee safety. The report is then referred to the appropriate follow-up office for determination of potential sanctions based on the affiliation of the individuals involved:

• If the complaint involves behavior that may fall under the University’s Title IX or sexual and gender-based harassment policy, the case is forwarded to the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX for investigation.
• If the report involves student-athletes, the investigation is coordinated with the Athletics Department.
• If it concerns members of a fraternity or sorority, the matter is referred to the Student Affairs office overseeing Greek Life for determination of potential sanctions following the conclusion of the investigation.
• If the report involves a registered student organization, it will be routed to the Center for Student Engagement for determination of potential sanctions following the conclusion of the investigation.
• Those complaints involving a University staff or faculty member will be referred to Human Resources.
• For cases involving individual students, the Dean of Students is notified to coordinate student support and potential conduct processes.
• Appeals to sanctions levied by the above offices can be directed to the Dean of Students.

This process ensures coordination among key offices and outlines investigative steps, including risk assessments, possible interim measures, and formal investigations, all guided by applicable university policy.

Reports will be addressed promptly and handled with strict confidentiality. In accordance with investigative procedures, individuals found responsible will be informed of the outcome of the hazing investigation. To maintain the integrity of confidentiality standards, reporting parties will not receive outcome notifications.

Responsible Good Neighbor Exemption

To prioritize health and safety, the University offers limited amnesty from disciplinary sanctions to students who:

1. Seek emergency medical assistance on behalf of someone harmed in a hazing incident;
2. Remain with the individual until help arrives;
3. Cooperate with emergency personnel and University officials.

Enforcement and Sanctions

Violation of this policy may result in:

• Individual or group disciplinary action (up to suspension or expulsion)
• Revocation of recognition and/or funding for student organizations
• Referral to law enforcement and prosecution under Indiana Code 35-42-2-2.5

Stop Campus Hazing Act (Federal Public Law No: 118-173)

The University of Evansville’s Hazing Policy works in concert with both federal and state anti-hazing laws. The Stop Campus Hazing Act is a federal statute aimed at increasing transparency and prevention around hazing in higher education. Colleges and universities that receive federal funding are required to publish information about hazing incidents that occur on their campuses in a Transparency Report that is updated annually, beginning December 23, 2025. These reports must be made available to the public and included in the institution’s annual campus security report. Additionally, institutions must provide a thorough, evidence-based hazing prevention program. This program must cover awareness, prevention strategies, and the institution’s current policies addressing hazing. Read the Stop Campus Hazing Act in it's entirety online.

Indiana Hazing Law (State Code 35-42-2-2.5)

Under Indiana law 35-42-2-2.5, hazing is a criminal offense defined as forcing or requiring another person (with or without the consent of the individual, and as a condition of association with a group or organization) to perform an act that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury. Violations can result in criminal charges, including misdemeanors or felonies depending on the severity of the act and whether serious bodily injury occurs. Read the Indiana Hazing Law in it's entirety online.

Characteristics of Hazing

Such activities and situations include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

• creation of excessive fatigue
  • Please note: the University of Evansville strictly prohibits any member-related activity between the hours of 12 AM-8 AM Sunday through Thursday and between 1 AM-9 AM Friday and Saturday. Any activity during this time will be deemed hazing, including those that may occur during overnight retreats.
    • For more information, please visit UEngage at https://uengage.evansville.edu/ to find the following documents:
      • University of Evansville Student Organization Guide (found on the Center for Student Engagement page)
      • University of Evansville Greek Life Services and Expectations for Fraternities and Sororities (found on the Fraternity & Sorority Life page)
      • Formal Recruitment New Member Education/Intake Informational and Outline Packet (found on the Fraternity & Sorority Life page)
    • forced engagement in public stunts meant to humiliate or degrade participants
    • morally degrading or humiliating games
    • forced consumption of food or beverages or other substances
    • or any other forced activity which would subject the individual to extreme mental stress or adversely affect the physical or mental health or dignity of the individual, for the purposes of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization, formal, or informal.

The Spectrum of Hazing

The Spectrum of Hazing™, developed by Dr. Elizabeth Allan and Dr. Dave Kerschner, is a research-based framework that categorizes hazing behaviors into three types—intimidation, harassment, and violence—based on their visibility, frequency, and potential harm. The spectrum illustrates that less recognized behaviors, such as intimidation, occur more frequently and are often dismissed as harmless traditions, while more severe acts of violence, though less common, are more readily identified as hazing. All forms, regardless of type, involve power imbalances and carry the potential for psychological and physical harm. By increasing awareness of the more frequently occurring, yet often overlooked, behaviors, the model aims to enhance prevention and intervention efforts. Learn more on the Spectrum of Hazing.

Allan, E. J. & Kerschner, D. (2020). The Spectrum of Hazing^™, StopHazing Consulting.
https://stophazing.org/resources/spectrum

Review and Revision

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Dean of Students in collaboration with Human Resources, the Center for Student Engagement, Athletics Compliance Office, and the Office of Public Safety, to ensure compliance with applicable laws and evolving best practices.

Last revised: 06/13/2025