IntegrityStar, August 2025 edition
The University of Central Florida has always been committed to student safety and well-being and is ensuring its anti-hazing initiatives comply with the newly enacted Stop Campus Hazing Act, signed into federal law in December 2024. As part of that commitment, UCF promotes a culture where all students are a part of a thriving learning community that values the tenets of the UCF Creed– Integrity, Scholarship, Community, Creativity, and Excellence.
What the Stop Campus Hazing Act Requires
The law mandates that all colleges and universities receiving federal student aid must:
- Publicly report hazing statistics in their Annual Security Reports—even if no charges were filed or the victim provided consent. These statistics will appear in the October 2026 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
- Use a standardized definition of hazing, covering acts that cause or risk physical or psychological harm during initiation or membership in student organizations.
- Educate both students and employees through prevention and awareness programs.
- Promote clear procedures and resources for reporting.
- Disclose policies detailing how reports of hazing are investigated.
- Publicly publish a biannual Campus Hazing Transparency Report that includes information related to student organizations found in violation of hazing (e.g., description, finding, and outcomes).
UCF’s Proactive Approach
UCF leads the charge by providing research-based prevention and intervention programs that focus on strengthening the UCF community. The university comprehensive hazing prevention program includes:
- An online reporting mechanism, with an option to report hazing anonymously.
- Resources for students, families, faculty, and staff.
- Active UCF Regulations for students and organizations that deem hazing as a prohibited behavior, including disciplinary procedures up to and including removal from the university and possible criminal charges if found in violation of hazing.
- The Hazing Prevention 101™ Course, a research-based online training for students, faculty, and staff.
- Specialized training modules for high-risk groups like fraternity and sorority chapters and athletic teams.
- Annual awareness campaigns, including National Hazing Prevention Week.
- Public disclosure of UCF Fraternity and Sorority Life Chapter Statuses.
- Collection of information related to hazing incidents and investigations conducted on student organizations.
Additionally, biannually beginning in December 2025, the university will publish a Campus Hazing Transparency report. This report will include information on all incidents of hazing where a student organization was found in violation of hazing.
What UCF Employees Need to Know
Under the new law, faculty and staff are essential to prevention efforts and can do their part by:
- Recognizing and reporting hazing to the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity and/or file a report with the UCF Police Department.
- Supporting awareness efforts and helping to foster a culture of safety and accountability.
- Completing hazing prevention training provided by the university.
By aligning our proactive approach to the Stop Campus Hazing Act, UCF continues to lead by example—ensuring that every Knight can thrive in a safe and respectful environment. We encourage our community of Knights to reach out for support and report or refer a student of concern, dangerous or disruptive behavior, or other behavior that may place students at risk and/or negatively impact the campus community. For more information or to access training, visit UCF’s Hazing Prevention website. Please be sure to also read this edition’s FAQs to learn more about the definition of hazing, some signs of hazing, and how to prevent hazing.
We Don’t Haze was produced by both the Clery Center and StopHazing as an educational resource and made available to the public at no cost by both organizations. This 17-minute documentary identifies hazing behaviors and offers alternative traditions that promote a safer, more positive group experience.