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Stop Campus Hazing Act and Campus Hazing Transparency Report
We are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students. In alignment with this commitment, please take some time to review the Stop Campus Hazing Act Transparency Report. This report provides comprehensive insights into our efforts to prevent and address hazing incidents across our campus. It includes detailed accounts of reported hazing cases, our response to those cases, and ongoing initiatives to promote a culture of respect and accountability. Our goal is to ensure transparency and engage our community in a collaborative effort to eliminate hazing in all its forms. We invite you to explore the report and join us in creating a safer educational experience for everyone.
University Policy on hazing
The University defines hazing in the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Disciplinary Procedures.
Section 3.2.34 of the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Disciplinary Procedures
Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or person(s) regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that (I) is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of the membership in, a student organization; and (II) causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including but not limited to (aa) whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity; (bb) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity; (cc) causing coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances; (dd) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts; (ee) any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct; (ff) any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; (gg) and any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.
This policy also includes situations created to produce embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. This would include but is not limited to:
- Road trips
- Wearing of apparel which is conspicuous or not normally in good taste
- Actions or activities that cause mental or emotional distress, but may not involve physical harm
- Morally degrading or humiliating games and activities
- Assigning pranks
- Forced tasks that do not involve those other than new members
- Line ups
- Calling members demeaning names
- Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing
What we're doing
CMU has provided hazing prevention and education for many years. Recently, a Stop Campus Hazing Act Team has been formed to:
- Facilitate an annual review of hazing prevention strategies
- Review incidents to identify gaps and needs in education
Members of the Stop Campus Hazing Act Team include staff from the following units: Office of Student Affairs, Office of Student Conduct, Office of Student Activities and Involvement, CMU Police Department, and General Counsel.
Hazing prevention efforts
At Central Michigan University, hazing prevention is a critical component of our commitment to student safety, academic success, and a positive campus culture. Hazing behaviors can cause severe physical and psychological harm, negatively impact retention, and expose the university to legal and reputational risks. CMU’s proactive approach aligns with Michigan state law and our institutional values of integrity, respect, and accountability.
- Hazing Prevention Week Activities for Fraternity and Sorority Life members
- Review of Fraternity and Sorority recruitment and new member plans
- Risk Management Online Modules for Fraternity and Sorority Life new members that includes education on Alcohol and Other Drugs, Healthy Relationships and Sexual Misconduct, Mental Health, Hazing Awareness and Being a Safe Student, and The Culture of Drinking via Plaid LMS Tightrope Program
- Hazing Prevention and Bystander Intervention Training for Fraternity and Sorority Life recruitment teams and new member education teams
- Greek Institute at Connections Conference where Fraternity and Sorority Life members construct plans for engaging their community in change
- Risk Management Online Modules for all Presidents, Vice Presidents, and Treasurers of all student organizations that includes education on Alcohol and Other Drugs, Hazing Prevention, Healthy Relationships, and Mental Health via the Plaid LMS Highwire Program
- Student Organization Advisors must complete the Campus Security Authority (CSA) Training
Online training
In support of CMU’s commitment to maintain a positive academic environment that is free of any form of hazing and to provide our community with the knowledge and skills needed to fulfill these responsibilities, all faculty, staff, and students at CMU can participate in hazing prevention online training.
CMU will provide a research-informed, educational program on hazing prevention via Plaid LMS.
Report Hazing
Hazing in any form is strictly prohibited. All students, faculty, and staff share the responsibility to report suspected incidents of hazing immediately. Failure to report hazing undermines the university’s values. Together, we can protect the well-being of our community.
To report hazing, please file a report or call the Office of Student Conduct at 989-774-1345.
Annual Reporting
Annual statistics on hazing are available in the University’s Annual Fire Safety and Security Report. Please note that hazing statistics will be included beginning with the 2026 report (issued in 2027). Hazing statistics include incident reports that meet the federal definition of hazing in Section 485(f)(6)(A) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C 1092(f)(6)(A)). As required by the Stop Campus Hazing Act, the information below includes all reports/claims of hazing, which may or may not have been found in violation of the University's anti-hazing policy.
Investigations
All reported incidents of hazing are investigated in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Disciplinary Procedures. Questions about hazing and other student conduct concerns may be directed to the Office of Student Conduct at StudentConduct@cmich.edu or by calling 989-774-1345.
Hazing Support and Resources
Anyone who experiences or witnesses hazing can get support through a variety of resources, including confidential hotlines, campus-specific services, and national organizations. Legal action is also an option for victims.
Immediate and Anonymous reporting
Emergency services: If there is an immediate danger to someone's health or safety, or if illegal activities like underage drinking or drug use are involved, call 911 immediately.
Campus Resources
- Office of Student Conduct - To report an incident of hazing or any other policy violation.
- Counseling Center - For confidential emotional and psychological support related to the trauma of hazing, students can seek help from on-campus counseling services.
- CMU Cares - If you are concerned about others or yourself, please let the university know by filing a CMU Cares referral.
- Student Activities and Involvement - If hazing occurs within a Greek organization, this office can be contacted directly.
