Hazing
What Is Hazing?
Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person regardless of the willingness of such other person to participate, that is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in a student organization, and causes or creates a risk—above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution—of physical or psychological injury.
Examples of hazing include, but are not limited to:
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
- Physical abuse such as beating or branding
- Forced sleep deprivation or confinement
- Coerced performance of sexual acts
- Requiring tasks that violate university or criminal law
Laws & Policies
UW-Platteville will not tolerate nor condone any form of hazing. Students and registered student organizations, fraternities and sororities, athletic teams, and all other student groups are prohibited from engaging in hazing by Federal Law, Wisconsin State Law, and UW-Platteville Hazing Policy.
Violations may result in:
- Disciplinary sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion
- Revocation of organizational recognition
- Criminal prosecution under Wisconsin Statute § 948.51
Campus Reports
Hazing Transparency Report
UW-Platteville publishes a Campus Hazing Transparency Report summarizing findings concerning any student organization found to be in violation of the hazing policy. This report is updated no less than two times per year.
- Student Organization Name: No Incidents Reported
- Description of Violation: N/A
- Violation Date: 01/01/2025
- Investigation Date: 01/01/2025
- Notice of Finding Date: 2025
- Student Organization Name: No Incidents Reported
- Description of Violation: N/A
- Violation Date: 01/01/2026
- Investigation Date: 01/01/2026
- Notice of Finding Date: 2026
Annual Security Report & Annual Fire Safety Report
The Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report provides information about campus safety policies, crime statistics, prevention programs, and reporting procedures. In accordance with the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, the report also addresses hazing-related reporting requirements.
Examples of Hazing
Hazing can be subtle, harassing, or violent in nature. It can manifest itself in the form of physical violence, forced physical activities, or psychological and/or emotional harm, which can be violations of law. Although it is impossible to list all possible hazing behaviors because many are context-specific, the list below provides some common examples of hazing behaviors. It is important to note, however, that these categories do not negate nor lessen an allegation of hazing. Regardless of category, hazing is hazing and is not welcome at UW-Platteville.
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“Subtle” hazing refers to activities that are often taken for granted or accepted as “harmless” or meaningless. There is an emphasis placed on a power imbalance between new members and other members of the organization, thus leading to activities or attitudes that breach reasonable standards of mutual respect, and place new members on the receiving end of ridicule or embarrassment. New members often feel the need to endure subtle hazing to feel like part of the organization. Examples may include:
- Requiring new members to perform unnecessary duties not assigned to existing members
- Required calisthenics such as sit-ups or push-ups, or other forms of physical exercise
- Sleep deprivation
- The assignment of meaningless and sometimes impossible tasks
- Required “greeting” of members in a specific manner when seen on campus
- Required carrying of certain items
- Required walking in groups to class, the cafeteria, etc.
- Restriction of communication
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“Harassment” hazing confuses, frustrates, and causes undue stress for new members. This behavior has the potential to cause emotional anguish and/or physical discomfort. (Note: Some types of harassment hazing can also be considered violent hazing.) Examples may include:
- Yelling or screaming
- Personal servitude or chores
- Lineups for the purpose of interrogating, demeaning, or intimidating
- Wearing of embarrassing or uncomfortable clothing
- Assigning pranks such as stealing, painting objects, or harassing other organizations
- Forced confinement, oftentimes involving very loud music and/or the repetition of a specific song
- Being dropped off somewhere and forced to find the way back
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“Violent” hazing is behavior that has the potential to cause physical, emotional, and/or psychological harm. It often includes activities that tend to be the most extreme types of hazing. Examples may include:
- Capturing or kidnapping
- Total or partial nudity
- Compelled sexual activity
- Pushing, shoving, tackling, or any other physical contact
- Forced consumption of any liquid or food, often involving alcohol and/or gross food combinations
- Paddling or whipping
- Branding, cutting, labeling, or shaving parts of the body
How to Report Hazing
If you witness or experience hazing, please report it. You can report anonymously.