Mayville State University :: Mayville, ND
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Hazing Prevention & Education

In alignment with the Stop Campus Hazing Act and MSU’s Hazing Policy, Mayville State is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus. We provide education, prevention strategies, and accountability measures to reduce hazing in all forms. MSU's goal is to empower students and employees with the knowledge and tools to recognize, prevent, and report hazing—upholding the values of integrity, safety, and mutual respect that define the MSU experience.

Questions, comments or concerns, contact the Dean of Student Affairs – studentaffairs@mayvillestate.edu

What is Hazing?

Hazing is illegal under Federal Law (Stop Campus Hazing Act), North Dakota Century Code, and prohibited by Mayville State University’s Hazing Policy.
 
Definition

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that:

  • is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization (club, athletic team, fraternity, or sorority); and
  • causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization, of physical or psychological injury. Examples of hazing may include and are not limited to:
    • Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body, or similar activity;
    • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
    • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs or other substances;
    • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
    • Any activity against another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
    • Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of Local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
    • Any activity against another person 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.

If you are questioning if something crosses the line on acceptable behavior or if you feel uncertain about what a group, team or organization is doing or asking someone to do, ask these questions:

  • Are you being told to keep certain activities hidden?
  • Are there consequences for sharing group activities or secrets?
  • Do the activities cause you emotional or physical discomfort, stress, or harm?
  • Would you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable if your family or friends witnessed what’s happening?

Report Hazing

If you have observed hazing, are aware hazing has or is happening, or think hazing is happening or has happened – REPORT IT

How to report a hazing concern or incident:

  • For an emergency – call 911
  • For non-emergency situation

Reporting Requirements 

All employees, students, and members of the campus community who believe they have witnessed, experienced, or are aware of conduct that constitutes hazing must report the violation to the Dean of Student Affairs or the Athletic Director. If traveling or studying abroad on behalf of MSU, reports should be made to the supervising staff member.

Hazing is illegal under Federal Law (Stop Campus Hazing Act), North Dakota Century Code, and prohibited by Mayville State University’s Hazing Policy.

Mayville State does not condone hazing in any form and will take all appropriate actions upon receipt of information of hazing. MSU will investigate incidents of hazing as detailed in the Code of Student Rights & Responsibilities. Other campus resources (Title IX, Student Life) may be brought in for review and possible investigation under their appropriate policies.
 
MSU will accept and make every effort to act on any information provided regarding hazing concerns. Our ability to respond effectively is greatly enhanced when reports include:

  • Accurate details about the incident
  • Timely submission close to when the incident occurred
  • Fact-based information rather than speculation
  • Contact information for the individual reporting the concern

Providing complete and reliable information helps ensure a thorough and appropriate response. All reports are taken seriously and handled with care to protect the safety and integrity of our campus community.
 
Anonymous reports are welcome; however, they may limit MSU’s ability to conduct a thorough investigation or provide a comprehensive response.

Never assume someone else has reported a concern—duplicate reports are welcomed and far better than missing critical information, as every report plays a vital role in creating a safer campus.

Hazing Laws, Policies, and Resources

Federal Law (Stop Campus Hazing Act)

North Dakota Century Code

Mayville State University’s Hazing Policy

Stop Hazing.org

Campus Hazing Transparency Report

Pursuant to Section 485(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)), Mayville State University provides a Campus Hazing Transparency Report of past hazing misconduct involving student organizations. This report provides a summary of all substantiated hazing incidents involving student organizations, teams, or groups that were investigated and adjudicated through formal university proceedings. This report is intended to promote transparency, accountability, and student safety and is updated biannually.

Campus Hazing Transparency Report

For each substantiated hazing incident below is the following information:

  • The name of the student organization, athletic team, or living group;
  • The date the investigation was initiated;
  • The date on which the investigation ended with a finding that a violation occurred;
  • A description of the incident or incidents, including the date of the initial violation, and the violations, findings, and sanctions placed on the student organization, athletic team, or living group;
  • The details of the sanction or sanctions imposed, including the beginning and end dates of the sanction or sanctions; and
  • The date that the student organization, athletic team, or living group was charged with a violation.

Notes

  • The report will not include personally identifiable information about specific individuals.
  • This report includes only incidents that were investigated and found to violate the MSU’s hazing policy.
  • Any student organizations under active investigation will not appear on the Campus Hazing Transparency Report until conclusion of the investigation (and findings of responsibility).
  • Reports are maintained for at least five years from the date of resolution.
  • This document is updated twice a year and published on the university’s public-facing website.
  • This document is maintained and published in addition to the university’s reporting requirements under the Clery Act.
  • The date that the student organization, athletic team, or living group was charged with a violation.

Annual statistics on hazing are available in the Mayville State University 2025 Annual Security & Fire Safety Report beginning with the 2026 report which issued on or before October 1, 2026. 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)). These statistics do not reflect actual findings of hazing behavior, which are included in the Campus Hazing Transparency Report.

Hazing prevention & education

Mayville State is committed to providing education and prevention strategies aimed at reducing the occurrence of hazing. These initiatives ensure that students and employees are informed, trained, and accountable.
 
Student Awareness & Educational Programming
All students first-year students are required to participate in an in-person or online hazing prevention course during their first semester.
 
In addition, MSU will offer hazing awareness and prevention programs each academic year.
 
Employee Awareness & Educational Programming
All employees at MSU are required to complete an annual online hazing prevention course.
 
Athletic coaches and campus clubs & organizations advisors will participate in additional hazing education.