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FAQs

IntegrityStar, August 2025 edition

 

In each IntegrityStar edition, we highlight frequently asked questions. In this edition we cover Q&As on the Stop Campus Hazing Act and Anti-hazing at UCF. If you have a question that was not covered here, please direct it to anti-hazing@ucf.edu.

 

What is hazing?

Hazing is any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health and/or safety of a student for purposes including but not limited to initiation or admission into, association or affiliation with, any registered student organization or other group whether or not officially recognized by the university. Hazing in violation of Florida Statutes also may result in a felony charge.

 

What are the Florida laws related to hazing?

The Florida Statutes comprise the codified laws of Florida, organized into 49 titles every year. Each chapter within the Florida Statutes encompasses all relevant laws pertaining to a specific subject matter.

Florida Board of Governors Regulation 6.021 Hazing Prohibited also requires all Florida universities establish an anti-hazing policy as part of the university’s student code of conduct or a separate regulation, that prohibits students or other persons associated with any university student organization or group from engaging in hazing.

 

Is it only considered hazing when committed by an active UCF student?

No! Any person may commit an act of hazing whether the person is a prospective, current, or former member of the organization or group. The actions of active, associate, new and/or prospective members, former members, alumni, or advisors of a student organization or group (including the intern/national umbrella organization) may be considered hazing under the university’s regulation as well.

 

Who does it affect? 

Hazing affects students in groups, clubs, teams, and organizations, including fraternities, sororities, athletic teams, performing arts groups, honor societies and more.

Fact: 74% of college athletes and 73% of students involved in fraternities and sororities experience hazing. Source: National Study of Student Hazing

 

If the student gave consent, then it is not considered hazing?

Wrong! It is not a defense to an allegation of hazing even if the consent of the victim had been obtained.

 

What are some examples of hazing?

Hazing behavior is not only physical in nature. Examples of hazing behavior can include physical, psychological or emotional, sexual, substance-related, and other activities.

Physical activities can include but are not limited to:

  • whipping,
  • beating,
  • branding,
  • forced calisthenics/exercise, or
  • forced consumption of any food, liquid, liquor, drug, or other substance.

Psychological, emotional, or mental stressors include but are not limited to:

  • sleep deprivation,
  • verbal abuse, insults, threats, or humiliation,
  • degrading or embarrassing tasks (e.g., inappropriate behavior in public),
  • forced exclusion from social contact, or
  • forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment.

Other acts of hazing include but are not limited to:

  • exposure to sexual materials or activities under coercion,
  • deprivation of basic needs such as food, water, or bathroom access,
  • kidnapping or confinement (locking someone in a room or isolated area),
  • forcing, pressuring, or coercing a student into violation of university policy, regulation, or federal, state, or local law is also considered hazing, or
  • soliciting a person to commit or be actively involved in the planning of any act of hazing.

 

How would I know if someone was experiencing hazing?

Great question! This is why the university provides training for faculty and staff. Spotting hazing early can make a tremendous difference in protecting UCF students. Some key signs that might indicate a student is going through hazing consist of physical, behavioral, emotional and psychological, social, and/or academic related indicators.

Physical signs could include but are not limited to:

  • unexplained bruises, cuts, burns or other injuries
  • signs of sleep deprivation (e.g., dark circles, exhaustion),
  • sudden changes in weight or eating habits
  • frequent headaches, nausea, or other physical complaints
  • smell of alcohol or other drugs without explanation

Behavioral changes could include but are not limited to:

  • sudden drop in academic performance or missing classes
  • appearing anxious, fearful, or overly stressed
  • reluctance or refusal to talk about their group or activities

Emotional signs could include but are not limited to:

  • signs of depression, irritability, or mood swings
  • low self-esteem or expressions of worthlessness
  • increased anxiety or panic attacks

Social signs might consist of:

  • avoidance of certain people or places (especially group-related)
  • reluctance to participate in group events
  • complaints or rumors of unfair or humiliating treatment

Specific academic and attendance issues like:

  • sudden drop in grades or academic motivation
  • frequent absences, tardiness, or early departures
  • difficulty concentrating or completing assignments

You can learn more about the signs of hazing by completing the online training located on the UCF Hazing Prevention website.

 

What should I do if I become aware of suspected hazing?

Hazing is a serious matter and a felony crime. If someone you know has been hazed or has participated in a hazing incident, you must immediately report the hazing by submitting an Incident Reporting Form to the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity and/or file a report with the UCF Police Department by calling the non-emergency line at 407-823-5555. All reports of hazing will be directed for investigation to the appropriate department depending on the nature of the report.

If you encounter an emergency or know of someone who needs immediate assistance, please call 911.

 

Am I able to anonymously submit a report of hazing?

Yes. The Incident Reporting Form only requires you to submit information such as the date, location, and nature of the incident. It is best to provide as much detailed information as possible regarding the incident, so the university can conduct a thorough investigation to help promote a safe and welcoming campus environment.

If it is an emergency and someone needs immediate assistance, please call 911.

 

What if a faculty member or staff member is the one hazing the student, do I still report it using the Incident Reporting Form?

Yes. The Incident Reporting Form is the appropriate reporting method for submitting incidents of hazing.  All reports of hazing will be directed for investigation to the appropriate department depending on the nature of the report.

If for some reason you are uncomfortable completing the Incident Reporting Form or notifying the UCF Police Department, you can also report hazing through the UCF IntegrityLine, and it will be routed appropriately.  Please note that the UCF IntegrityLine is not an emergency hotline.

If it is an emergency and someone needs immediate assistance, please call 911. This is a duplicate sentence from above.

 

I am aware of a hazing incident, but the victim does not want me to report it. What should I do?

All members of the university community are expected to report suspected violations of university policy, regulation, or federal, state, or local law. Hazing is prohibited under UCF regulation, state, and federal law. If you do not report the incident, it allows the behavior to continue, which can result in physical or mental injury, and possible death.

 

If a student organization or group is found in violation of hazing, will personal identifying information be included on the Campus Hazing Transparency Report?

No! FERPA protections prevent the reporting of individual student information. The Campus Hazing Transparency Report will only include:

  • The name of the student organization or group,
  • A general description of the violation that resulted in a finding of violation, including whether the hazing included drugs or alcohol, and
  • The related dates (i.e., the date of the alleged incident, the date of the initiation of the investigation, the date the investigation ended with a finding, and the date the institution provided notice to the organization or group of the finding).

 

How can I proactively help prevent hazing?

Talk to students about positive bonding practices that they can include in the organizations and groups in which they associate or are members. Examples of those could include but are not limited to:

  • Group problem-solving challenges (e.g., escape rooms),
  • Outdoor activities like the UCF Recreation and Wellness climbing wall or ropes course experiences,
  • Volunteering at a local nonprofit or organizing a community service project,
  • Pairing new members with experienced mentors for guidance,
  • Movie nights, group dinners, or other game nights,
  • Skill-sharing workshops (e.g., cooking, art, technology), and/or
  • Creating a group motto or mission statement together.

 

What resources does UCF offer for victims of hazing?

UCF cares about student physical and emotional health and offers a variety of student resources to aid in the success of a positive university experience. From Student Care Services, to Counseling and Psychological Services, to UCF Victim Services, to the Ombuds Office, UCF provides both confidential and non-confidential support and guidance for all students experiencing challenging situations.