- Ethics Hotline - An anonymous way to confidentially report activities that may involve unethical or otherwise inappropriate activity or behavior in violation of CMU policies.
- Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates (SAPA) - A survivor-centered and trauma-informed, paraprofessional student organization that serves those affected by sexual aggression.
- Office of Civil Rights and Institutional Equity (OCRIE) - To report Harassment, Discrimination, or Sexual Misconduct.
- CMU Police
National Resources
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: Call 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293) to report suspected or recent hazing incidents anonymously. The hotline accepts calls 24 hours a day and forwards reports to the appropriate national organizations or institutions.
- StopHazing.org: Provides information on different types of hazing, research, and data-driven strategies for prevention.
- Hazing Prevention Network: This nonprofit works to educate people on the dangers of hazing, develop resources, and build partnerships for prevention.
- The Gordie Center for Substance Abuse Prevention: Focuses on preventing hazing and substance abuse.
2025 - 2026 Academic Year
Chi Phi
Date of Hazing Incidents(s): February 2024
Date Reported: March 31, 2025
Dates of Investigation: April 1, 2025 - November 13, 2025
Decision Date: March 6, 2026
Policy Violation(s): 3.2.19 Hazing - Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Disciplinary Procedures
Sanctions:
Disciplinary Probation
- Chi Phi fraternity has been placed on Disciplinary Probation until the end of the Spring 2028 semester.
- During this probationary period, the chapter must demonstrate full compliance with all University policies. Any further violations during this time may result in more severe sanctions, up to and including Suspension or Dismissal of the organization.
Educational Sanctions - Tau Theta Chapter Support Plan
- In coordination with the Chi Phi National Office, the Tau Theta Chapter is required to complete the following support plan to realign with the values of the fraternity:
- Values Workshop: The Chapter will host a workshop during the Spring 2026 term, facilitated by Chi Phi National Office Staff, focusing on the values of Truth, Honor, and Personal Integrity and their applicability in daily life.
- Officer Training: The Chapter’s Alpha (President), Theta (New Member Educator), and Zeta (Ritualist) Officers are required to attend the 2026 Alpha & Theta’s Academy and Three Star Academy in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Regional Conference Attendance: The Chapter is required to have 5-8 recent New Members attend the Spring 2026 New Brother Weekend in Charlotte, NC.
- Highwire Program (Plaid): The Chapter’s active Undergraduate Brothers and New Members must complete the Highwire Program provided by Plaid at the beginning of the Spring 2026 term. Following the online portion, a facilitated discussion must be scheduled with at least 90% attendance of the Active Chapter.
- Recruitment Plan Approval: The Chapter must submit recruitment plans for approval by the Chi Phi National Office.
- Spring 2026 Plan: Due January 15, 2026 (Immediate submission required if not already on file).
- Fall 2026 Plan: Due August 1, 2026.
- Revised New Member Education: The Chapter must adopt the standard two-week New Member Education process. This measure is intended to help the chapter "get back to basics" and prevent prolonged power imbalances between Initiated and New Members.
- Risk Management Workshop: The Chapter must attend a workshop hosted by the Chi Phi National Office and facilitated by the Manager of Health & Safety. Topics will include crisis management planning, National and University policies, and reporting protocols.
Incident Description:
On March 31, 2025, the Office of Student Conduct received an allegation of hazing concerning Chi Phi fraternity. An investigation showed the fraternity had been engaging in activities that are considered hazing.
The finding of responsibility is based on reports substantiating that new members were subjected to the following conditions:
- Alcohol Use: New members were welcome to consume alcohol regardless of their age. In one instance, the use of alcohol interfered with personal responsibilities and resulted in the loss of employment.
- Impossible Tasks & Alcohol Consumption: New members were instructed to bring alcohol and tasked with completing a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle provided contained only 700 pieces, rendering the task impossible. The investigation determined that the activity was not intended to be completed but was designed to facilitate alcohol consumption among the new member class.
- Daily Weather Reports: New members were required to go outside and record a video of themselves providing a weather report, which then had to be submitted to a group chat by a specific time each day. Failure to comply resulted in "strikes" and threats of removal from the fraternity.
- Servitude: New members were required to carry a "rock" at all times. Being found without this item resulted in "strikes" and the requirement to carry a larger rock.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Date of Hazing Incidents(s): Fall 2025 & Spring 2026
Date Reported: March 24, 2026
Dates of Investigation: March 24, 2026 - August 27, 2026
Decision Date: August 27, 2026
Policy Violation(s): 3.2.13 Alcohol - Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Disciplinary Procedures
3.2.34 Hazing - Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Disciplinary Procedures
Sanctions:
The following sanctions were developed through collaboration among the Office of Student Conduct, Student Activities and Involvement, and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon National Office. The sanctions are intended to address the organizational nature of the violations, strengthen chapter leadership and accountability, and support meaningful improvement within the SAE chapter at CMU.
- Disciplinary Probation through Spring 2028: Provides an extended period of accountability across multiple recruitment, Big/Little, and initiation cycles and places the chapter on notice that additional violations may result in more significant consequences.
