Understanding Hazing: What Students Need to Know

This information is based on the Stop Campus Hazing Act, a federal law that increases transparency regarding hazing incidents at colleges.

Defining Hazing

For campus reporting purposes, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by an individual or group against another person during the process of joining, affiliating with, or maintaining membership in a student organization. “Student organization” is broadly defined to include any campus group with two or more student members—whether officially recognized or not—such as clubs, and athletic teams.

To meet the definition of hazing, the act must cause or create a risk of physical or psychological harm that goes beyond the normal risks associated with regular participation (for example, more than standard athletic training). Importantly, an act is still considered hazing even if the individual willingly participates.

Examples of Hazing Acts

Hazing activities include any actions that intentionally cause harm or put someone at serious risk. These can involve physical or psychological abuse, (including online abuse such as circulating content intended to humiliate), forced hardship (such as sleep deprivation or extreme exercise), forced consumption of substances such as alcohol, coerced sexual acts, illegal behavior, or threats that make someone fear bodily harm. These acts are considered hazing even if the person agrees to participate. 

Campus Policies and Consequences

GTCC is required to publish clear information on how we address hazing:

  1. Policies and Reporting: We provide a statement outlining our policies and processing on hazing in the Student Code of Conduct available at  Student Policies & Information, and how to report incidents at Guilford Technical Community College | Reporting.
  2. Legal Information: We must provide information on applicable local, State, and Tribal anti-hazing laws as outlined on this webpage.
  3. Prevention: GTCC must offer prevention and awareness programs. These programs include primary prevention strategies (designed to stop hazing before it happens), which may involve training for bystander intervention and promoting ethical leadership. Program details are available upon request.

Sanctions for Students

Students found responsible for a hazing violation will be subject to sanctions based on the severity of the violation as well as aggravating and mitigating factors. Please see the Student Code of Conduct for additional details.

Sanctions for Organizations

If a student organization is found responsible for a hazing violation, the institution   required to publicly report the sanctions placed on that organization.

Your Right to Transparency: Public Hazing Reports

Under the Stop Campus Hazing Act, GTCC must report hazing incidents in two ways. First, the College must include hazing statistics in their Annual Security Report available at Campus Safety and Police, based on incidents reported to campus security or local police, starting January 1, 2025. Second, the College must publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report (CHTR), which summarizes findings for recognized student organizations found responsible for hazing violations.