Skip to Top NavigationSkip to ContentSkip to Footer
Ferris State University BulldogFerris State University Logo

Anti-Hazing Resources

Anti-Hazing Compliance, Reporting, and Resources Hub 

Decorative border

Ferris State University is committed to full compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act) and the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act. As part of this commitment, the University actively works to prevent, address, and transparently report incidents of hazing. This page provides information, resources, reporting options, and transparency reports to support a safe, respectful, and hazing-free campus environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. 

Hazing is strictly prohibited for all students, employees, and volunteers at Ferris State University. Any individual or group found to be engaging in hazing activities will be subject to disciplinary action. Consent by the individual being hazed is not a defense under this policy. Participation in hazing activities, whether voluntary or coerced, is a violation of this policy. This policy does not apply to normal athletic, physical education, or military training activities that are sanctioned by Ferris State University. 

Contents

Definition of Hazing

Reporting Procedures

Ferris State University is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all members of the campus community. Any individual who experiences, witnesses, or becomes aware of a potential hazing incident is strongly encouraged to report the incident as soon as possible. University employees are obligated to report incidents of hazing. Reports may be submitted by students, faculty, staff, family members, or members of the public.

Hazing incidents may be reported through any of the following methods: 

Reports can be made anonymously, although providing contact information is encouraged to ensure a full and thorough investigation. Retaliation against any person who makes a report in good faith is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.  

Individuals or groups found guilty of hazing may face a range of disciplinary actions, which may include suspension, expulsion, other appropriate measures, and legal consequences as per applicable state and federal laws. Ferris State University will collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to address hazing incidents and ensure compliance with applicable laws.

If you are in immediate danger or require emergency assistance, please call 911 or contact Ferris State University Department of Public Safety at (231) 591-5000. 

Investigation Protocols/Disciplinary Actions

Ferris State University holds individual students and recognized groups and organizations—including RSOs, athletic teams, bands, theater groups, and other student organizations—fully accountable for compliance with University policies (including the Code of Student Community Standards), the RSO Handbook, and all relevant local, state, and federal laws, including federal hazing regulations. The Office of Student Community Standards may initiate disciplinary proceedings against any individual, organization or its individual members when allegations of misconduct, including hazing, arise. 

Organizations may be held responsible for the actions of their members or guests when violations occur at organization-sponsored events, on or off campus, or at activities reasonably associated with the organization. Organizational leaders are expected to anticipate potential risks, take preventive action, and ensure a safe and supportive environment for participants. 

Ferris State’s disciplinary process for groups includes formal investigations, conduct conferences, interim actions (if necessary), educational outcomes, and an appeals process. In hazing cases or other serious allegations, a full investigation of the group may be initiated. Fraternities and sororities may also fall under national organization oversight and/or governing council adjudication. 

Additionally, Ferris State maintains a Medical Amnesty Policy for individuals, groups, or RSOs seeking emergency assistance during alcohol- or drug-related medical emergencies. While amnesty may protect individuals or the group from certain disciplinary actions, organizations may still be held accountable for policy violations related to unregistered events or negligent conduct.

Full text of Ferris State’s Code of Student Community Standards (includes detailed policies, group responsibilities, and investigation/disciplinary procedures)

Educational Programs/Prevention Training

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, as amended by the Stop Campus Hazing Act, and Ferris State University policy, annual hazing prevention training is mandatory for all individuals and organizations identified as having elevated risk for hazing activity. This training is designed to promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus environment, ensure compliance with state and federal law, and provide education on recognizing, preventing, and reporting hazing behaviors. 

