Student Education: All first-time or new-to-OSU students are required to complete the Vector Solutions Hazing Awareness and Prevention online education course. For the 2025-2026 academic year, all OSU students — regardless of class year — will be expected to complete this course. The program helps students understand what hazing is, recognize warning signs, intervene safely, and contribute to a safe campus community.

Faculty and Staff Education: All OSU faculty and staff receive an annual email notification that includes the university’s definition of hazing, common signs and behaviors associated with hazing, guidance on how and where to report concerns, and resources to support students

Section 4.3 Behavioral Misconduct, Provision 10 of the Code of Student Conduct prohibits the following behavior:

Hazing: Conduct that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of any person, or that destroys, damages, or removes public or private property, and is related to the initiation, admission into, affiliation with, advancement within, or general member participation in a group, organization, social or academic program, regardless as to whether or not the actions are sanctioned or approved by the organization or continued membership or standing is contingent upon participation. Participation or cooperation by the person(s) being hazed does not excuse the violation.

The State of Oregon further defines Hazing in ORS 163.197. 

ORS 163.197 Hazing is prohibited by Oregon Revised Statute, which states: 163.197. (1) A student organization or a member of a student organization commits the offense of hazing if, as a condition or precondition of attaining membership in the organization or of attaining any office or status in the organization, the organization or member intentionally hazes any member, potential member or person pledged to be a member of the organization.

          (2)     (a) A student organization that violates subsection (1) of this section commits a Class A violation.

                    (b) A member of a student organization who personally violates subsection (1) of this section commits a Class B violation.

          (3) Consent of the person who is hazed is not a defense in a prosecution under this section.

          (4) As used in this section:

                   (a) “Haze” means:

                         (A) To subject an individual to whipping, beating, striking, branding or electronic shocking, to place a harmful substance on an individual’s body or to subject an individual to other similar forms of physical brutality;

                        (B) To subject an individual to sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space or other similar activity that subjects the individual to an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects the physical health or safety of the individual;

                        (C) To compel an individual to consume food, liquid, alcohol, controlled substances or other substances that subject the individual to an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affect the physical health or safety of the individual; or

                        (D) To induce, cause or require an individual to perform a duty or task that involves the commission of a crime or an act of hazing.

                  (b) “Member” includes volunteers, coaches and faculty advisers of a student organization.

                  (c) “Student organization” means a fraternity, sorority, athletic team or other organization that is organized or operating on a college, university or elementary or secondary school campus for the purpose of providing members an opportunity to participate in student activities of the college, university or elementary or secondary school.

ORS 350.259

350.259. Additionally, Oregon requires specific policies and reporting related to hazing in ORS 350.259 Written policy on hazing; report, which states the following: 

(1) As used in this section:

        (a) "Haze" has the meaning given that term in ORS 163.197.

        (b) "Institution of higher education" means:

                (A) A community college operated under ORS chapter 341; or 

                (B) A college or university that:

                         (i) Operates in this state;

                         (ii) Offers baccalaureate degree programs; and

                         (iii) Enrolls students who receive state financial aid.

(2) Each institution of higher education shall:

        (a) Adopt a written policy on hazing; and

        (b) Provide annual on-campus policy training for students that sets forth the harmful effects of hazing and the relevant laws and institution policies that prohibit hazing.

(3)     (a) No later than December 31 of each calendar year, each institution of higher education shall submit a report to the Legislative Assembly, in the manner prescribed by ORS 192.245, that sets forth:         

                (A) The number of hazing incidents reported to the institution during the previous academic year; and

                (B) The number of hazing incidents investigated by the institution during the previous academic year.

        (b) A single report may be submitted under this subsection for multiple institutions of higher education, provided that the information required under this subsection is disaggregated by institution. 

Oregon State University annually gathers and publishes statistics regarding hazing incidents occurring at reportable Clery Act locations. These statistics include student organizations that are recognized by the university, as well as those which do not hold recognition, but whose membership includes 2 or more students enrolled at Oregon State University. Information regarding these statistics can be found within OSU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Allegations of hazing by student organizations are typically reviewed through the processes outlined in Section 5 of the Code. Specifically, Section 5.13 (Violations of the Code of Student Conduct by Student Organizations) details how OSU addresses student organization misconduct. Following is a depiction of the process as described in the Code.

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Student Organization Misconduct: Investigation and Resolution Process

1. Notice of Allegations: The accused student organization will receive an emailed notice of allegations with instructions to schedule an administrative conference. 
2. Administrative Conference: An administrative conference provides an equitable forum to review information related to an alleged incident. Student organizations may bring an advisor. During the conference, the student organization can share their account and provide any additional information, witnesses, or context. 
   • Failure to Schedule: Accused student organizations that fail to schedule or miss a conference may have their case heard in their absence.
3. Decision: The hearing officer will determine, by a preponderance of the evidence, whether the student organization is responsible, not responsible, or if no determination can be made. The decision will be communicated by email in a notice of decision.
   • Responsible: If the hearing officer determines the student organization is responsible, the hearing officer will determine appropriate sanctions.
   • Not Responsible or No Determination: If the hearing officer reaches a finding of not responsible, no sanctions will be assigned and the case is closed.
4. Appeal: Student organizations wishing to appeal must submit their appeal within five business days of receiving the Notice of Decision letter.
5. Resolution/Sanctions/Outcomes: The university uses an educational and restorative sanctioning model. Sanctions are proportionate to the violation and become progressively more severe for repeated offenses or when learning hasn’t occurred. Failure to complete sanctions will result in a registration hold. Case closed.

To report possible hazing please contact Student Community Standards by phone at 541-737-3656, by email at  [email protected], or use the online reporting form.

Anonymous Reporting: You can file an anonymous report using the online reporting form.

If you believe there is an eminent danger, we encourage you to contact the police first using 9-1-1 or calling OSU Department of Public Safety at 541-737-7000.

No Incidents to Report.

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Hazing is any activity that causes humiliation, discomfort, or harm as a condition of joining or maintaining membership in a group. It can happen in student organizations, athletic teams, fraternities or sororities, clubs, and other groups. 

Hazing often hides behind the idea of “tradition” or “team bonding,” but if the activity threatens a person’s safety, dignity, or choice, it’s hazing. 

• Pressure to participate: Feeling like you have no real choice to say no
• Secrecy: Being told not to talk about certain activities with others
• Risk of harm: Activities involving alcohol or other substances, physical challenges, or dangerous dares
• Humiliation: Being forced to do things that are degrading, embarrassing, or meant to “test loyalty”
• Sleep or food restriction: Being deprived of basic needs as part of initiation or inclusion in a group
• Unequal treatment: New members are expected to do tasks or endure experiences that current members do not

Hazing is often rooted in secrecy and can sometimes feel difficult to identify. If you’re unsure whether something is hazing, ask yourself the following: Would I feel comfortable if this activity were photographed or shared publicly? Would I recommend this to a close friend or family member? If the answer is no, it may be hazing.

• Lead with inclusion: Welcome new members with respect and celebrate what they bring to the group
• Build traditions that uplift: Focus on activities that create pride and connection without harm
• Speak up: If you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts. Silence allows hazing to continue
• Support one another: Check in with peers – sometimes people don’t realize how harmful an experience feels until someone else notices
• Use campus resources: Learn about policies, reporting options, and support services available to you.