Hazing at NSU:
Definition, Prevention
& Reporting

What Is Hazing?

Hazing is any action or situation, on or off campus, that intentionally or reckentionally endangers the health or safety of a student, or demeans, humiliates, or degrades a person as a condition of joining or maintaining membership in a group or organization. Hazing is prohibited in all forms, regardless of consent or tradition.

Some common examples of hazing include, but are not limited to:

• Forced or excessive physical activity (calisthenics, running, etc.)

• Sleep deprivation, forced isolation, sensory deprivation

• Requiring consumption of food, drink, or substances

• Assigning “pranks,” humiliation tasks, or servitude

• Forcing or encouraging participation in dangerous stunts or rituals

• Harassment, ridicule, verbal abuse

• Any activity that causes physical, psychological, or emotional harm

(The above examples are illustrative; hazing may take many forms not explicitly listed above.)

NSU’s Commitment & Prevention Strategies

NSU is committed to preventing hazing through proactive education, strong policies, and community engagement. Some of the prevention efforts include:

• Mandatory training for new and current members, advisors, and leadership of student organizations on hazing awareness, safe practices, and bystander responsibility

• Educational campaigns and outreach (workshops, social media, panels) to raise awareness of the risks and how to intervene

• Clear organizational guidelines and advisement for student groups to adopt safer initiation and membership practices

• Regular review and updating of policies, in consultation with student leadership, legal counsel, and campus safety

• Partnerships with local law enforcement and external anti-hazing organizations, and promoting use of resources such as the National Anti-Hazing Hotline

How to Report Hazing at NSU

If you observe, experience, or suspect any form of hazing, it’s critical to come forward. Reporting helps protect individuals and ensures accountability.

Reporting options:

1. NSU Incident Report / Online Form. Submit a report via NSU’s official conduct reporting form (for students or organizations).

2. NSU Police Department / Campus Safety. In emergencies or when immediate danger is present, contact campus police or dial 911.

3. Dean of Students / Student Conduct Office. You can report in person, via email, or through the Student Affairs division.

4. Anonymous reporting. If you prefer, you may submit a report anonymously. Note: anonymity can limit follow-up ability.

5. National Anti-Hazing Hotline. If relevant (especially for Greek organizations), reports can also be made through the National Anti-Hazing Hotline, which handles anonymous submissions and forwards them to the appropriate institution.

When reporting, be as specific as possible. Helpful details include:

• Date, time, location

• Names or descriptions of individuals involved

• Description of the activity or behavior

• Witnesses or evidence (photos, messages, recordings)

Investigation & Disciplinary Process

Once a hazing report is filed, NSU’s process typically includes:

1. Initial review. Student Conduct Officers or the Dean of Students assess whether there is sufficient information to open a formal investigation.

2. Investigation. Interviews are conducted with complainant, respondent(s), witnesses, and review of evidence.

3. Notice & hearing/conference. The accused party receives formal notice and is given the opportunity to respond.

4. Determination & sanctions. If found responsible under the Code of Student Conduct, sanctions may be imposed — ranging from educational sanctions, probation, suspension, or expulsion, depending on severity.

5. Appeals. The respondent may appeal based on procedural issues, new information, or fairness questions.

6. Concurrent criminal proceedings. If hazing involves criminal conduct, NSU will coordinate with law enforcement, and disciplinary action may proceed independently of any legal case.

Your Role: What Students & Organizations Can Do

• Be informed. Learn NSU’s hazing policy and your responsibilities as a member, new member, or leader.

• Speak up early. If something feels unsafe, intervene or report — you could prevent harm.

• Use alternative traditions. Promote positive, meaningful, and inclusive initiation practices that build community without risk.

• Support peers. Encourage fellow students to report, support victims, and push for transparency in organizational practices.

• Hold leaders accountable. Advisors, executive boards, and institutional leaders should model ethical behavior and enforce anti-hazing standards.