The following groups are required to complete annual hazing prevention training: 

  • Varsity Athletics (Student-athletes, coaches, and athletic staff) 
  • Club Sports Organizations 
  • University Bands and Band Members 
  • Fraternity and Sorority Life (Greek Life) 
  • Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) 
  • Theater Groups and Performing Arts Organizations  
  • Housing and Residence Life Staff (including Resident Advisors and professional staff) 

The development and delivery of this training is a collaborative effort coordinated through a consortium of Ferris State University departments, including: 

  • Ferris State University Department of Public Safety 
  • Office of Student Life 
  • Department of Athletics 
  • Center for Student Involvement 
  • Office of Student Community Standards 

Training will cover: 

  • The legal definitions of hazing under federal and state law 
  • Ferris State University’s hazing policy and Code of Student Community Standards 
  • Recognition of hazing behaviors, including physical, emotional, and psychological forms 
  • Reporting procedures and available campus resources 
  • Protections against retaliation for reporting 

Participation in annual training is mandatory and must be completed prior to participation in any organizational activities, practices, performances, events, or operations. Failure to complete required training may result in loss of organizational privileges, suspension of activities, or disciplinary action. 

Anti-Hazing Resources 

Ferris State University encourages all members of the campus community — including students, staff, faculty, visitors, and family members — to access the following national hazing prevention resources for education, awareness, and support: 

  • StopHazing.org 
    A national leader in hazing prevention research and education. This site provides comprehensive tools, research studies, prevention frameworks, and practical guidance for individuals and organizations seeking to eliminate hazing.
  • Hazing Prevention 101 – Team Building Activities (Prevent.Zone) 
    This downloadable guide provides safe, positive alternatives to team bonding that promote inclusion and group cohesion without risking harmful hazing behaviors.
  • Gordie Center — University of Virginia
    The Gordie Center offers evidence-based prevention programs focusing on hazing, alcohol misuse, and student wellness. The Gordie Center also promotes the Hazing Prevention Pledge and offers educational materials for students, families, and educators. 
  • "We Don’t Haze" Educational Film (Clery Center) 
    A powerful educational video developed by the Clery Center that explores real-life stories, risk factors, and prevention strategies related to hazing. The film encourages dialogue among students, faculty, staff, and organization leaders.

Transparency and Accountability

Ferris State University is committed to transparency and accountability in its efforts to prevent, address, and eliminate hazing within the campus community. In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, as amended by the Stop Campus Hazing Act, the University actively collects and publicly reports hazing-related data to ensure full compliance with federal law while fostering a safe and respectful educational environment. 

Hazing statistics will be included as part of the University’s Annual Security Report (ASR). These statistics will reflect reported incidents that meet the federal definition of hazing, occurring on or off campus, and involving student organizations recognized or affiliated with the University. Data is collected from campus conduct records, law enforcement reports, and other official university reporting mechanisms and presented alongside other federally reportable crime categories. 

To maintain transparency and promote accountability, Ferris State University has implemented the following measures in accordance with federal requirements: 

  • Began collecting hazing incident data effective January 1, 2025. 
  • Implemented updated hazing prevention policies and reporting protocols by June 23, 2025. 
  • Began documenting investigative actions for each hazing incident starting July 1, 2025. 
  • Will publish the first Campus Hazing Transparency Report on December 23, 2025, with biannual updates thereafter. Each report will include: 
    • The name of the student organization found responsible. 
    • A general description of the violation. 
    • The date of the alleged incident. 
    • The date the investigation was initiated. 
      • The date the investigation concluded with a finding. 
    • The date the University provided notice to the organization of the finding. 
  • Hazing statistics will be included in the Annual Security Report beginning with the report published by October 1, 2026. 

Through these measures, Ferris State University demonstrates its ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of all students from hazing. 

Support Services for Victims of Hazing 

Ferris State University is committed to supporting any student impacted by hazing. Students who experience or witness hazing have access to a variety of university and community resources that provide emotional support, counseling, medical assistance, and advocacy services. The University encourages anyone affected by hazing to seek support regardless of when or where the incident occurred. 

Ferris State University is committed to ensuring students have access to these services without fear of retaliation and encourages anyone impacted by hazing to seek assistance promptly.