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Division of Academic and Student Affairs
Hazing Prevention

University Statement on Hazing

Consistent with the mission, vision, and values of NC State, the university is committed to promoting an environment where students’ participation in student organizations, clubs, and athletic teams is free from hazing. NC State prohibits hazing by any member of the university community and retaliation against any person reporting hazing or participating in any investigation or disciplinary proceeding involving hazing. 

The Code of Student Conduct explicitly prohibits hazing by students, and misconduct involving hazing will be pursued following NC State’s Student Discipline Procedures. In addition, hazing is a crime in North Carolina and is punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor. Incidents that may qualify as criminal hazing will be referred to law enforcement. See applicable law and regulations listed below. 

Applicable NC Law and NC State Policies & Regulations:

What is Hazing?

Hazing is defined by NC State in the Code of Student Conduct as “any activity related to organizational membership or potential membership that Intentionally, Recklessly, or negligently humiliates, degrades, abuses, or otherwise creates a risk of mental or physical harm or discomfort, or unreasonably interferes with a Student’s academic activities or successes. Consent or lack of intent are not defenses [to charges of hazing].” 

Some common examples of hazing include:

  • Physical Hazing
    • Beatings, paddling, branding, or using electric shocks
    • Forced sleep deprivation
    • Forced physical exertion (e.g., push-ups, running, carrying heavy objects)
    • Exposure to extreme weather conditions
    • Confinement in small spaces
    • Forced participation in animal abuse or other illegal activities
  • Psychological Hazing
    • Verbal abuse
    • Forced silence or ignoring new members
    • Public embarrassment or humiliation
    • Degrading rituals (e.g., wearing embarrassing clothing or acting in a demeaning manner)
    • Blindfolding or sensory deprivation
    • Coerced participation in illegal activities
  • Substance-Related Hazing
    • Coerced or excessive alcohol consumption
    • Forced use of drugs
    • Ingestion of harmful, vile or inedible substances
  • Sexual Hazing
    • Forced or unwanted sexual acts, harassment or assault as part of an initiation
    • Simulated sexual acts as part of an initiation
    • Forcing pledges or members to sexually abuse others
    • Forced exposure, humiliating sex acts, or production or distribution of explicit photos or videos
    • Forced public nudity
  • Social and Emotional Hazing or Subtle Hazing
    • Isolation from friends or family
    • Being forced to do demeaning tasks for existing members
    • Publicly revealing personal or embarrassing information
    • Requiring new members to perform duties not assigned to others

For more information and guidance on what hazing is, please see the What is Hazing? webpage.

Prevention and Awareness

NC State is committed to preventing hazing and addressing and responding to any hazing incidents in a timely, reasonable and effective manner. Each member of the NC State community has the responsibility to understand, prevent, and respond appropriately to incidents of hazing. Research-informed education and training on how to identify, prevent and respond to hazing incidents is available through Prevent Zone. This training is available for all students, faculty and staff, and additional modules are available for certain student groups. Other resources for education, prevention and support are located at DASA’s Prevention and Prevalence Resources webpage and listed below. 

Students should complete training on hazing prevention and awareness upon arrival at NC State and prior to joining student organizations. Fraternity and sorority members are also required to abide by NC State’s Standards Program for Fraternities and Sororities, which includes requirements for completion of training on hazing. See Recognized Fraternities and Sororities within the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life: Rule for Gaining and Maintaining Recognition (RUL 11.56.02) for more information.

Reporting Incidents of Hazing

Prompt reporting enables the Office of Student Conduct to respond efficiently and effectively to safety threats and to facilitate appropriate supportive measures for those impacted by hazing. Accordingly, members of the University community should immediately report incidents of potential hazing to the Office of Student Conduct. If hazing involves imminent danger, serious harm or illegal activity, please contact local law enforcement immediately. 

As of January 1, 2025, members of the University community who are classified as “Campus Security Authorities” or CSAs under the Clery Act are required to share any and all reports of hazing (as defined in the Clery Act) using the Campus Security Authority Incident Report Form. The relevant student organization or group involved in hazing does not have to be recognized or established by the University to trigger this mandatory reporting. See the Clery Compliance webpage for more information.

