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Stop Campus Hazing

Student Conduct

Hazing is strictly prohibited. No individual should ever be subjected to, or take part in, any form of hazing. Such behavior is unacceptable and has no place in building positive relationships or a healthy community.

Remaining silent or failing to act in the presence of hazing—whether through passive participation or by not reporting known or suspected incidents—contributes to the harm. Every member of our community shares the responsibility to foster a culture of accountability and care.

UNCW will respond to reports of hazing received from any source. When hazing complaints are received, the university will determine whether to proceed with campus disciplinary action, forward a report to appropriate law enforcement officials for prosecution as a criminal matter, or both. Individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily inflict or participate in hazing behaviors are subject to such action.

Report Hazing

UNCW encourages the reporting of incidents of hazing and takes all reports seriously. If you witness or suspect any form of hazing, please report it to the university through one of methods listed below. Reporting concerns helps maintain a safe, respectful and supportive community.

  1. Anonymously
    1. Submit a Hazing Incident Report Form
    2. Call University Police at 910-962-8477(TIPS)
    3. Submit an anonymous report via University Police web page - Anonymous Reporting | UNCW
  2. Not Anonymously
    1. Call the Hazing Hotline at 910-962-7329
    2. Email hazing@uncw.edu 
Hazing Incident Reporting Form

North Carolina General Statute - NCGS § 14-35

It is unlawful for any student in attendance at any university, college or school in this State to engage in hazing, or to aid or abet any other student in the commission of this offense. For the purposes of this section Hazing is defined as follows: ‘to subject another student to physical injury as part of an initiation, or as a prerequisite to membership, into any organized school group including any society, athletic team, fraternity or sorority, or other similar group.’ Any violation of this section shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Code of Student Life

Hazing at UNCW is strictly prohibited and is defined as:

Any intentional or unintentional, voluntary or involuntary, reckless action, occurring on or off campus, by an individual student, group, organization, or other persons associated with an organization, whether officially recognized by the university or not, in connection to recruitment, initiation, rite of passage, membership, or maintenance of membership, in any group or organization, including but not limited to, a fraternal organization, sport club, group, registered or unregistered organization, or athletic team, that subjects any other member of the university community to activity which creates an atmosphere for potential or actual humiliation, degradation, verbal, emotional or physical distress, abuse or injury, or compromises the academic mission and/or reputation of the university.

Examples of Hazing

  • Blindfolding activities that serve no constructive purpose, including parading in public areas or transporting
  • Burning, branding, or tattooing any part of the body
  • Confinement
  • Exposure to uncomfortable elements
  • Forced consumption of alcohol or any other substance, legal or illegal
  • Forced servitude, including but not limited to serving as a designated driver
  • Kidnapping (taking individuals to an undisclosed location)
  • Sleep Deprivation
  • Tests of Endurance
  • Verbal Abuse

Please note: This is not an exhaustive list of all activities and actions that may be considered hazing. Should you have questions or desire clarification, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 910.962.3119.

INQUIRY AND INVESTIGATION OF HAZING ALLEGATIONS

Allegations of hazing will result in inquiries and/or investigations by the Office of the Dean of Students in coordination with the Office of Human Resources, if applicable.

  1. Allegations of hazing perpetrated by an individual warranting an investigation shall follow the investigative procedures outlined in the Code of Student Life Section II-2-B. Possible sanctions can range from disciplinary probation to expulsion.
    1. Allegations of hazing that involve acts of sexual misconduct and interpersonal violence shall follow the investigative procedures outlined in 02.210 Title IX Grievance Policy, 04.130 Student Gender-Based Sexual Misconduct Policy, or 02.205 Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy.
  2. Allegations of hazing perpetrated by a student organization warranting an investigation shall follow the investigative procedures outlined in the Code of Student Life Section IV-9. Possible sanctions can range from disciplinary probation to suspension for the organization, in addition to charges against individual actors.
  3. Allegations of hazing perpetrated by an employee warranting an investigation shall follow the investigative procedures outlined in 02.205 Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy. Violations of UNCW Policy on Hazing Prevention and Reporting by an employee may result in disciplinary action up to and including separation in accordance with applicable university policies and procedures.

CAMPUS HAZING TRANSPARENCY REPORT

The university will publish a “Campus Hazing Transparency Report” to disclose all reported incidents of hazing for which a finding of responsibility was issued against an established or registered student organization (RSO). The report will be published, at least biannually, on this website. This report will include:

  • The name of the RSO.
  • The date hazing was reported to have happened.
  • A brief description of the incident.
  • The date the university started investigating the incident.
  • The date the university finished the investigation and decided that hazing did occur.
  • The date the university informed the RSO they were found responsible for hazing.
  • Any sanction(s) the RSO received from the university.

Each new incident shall remain on the web page for at least five years after the date the RSO was informed they were found responsible. Hazing statistics are also included in the Annual Security Report. 

 

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