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WVNCC Hazing Statement

What is Hazing?

“Hazing” is any activities or tasks expected of someone joining a group that are meant to humiliate, degrade or harm them — regardless of that person’s willingness to participate. That means even if a student agrees to the activities, it can still be considered hazing. And

it can be illegal. An activity is probably hazing if:

  • the activity is not educational;
  • it does not represent the values of the group;
  • only select members are participating;
  • you do not feel like an equal member of the group;
  • it puts members at risk for physical, mental or emotional trauma;
  • or you would not feel comfortable having others witness your activity.

Definition of a Student Organization

A student organization is defined as an organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, association or student government, for example) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.

Report Hazing

Step 1: Assess the Situation Is it an emergency? Are you or someone else in immediate danger? If so, dial 911

Step 2: Report Hazing

  • Contact or call the WVNCC Campus Liaison Officer at 304-650-9994 to report the incident(s).

Step 3: Seek Counseling

If you need counseling to deal with the effects of hazing, contact BetterMynd student support through your student portal or the 24/7 Crisis line at 1-844-BTR-MYND

What Happens After Hazing is Reported?

  1. When hazing is reported, whether by a named person or anonymously, it is always investigated. Hazing can be reported if it is happening directly to you or if it is happening to someone else.
  2. Once a report is received, the case is referred to the WVNCC Campus Liaison Officer who will do an investigation and see if there is enough to file criminal charges. Hazing is a crime in West Virginia.
  3. If there is enough to charge a person or a group criminally, it will be turned over to the local police, and then the College investigation begins. Please know that protecting you and keeping your report anonymous throughout the entire process is important and we have structures set in place to do so. We will do our best to respect your privacy, so please be honest.

Potential Signs of Hazing

If you observe any of the following signs in someone you know, they may be experiencing hazing:

  • sudden change in behavior after joining the group
  • physical, mental and emotional exhaustion
  • lack of communication
  • avoiding sharing the experiences they’re having in the group
  • claiming the experiences they’re having in the group are acceptable because “it’s their tradition” or because “it’s a rite of passage for members”
  • decreased performance in school and other activities
  • physical abnormalities like scars, bruising, illness and other injuries
  • anger, anxiety, depression and other emotional signs
  • cancelling plans with friends or family at the last minute to do something with the group instead
  • an immense sense of loyalty to the group
  • other irregular behavior patterns

How to Prevent Hazing

  • Make your group aware of the dangers of hazing and its consequences.
  • Educate all members on hazing, its signs, how to report it and ways to prevent it.
  • Foster a safe, inclusive environment within your group by creating alternative group bonding and teamwork activities.
  • Encourage members to report any signs of hazing.
  • Take reports of hazing seriously and investigate them.
  • Hold your members and leaders accountable if hazing arises. If a member knows hazing is occurring and fails to report it, they are just as responsible as those engaging in hazing.

Additional Resources and hazing prevention training information

Anti-Hazing Agreement and WVNCC Hazing statement will be added to the Student Leadership training manual each year provided to each active WVNCC Student Organization.

WVNCC will also provide training during the Campus Security Authority (CSA) training information on reporting requirements.
WV Code 18-16-2 Anti Hazing Law https://code.wvlegislature.gov/signed_bills/2019/2019-RS-SB440-ENR_signed.pdf

Hazing data collection, incident reporting and Campus Hazing Transparency reporting will follow all federal and state guidelines and questions should be directed to the

Campus Liaison Officer at 304-650-9994.

The Stop Campus Hazing Act enacted December 23, 2024 which amends the Clery act) https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5646


Posted June 2025


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