Dealing with Hazing

If you have experienced any of the following, you might have been hazed:

• You have been asked to do something that you feel is demeaning or dangerous.
• The group is asking a particular set of members (e.g. new members) to do things the other members do not have to do and for which there is no clear reason.
• You are required to do things that do not have a clear connection to the mandate of the group and/or violate university policies to become a member or remain a member of the group.
• There is an expectation that you will have to do something dangerous, demeaning, or outlandish to become a leader in a group or to receive certain privileges.
• You are asked to do things voluntarily but you know that there will be consequences if you do not do them.

Who to talk to if you have been hazed...

There is no need to remain silent if you have been hazed. There are several people who can help you:

• If you feel comfortable with the group, you can bring your concerns up with them and see if people are willing to explore changes.
• You can raise the issue with someone who is responsible for the group, for example, a coach for a sports team, a Senior Resident Assistant or Residence Coordinator in the residence, or a faculty advisor for a student group.
• You can contact the Student Affairs Team or Student Care Team in the Office of the Dean of Students and ask for their assistance to explore reporting and response options under the Student Groups Procedure and/or Student Conduct Policy, as well as wellness support options.
• You can report the matter to University of Alberta Protective Services if you have safety concerns.
• You can talk to the Office of the Student Ombuds and they can help you to understand how the policies might apply and who might be the best person or office to help you address it.

If you have seen someone else being hazed, or if something your group is planning might be hazing...

It is always better to have a group recognize and solve the hazing problem themselves than to have a solution imposed upon them by the university. However, if the group seems unwilling, you do not know how to start, or you think someone is at risk, seeking help is the best next step.

When deciding who to ask for help, keep in mind that there may be a need to intervene quickly if anyone is at risk. Also, remember that it does not matter if someone agrees to do what is asked of them—it is hazing whether they consent to it or not.