- Four Members Attend SAE Leadership School in January 2027: Develops chapter leaders who can strengthen organizational decision-making, risk management, and expectations for member conduct.
- Hazing Prevention Guest Speaker by October 15, 2026: Reinforces what constitutes hazing and addresses misconceptions that an activity is permissible because it is voluntary, traditional, or intended to promote brotherhood.
- Bystander Intervention Training by October 15, 2026: Provides members with practical skills to recognize concerning behavior, intervene appropriately, and prevent harmful traditions from continuing.
- Roundtable Discussions (Each member must participate in at least one roundtable discussion each semester through 2027): Creates ongoing opportunities for members to reflect on chapter culture, leadership, organizational values, and safer approaches to building brotherhood.
- Hazing Prevention Discussion Guide by September 30, 2026: Provides structured education focused specifically on identifying and preventing hazing.
- Officer Online Training by May 15, 2026: Ensures chapter officers understand their leadership, risk-management, and organizational responsibilities.
- Ritualist Visit by December 31, 2026: Helps the chapter distinguish legitimate fraternity ritual from locally developed traditions or practices that may conflict with University or fraternity expectations.
Collectively, these sanctions are intended to balance accountability with education and organizational improvement. Through the partnership of CMU and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon National Office, the goal is not only to address the violations that occurred, but also to help the chapter strengthen its culture, leadership, and practices moving forward.
Incident Description:
On March 24, 2026, the Office of Student Conduct received an anonymous report that the Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter at CMU was hazing its members. The allegation directly mentioned the Big/Little ceremony and an activity that took place in the Laundry room referred to as "The Clank," in which students were drinking a shared alcoholic mixture.
Based on a preponderance of the evidence, the chapter violated the University’s Hazing and Alcohol policies. During a Big/Little activity, new members were driven with shirts covering their heads, required to hold buckets of water, and subjected to hard turns, bumps, and loud music before arriving at an unfamiliar park. During an initiation activity known as “the Clank,” new members were divided into teams, placed in dark laundry rooms, and raced to consume a shared alcoholic mixture. These chapter-organized, membership-related activities created physical and psychological risks and constituted hazing regardless of whether participants considered them voluntary.
Sigma Pi
Date of Hazing Incidents(s): September 27, 2025
Date Reported: March 30, 2026
Dates of Investigation: March 30, 2026 - September 4, 2026
Decision Date: September 4, 2026
Policy Violation(s): 3.2.13 Alcohol - Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Disciplinary Procedures
3.2.34 Hazing - Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Disciplinary Procedures
Sanctions:
The sanctions were developed collaboratively by the Office of Student Conduct, Student Activities and Involvement, and the Sigma Pi National Office with the goal of addressing the conduct identified through the investigation while helping strengthen and improve the Sigma Pi chapter at CMU.
- Disciplinary Probation through Spring 2028: Provides an extended period of accountability and oversight while allowing the chapter the opportunity to demonstrate meaningful and sustained improvement.
- Hazing, Risk Management, Alcohol, and Event Management Workshop: Provides chapter-wide education directly related to the concerns identified during the investigation. Requiring 90% participation ensures that both active and new members receive consistent expectations and information.
- Back to School Seminar: Requiring four members to attend provides chapter leaders with additional education and resources that can be brought back to the organization.
- Mid-Year Leadership Training: Reinforces leadership development, accountability, and healthy chapter operations during the academic year.
- Engage Spring 2027: Provides additional leadership and organizational-development opportunities for chapter members and supports the chapter's continued improvement.
Collectively, these sanctions are intended to balance accountability with education and organizational development. They provide Sigma Pi with clear expectations, sustained oversight, and multiple opportunities to strengthen leadership, improve chapter practices, and build a healthier and safer fraternity experience at CMU
Incident Description:
On March 30, 2026, Central Michigan University received a report alleging hazing within Sigma Pi Fraternity. The report described conduct allegedly occurring during the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 new-member processes, including transporting new members to the fraternity house after receiving bids; requiring new members to memorize fraternity information while completing wall sits or working in darkened spaces; requiring new members to sort cereal, complete puzzles, and provide weather reports; involving alcohol or other substances during Big/Little activities; and requiring sexually suggestive conduct.
The chapter was found responsible for Hazing because the evidence established that Sigma Pi required or assigned activities specifically to new members as part of the membership process. These activities included completing fraternity quizzes in a darkened basement, performing wall sits in connection with the quizzes, sorting cereal and completing puzzles under reduced-light conditions, and producing assigned weather reports. Although some members described these activities as harmless or voluntary, they were structured activities directed at students because of their new-member status and therefore violated the University’s hazing policy.
The chapter was also found responsible for a Violation of the Alcohol Policy because the evidence established that underage members consumed alcohol at Sigma Pi social events. In at least one instance, an underage member reported that alcohol was supplied or made available at the fraternity house by individuals carrying cases of alcohol and allowing attendees to take drinks. The chapter’s use of wristbands and sober monitors did not prevent alcohol from being made available to underage members.