Help Stop Hazing

In order to stop or prevent hazing, we must all work together to create a culture of respect.

We hope these pages help create a more clear and comprehensive understanding of what hazing is, how to identify it, the university’s strict policies against it, how to report it, and how to prevent it.

Being a part of a campus organization can be beneficial to students and is an important and meaningful part of students’ co-curricular experiences.  Elon wants it to be a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved.

What is hazing?

Not all hazing is violent or physical.  Not all hazing is done against someone’s will.  Hazing is any activity expected of someone who is joining a group (or who is trying to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades or risks harming that person financially, emotionally, or physically, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.  It centers on the power exerted over potential or new members – the ability to

It goes against our Honor Code and the importance of treating all members of our community with RESPECT.

We recognize the importance and value of activities that bring students into organizations and clubs. Those bonding and educational activities should have a purpose and support the dignity and development of all people involved.  Activities should be consistent with the student organization’s values or mission, be a positive experience for all involved, and uphold the Elon University honor code. Activities that do not meet this definition are considered hazing.

If you have concerns regarding an activity please refer to the Elon Student Handbook and the organization’s constitution, mission, and values. Staff in Student Involvement, the Center for Leadership, or the Office of Student Conduct are also available to answer any questions you may have.

If you feel an activity is an immediate threat to the safety of any person, please call 911 or Campus Safety and Police at 336-278-5555.

How do I report hazing?

If it is an emergency – the behavior is happening in the moment and you are worried about someone’s safety – call 911 from wherever you are.  The dispatcher will connect you with the most appropriate police department.

If you become aware of something concerning, report it!  (Knowing about subtle forms of hazing will allow us to work with groups to make positive changes before habits or patterns allow more serious forms of hazing to begin.)  We will take it seriously and investigate to the extent we are able.  The more details you can provide the better we will be able to respond.  For these urgent but not emergency situations, you have a few options that will allow us to follow up as soon as we are able during business hours:

  • Visit www.elon.edu/reporthazing to complete a report.  This online reporting option walks you through all of the information that is helpful for us and allows you to add photos or other supporting documentation.  You may remain anonymous, but without the ability to follow up with specific questions it is very difficult for us to conduct an effective investigation or hold individuals/groups accountable.  Submitting this form with your contact information (at least a phone number) is often the most effective way to report an urgent but not emergency situation.
  • Call Student Involvement (who work with student organizations) during regular office hours to speak with one of our staff members: 336-278-7214.
  • Call Student Conduct (who will manage any investigation) during regular office hours.  You will likely need to leave a message for a return call:  336-278-7271.
  • Or if you’d rather, you can also call the Hazing Hotline at 336.278.HAZE (4293) to leave a recorded message.  This number is NOT staffed, and it will be the next business day before anyone is able to respond.  It is also not required, but incredibly helpful if you share your contact information so we can follow-up or ask additional questions as we investigate the situation.

Hazing Prevention Coalition

The Hazing Prevention Coalition is a group of staff and students who work to empower the Elon community to prevent hazing through education and prevention efforts.  We are committed to cultivating an environment that is safe and values the dignity of all members.  The Coalition helps the community understand hazing, recognize its presence, understand its implications, and develop positive team building or new member integration/initiation experiences.

If you are interested in learning more or joining our efforts to create a more positive experience for students in all groups or organizations, please contact Jodean Schmiederer (jschmiederer@elon.edu).