Anti-Hazing FAQs
Anti-Hazing FAQs
This page provides answers to common questions about Western University of Health Sciences’ Anti-Hazing Policy. The information below is intended to help students, employees, and student organizations understand what hazing is, how to report concerns, what happens after a report is made, and what prevention and accountability measures are in place.
WesternU prohibits hazing in all forms. Hazing can happen in recognized or unrecognized student organizations, teams, clubs, or other groups, and it may occur whether or not someone appears willing to participate. Because hazing can create serious physical, psychological, academic, and community harm, WesternU requires hazing concerns to be reported and addressed promptly.
For ease of use, the FAQs are organized into topic-based sections.
SECTION 1: What Counts as Hazing?
What is hazing under WesternU’s policy?
WesternU defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act or method committed by one person or a group against another person, including current, former, or prospective students, in connection with pre-initiation, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an official or unofficial student organization, club, or body, where the conduct causes or creates a risk of physical or psychological injury beyond the ordinary risks of participation.
Does it still count as hazing if someone agrees to it or says it’s voluntary?
Yes. Under the policy, hazing can still be hazing even if someone appears willing to participate. A person’s willingness does not make conduct acceptable if it creates or risks physical or psychological harm or is part of initiation, affiliation, or membership pressure.
What are some examples of hazing?
Hazing can include physical abuse, sleep deprivation, forced or coerced consumption of alcohol, drugs, food, or other substances, confinement, extreme physical activity, threats, humiliating or degrading treatment, forcing someone to perform sexual acts, or requiring someone to do something illegal or dangerous. Hazing can be physical, psychological, social, or coercive.
Does hazing only apply to officially recognized student organizations?
No. The policy applies to both official and unofficial student organizations, clubs, or bodies, including groups that are not formally recognized by WesternU.
Are team bonding, traditions, or harmless pranks ever considered hazing?
Sometimes, yes. If an activity is connected to joining, staying in, or gaining status within a group and it causes or creates a risk of harm, humiliation, coercion, or intimidation, it may be hazing even if members describe it as tradition, bonding, or “just how things are done.”
SECTION 2: Reporting and Immediate Safety
Who is required to report hazing?
Any member of the WesternU community who experiences, witnesses, or suspects hazing is required to report it to the university. If you are unsure whether something “counts,” the policy encourages you to report anyway.
How can I report hazing?
Hazing concerns can be reported through the university’s online reporting form, by email to the university office responsible for Title IX and equal opportunity compliance, or to law enforcement in urgent situations or if criminal activity is suspected.
Can I report anonymously?
Yes. The online report form allows individuals to report anonymously if they choose. Anonymous reports may limit the university’s ability to investigate fully, but they can still help the university assess concerns, identify patterns, and respond where possible.
What should I do if there is immediate danger or a medical emergency?
If there is an urgent safety risk, medical emergency, or possible criminal conduct, contact emergency services or law enforcement right away. Immediate safety should always come first.
SECTION 3: What Happens After a Report?
What happens after hazing is reported?
Once a hazing concern is reported, the university reviews the information, assesses the nature of the allegation, and determines the appropriate next steps under the policy. Depending on the facts, the matter may involve safety planning, supportive measures, investigation, and referral to the appropriate process.
What if the hazing involved sex- or gender-based conduct?
If the alleged hazing is sex- or gender-based, it may be addressed under the Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment, Interpersonal Violence, and Other Sexual Misconduct (SIM) Policy instead, if the jurisdictional requirements are met.
What does the Anti-Hazing process usually include?
For non-sex- or gender-based hazing addressed under the Anti-Hazing Policy, the process typically includes an investigation and determination of responsibility, a notice of outcome, remedies or sanctions as appropriate, and an appeal process.
Who handles sanctions if a violation is found?
That depends on who the respondent is. If the respondent is a student, the matter may be referred to the appropriate college or student conduct process for sanctions. If the respondent is an employee, the matter may be referred to Human Resources and the appropriate supervisor for corrective action or discipline.
SECTION 4: Outcomes and Retaliation
What happens if someone is found responsible for hazing?
If a hazing violation is found, the university may impose remedies, sanctions, corrective action, or other responsive measures depending on the circumstances and the respondent’s role. The outcome may also involve referral to student conduct, Human Resources, or other applicable university processes.
Can the outcome be appealed?
Yes. The policy includes an appeal process. Appeals are generally limited to the grounds and procedures outlined in the policy, and once an appeal is decided, the outcome is final.
Is retaliation prohibited?
Yes. Retaliation against any person who in good faith reports hazing, participates in an investigation, or assists in the process is strictly prohibited.
Is hazing also a crime?
Yes. Hazing may violate university policy and may also violate state or federal law. Students and employees should understand that hazing can carry both university consequences and potential legal consequences.
SECTION 5: Prevention and Transparency
Does WesternU require hazing prevention training?
Yes. Hazing education is required for students and employees. Students are given an opportunity to complete mandatory hazing education during orientation and annually thereafter. Employees are required to complete hazing education when they are first onboarded and annually after that.
What kinds of topics are included in hazing education?
Hazing education may include identifying hazing, hazing prevention, bystander intervention strategies, ethical leadership, and building healthy group cohesion without coercion or harm.
How does WesternU share information about its Anti-Hazing Policy?
WesternU shares the policy through multiple channels, including the website, the Annual Security Report, the University Catalog, the Employee Handbook, and communications to student organizations and student leaders.
Does WesternU publish information about hazing violations?
Yes. WesternU maintains a Campus Hazing Transparency Report when required by the policy and applicable law. This report does not include personally identifying information, but it may include information about student organizations found responsible for hazing, the general nature of the violation, and related sanctions.