Stop Campus Hazing Act and Campus Hazing Transparency Report

CMU is 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.

What is Hazing? - University Policy

Central Michigan 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.

STUDENT TRAINING LOGIN

FACULTY/STAFF TRAINING LOGIN

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.