Hazing Prevention Resourcs

How to Create and Sustain a Healthy Culture

Located on the third floor of the Price Center (map), the Center for Student Involvement has organization advisors who can assist you in developing new member activities, including:

Community service projects
Team building activities at the UCSD Challenge Course
Participation in intramural sports
Philanthropic fundraisers
Attendance at campus events
Leadership training

Tips for new members

If you are a new member of an organization, stay connected with friends outside of the group. If you suspect an activity may be hazing, talk to friends and family members about what you are experiencing and seek their advice. Refuse to participate in an activity if you suspect it's hazing, or quit the organization. Report any suspected hazing to campus officials, if you prefer.

Who commits hazing on California campuses?

Hazing is commonly portrayed in movies as an activity of Greek fraternities and sororities. Hazing also occurs in intercollegiate athletics, sports clubs, religious clubs, marching bands, professional clubs, multicultural organizations, and other types of groups.

A common defense is that rogue members committed the hazing activity, unsanctioned by the organization. However, organizations have lost their campus status for hazing activities performed by members outside the leadership circle. Organization leaders are ultimately responsible for communicating ground rules for new member activities and for monitoring.

Why does hazing persists on college campuses?

Organizations are sometimes unaware that their initiation activities are actually hazing. Initiates may be hesitant to question such activities, which are often handed down by older members. The group may offset concerns about possible harm with the belief that they are fostering loyalty and bonding. No matter what group members believe, no one should ever be subjected to hazing.

How can an organization determine if its activities count as hazing?

To determine if activities are possibly harmful, organizations should consider how acceptable they would be from the perspective of the broader community. The "publicity test" asks the following questions:

Would you let the campus newspaper or a local TV station cover your initiation activities?
Would you be comfortable describing your activities to your parents, a professor, psychologist, or university chancellor?

If the answer to these questions is "No," your activities are most likely hazing. When in doubt, check with your organization's advisor or coach.

What if I agreed to particpate?

Organizations charged with hazing may argue that an activity wasn't hazing because new members agreed to participate (perhaps due to peer pressure and a desire to fit in). But even if new members agreed to participate, the activity can still be considered hazing.