Stop Campus Hazing Information
Campus Hazing Policy
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is committed to promoting a safe and healthy campus environment where individuals are free from hazing.
The purpose of this policy is to define hazing at UW-Parkside and establish requirements for hazing education, reporting, and response in accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act.
This policy applies to all employees, registered student organizations, students, student groups, and individuals who volunteer with registered student organizations and student groups.
Definitions
Registered Student Organization
A group, composed mainly of, and directed by, students, consisting of at least four students and an advisor, and which has filed all appropriate registration forms with the Office of Student Engagement & Connection and has been confirmed as meeting the eligibility criteria for registration.
Student Group
A group of at least two students that is established or recognized by the university, but the group does not meet the definition of a Registered Student Organization. Examples include but are not limited to athletic teams (e.g., varsity sports, intramural sports), spirit groups, military organizations, honor societies, musical or theatrical ensembles, and university bands (e.g., concert, community)
Policy Statement
In compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act and Wis. Stat. § 948.51, UW-Parkside defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act against an individual that endangers the physical, mental, emotional, or psychological health of that individual for the purposes of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in any organization or group, and that causes or creates a risk of physical or psychological injury, regardless of the individual’s willingness to participate.
Hazing can include, but is not limited to:
- Brutality of a physical nature or the threat of bodily harm such as assault, whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to elements, sleep deprivation, confinement, or any other activity which could adversely affect the physical, mental, emotional, or psychological health or safety of the individual.
- Forced consumption of any alcohol, food, liquid, drug, or other substance which could adversely affect the physical, mental, emotional, or psychological health or safety of the individual.
- Soliciting a person to participate in or being actively involved in the planning of any act meeting the definition of hazing.
- Any activity that constitutes the violation of university policies and/or federal, state, or local law, or that causes, another person to commit such a violation.
- Acts that degrade, humiliate, embarrass, ridicule, or isolate such as requiring servitude, taking away cell phones or other devices, not allowing class attendance, requiring costumes or other apparel unless that apparel is part of a uniform for employment or a university or athletic program, confinement, or any other activity which could adversely affect the physical, mental, emotional, or psychological health or safety of the individual.
- Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts.
Reporting
Allegations of hazing may be reported via the UW-Parkside Incident/Concern/Conduct Reporting Form.
Campus security authorities as defined in the Campus Annual Security Report are required to report incidents of hazing to the university.
Investigations/Referral
Reports of alleged hazing incidents involving students are referred to the Dean of Students Office for investigation in accordance with the WI Admin Code: UWS 17 Student Nonacademic Disciplinary Procedures.
If an employee is alleged to have been involved the employee will be referred to human resources. The accountability process varies depending on the employment category. Policies governing employee accountability are found in the employee handbook.
Retaliation
No person may intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any individual because the individual made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this policy. Incidents of alleged retaliation involving students may be reported the Dean of Students office. Incidents of employee involved alleged retaliation shall be referred/reported to human resources.
Hazing Prevention
Research informed hazing awareness and prevention information/training will be available to students, staff, and faculty. This information/training will include information about this policy and other applicable university policies, how to recognize and report hazing, and strategies for intervening when hazing is witnessed or known about.
Traditions, rituals, and other activities that could be considered hazing are often passed down from older or previous group members, with the stated goal of building a tight-knit group/organization.
Alternatives to hazing can include teambuilding activities, athletic competitions, community service projects, and educational experiences. These activities focus on fostering positive group dynamics and building relationships in a safe and respectful environment.
Teambuilding Activities:
- Ropes Courses: These offer challenges that require communication and cooperation, building trust and teamwork.
- Escape Rooms: Encourage problem-solving and communication under pressure, fostering a sense of accomplishment.
- Group Fitness Classes: Provide a fun and engaging way to build physical and mental stamina together.
- Dance Classes: Help members learn to work together and express themselves in a creative and positive way.
- Social Events: Plan parties, potlucks, or dinners to allow new members to socialize with current members.
- Volunteer Activities: Participate in a local festival or community service project to foster a sense of shared purpose.
Athletic Competitions:
- Intramural Sports: Encourage participation in organized sports, providing opportunities for teamwork and friendly competition.
- Competitions Against Other Groups: Challenge new members and current members in sports like basketball, volleyball, or bowling.
- Paintball or Laser Tag: Provide a fun and engaging way to compete and bond with group members.
Educational and Development Activities:
- Guest Speakers: Invite faculty advisors, campus leaders, or community experts to share their experiences and insights.
- Workshops: Host resume writing, career advice, or life skills workshops to help new members develop essential skills.
- Book Clubs: Facilitate discussions around leadership or organization values.
- Member-Led Events: Have new members plan and host events, promoting ownership and leadership development.
- History and Values Exercises: Encourage new members to learn about the organization’s history and values through presentations or discussions.
Other Alternatives:
- Mentoring Programs: Pair new members with experienced mentors who can guide them through the organization and provide support.
- Community Service Projects: Work together on a community service project to build a sense of shared purpose and responsibility.
- Outdoor Activities: Enjoy hiking, biking, or disc golf together to create a fun and memorable experience.
By focusing on these types of activities, organizations can create a positive and welcoming environment for new members, fostering strong relationships and building a sense of community without resorting to hazing.
The Campus Hazing Transparency Report summarizes the outcome of the student behavioral misconduct process for recognized student organizations found responsible for hazing as defined on this page through the WI Admin Code: UWS 17 Student Nonacademic Disciplinary Procedures. UW-Parkside is not required to publish or update this report if there are no findings of responsibility.
Updated: June 19, 2025
| Organization | Description of Violation | Alcohol or Drugs involved | Incident Date | Investigation Start Date | Investigation Findings Date | Organization Notification Date | Finding and Sanctions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Statistics on hazing are available annually through the Campus Annual Security Report beginning October 1, 2026.
Research informed hazing awareness and prevention information/training will be available to students, staff, and faculty. This information/training will include information about this policy and other applicable university policies, how to recognize and report hazing, and strategies for intervening when hazing is witnessed or known about.
Hazing Prevention Network is a leading national organization dedicated to providing current information related to hazing and hazing prevention to individuals and organizations. Resources offered on their web site include, information about what you can do, links to videos, personal stories, newsletters, and National Hazing Prevention Week initiatives.
StopHazing – provides up-to-date hazing information for students, parents, and educators and a list of hazing laws by state. It includes informative articles on hazing in various contexts, including high schools, the military, athletic teams, and fraternities and sororities. The website also provides information about the National Study of Student Hazing and the Hazing Prevention Consortium, a multi-year research to practice initiative led by StopHazing to build an evidence base for hazing prevention on college campuses.
The Greek Anti-Hazing Hotline, established in 2007, by a consortium of national fraternities and sororities, is currently sponsored by 47 national and international Greek organizations. This hotline and website offer opportunities to file hazing reports directly with a fraternity’s or sorority’s inter/national office.