NC State prohibits retaliation directed against a person for reporting violations of law or PRRs or for participating in an investigation or related conduct proceeding.

Response and Investigation

When a member of our community is found responsible for hazing violations, appropriate disciplinary action will follow. Possible sanctions for students found responsible for hazing include disciplinary probation, suspension, removal from university housing and expulsion. Possible sanctions for student groups/organizations found responsible for hazing include group/organization disciplinary probation, restriction of privileges and revocation of recognition.  The University may also implement interim measures for students and student organizations if they pose a risk to the physical health or safety of the NC State community before a conduct process begins or is completed. These interim measures may include emergency removal or interim suspension. The University may also report the incident to law enforcement and the persons involved in hazing could face criminal charges.

The Office of Student Conduct is responsible for the prompt, fair, and impartial investigation of hazing allegations against students pursuant to the Code of Student Conduct (REG 11.35.05) and the Student Discipline Procedures (REG 11.35.02). The University’s ability to address the allegations may be impacted by the information available and the willingness of witnesses to participate in the investigation and hearing process.

Clery Annual Security and Fire Safety Report and Campus Hazing Transparency Report

In December 2024, the United States Congress passed the Stop Campus Hazing Act, which amends the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (“Clery Act”). The Stop Campus Hazing Act requires additional publication of hazing reports in the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (“Clery ASR”) and information on confirmed hazing violations in a new Campus Hazing Transparency Report. 

The Campus Hazing Transparency Report will summarize findings of responsibility concerning any hazing violations (as defined by NC State) committed by student organizations that are recognized or established by the University. When a finding of responsibility is issued, the Campus Hazing Transparency Report will include the name of the organization, a description of the violation, and dates of relevant events or investigatory actions.

Beginning in October 2026, NC State will include hazing statistics in its Clery ASR. Hazing statistics in the Clery ASR will include all reported incidents of hazing that meet the Clery Act definition even if those reports were not substantiated. Unlike the Campus Hazing Transparency Report, the Clery ASR will include reports of hazing that were reportedly committed by student organizations not recognized or established by NC State.

Resources

Any member of the NC State community who needs support services, wants to report an incident or has questions regarding hazing is encouraged to contact the Office of Student Conduct. The Office of Student Conduct is equipped with trained professionals to provide support and assistance to you. Additional resources are also available and listed below.

Informational Resources

Confidential Campus Resources

  • Counseling Center (919) 515-2423
    • Confidential counseling services; on call 24/7/365 by calling 919-515-2423, University Police or walking in during normal business hours.
  • Campus Health (919) 515-2563
    • Confidential comprehensive health care for students who have experienced an assault or interpersonal violence and referral to a local medical facility for collection of evidence, if desired.
  • Student Legal Services (919) 515-7091
    • Confidential resource providing free legal education, advice, referrals and limited representation to students.
  • Student Ombuds Services (919) 513-0235
    • Confidential free resource that assists students in resolving problems related to their university working, learning or living experience.

Other Campus Resources 

  • Office of Student Conduct (919) 515-2963
    • Conducts disciplinary procedures for violations of the Code of Student Conduct allegedly perpetrated by students or student groups/organizations, including hazing, discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct and interpersonal violence.
  • University Police 911 or (919) 515-3000
    • Responds to reported crimes, including hazing, assaults, and interpersonal violence and provides assistance during the legal process.
  • Violence Prevention and Threat Management (919) 513-4224
    • Ensures the University community is aware of how to identify and share concerns regarding students, staff and faculty, facilitates the University’s Behavior Assessment Teams, and ensures that effective intervention and management is provided in situations that pose or may pose a threat of harm to others or to the safety or well-being of the University community.
  • Sexual Assault Helpline (919) 515-4444 or by emailing ncsuadvocate@ncsu.edu  
    • In partnership with the Counseling Center, the Women’s Center operates a 24-hour crisis intervention and support line for survivors of rape, sexual assault and relationship violence in the NC State community.