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, how to prevent it, and the university’s process for responding to reports of hazing.

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 based in power.  It is used by group members to screen new members, foster bonds, or establish standing in their group.  Whether intended or not, it also puts at risk the physical or mental health of their peers, sometimes with catastrophic results.  And the impact of hazing isn’t just in the moment, but can cause unforeseen harm for years or a lifetime (Piazza Center, 2024).

(Detailed information on the University’s Code of Conduct policy on Hazing and the State of North Carolina law are available here.)

One of Elon’s core values is RESPECT – treating all members of our community with dignity.  And since hazing relies on power and pressure, the antithesis of respecting others – it goes against our Honor Code.

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, staff in Student Involvement, the Office of Student Conduct, or the Center for Leadership are available to answer any questions you may have. They’ll walk through the organization’s constitution, mission, values and student handbook to help you develop quality programs and activities.

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

How to Report Hazing

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.

  • Call 911 in an emergency situation.  If 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.
  • Visit www.elon.edu/reporthazing to complete a report.  This online reporting option walks you through all 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 all 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.
  • Call the National Hazing Hotline at 888-NOT-HAZE (888-668-4293). Recognizing the negative impact hazing has on the fraternity and sorority community, 20 international organizations have joined together to establish a national Anti-Hazing Hotline. The number is available to those who think they, or students they know, may be victims of hazing. Callers may remain anonymous or provide personal information so that they may be responded to directly. The law firm of Manley Burke will forward copies of messages to the appropriate Greek national organizations along with the relevant hazing laws for that jurisdiction.

Hazing Prevention Coalition

The Elon University Hazing Prevention Coalition is a group of staff, faculty, and students committed to enhancing the student experience by fostering a campus culture rooted in respect, inclusion, and well-being. Through collaboration, advocacy, policy development, and education, the Coalition works with campus partners to create a safe and supportive environment where all students can thrive free from hazing-related harm.

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 Dr. Jodean Schmiederer (jschmiederer@elon.edu), Dean of Student Development.

Elon Hazing Transparency Report

As required by the Stop Campus Hazing Act, the University will collect statistics on hazing incidents, which will be published within the University’s Hazing Transparency Report. Starting in late December 2025, the University’s Hazing Transparency Report will be published bi-annually to the campus community.

Currently, the Office of Student Conduct maintains student organization records following an incident. In partnership with Office of Student Involvement, information available on the Student Organization Disciplinary Status website provides an overview of the conduct history (including Hazing or other Code of Conduct violations) of our student organizations. This information allows students to make informed decisions when deciding to join a student organization.