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Hazing Prevention & Education

In alignment with the Stop Campus Hazing Act and BSC’s Hazing Policy, BSC is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus. We provide education, prevention strategies, and accountability measures to reduce hazing in all forms. BSC's goal is to empower students and employees with the knowledge and tools to recognize, prevent, and report hazing—upholding the values of integrity, safety, and mutual respect that define the BSC experience.
 
Questions? Concerns? Contact:

Student Affairs: bsc.studentaffairs@bismarckstate.edu

Campus Police: bsc.safety@bismarckstate.edu
What Is Hazing?
Hazing is illegal under Federal Law (Stop Campus Hazing Act)North Dakota Century Code,  and prohibited by BSC Policy & Policy Procedure 515.
 
Hazing is:
 
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concern with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons 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 higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including:
 
  • Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body, or similar activity;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs or other substances;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
  • Any activity against another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
  • Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of Local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
  • Any activity against another person that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.
 
Not sure if something crosses the line? If you're feeling uneasy or uncertain about what your group, team, or organization is asking you to do, ask yourself these questions:
 
  • Are you being told to keep certain activities hidden? Are there consequences for sharing group “secrets”?
  • Do the activities cause you emotional or physical discomfort, stress, or harm?
  • Would you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable if your family or loved ones witnessed what’s happening?
  • Could knowledge or proof of this activity hurt your chances of getting a job or damage your reputation?
Reporting Hazing
Have you observed, are aware of, or suspect hazing? REPORT IT.
 
How To Report a Hazing Concern:
 
  1. For emergency situations, call: 911
     
  2. For non-emergency situations:
     
    1. Complete a General Concern Report
       
    2. Make a report via email or telephone to the:
Vice President for Student Affairs
telephone: 701-224-5638

Campus Police Chief
telephone: 701-224-2700
 
Community Standards Coordinator
telephone: 701-224-2540

Director of Athletics
telephone: 701-224-5512
 
Reporting Requirements: All employees, students, and members of its community who believe that they have witnessed, experienced, or are aware of conduct that constitutes hazing must report the violation to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Campus Police Chief, the Community Standards Coordinator, or the Director of Athletics. If traveling or studying abroad on behalf of BSC, reports should be made to the supervising staff member.

Hazing is illegal under Federal Law (Stop Campus Hazing Act)North Dakota Century Code,  and prohibited by BSC Policy & Policy Procedure 515.
 
BSC does not condone hazing in any form and will take all appropriate actions upon receipt of information of hazing. BSC investigates incidents of hazing as detailed in the BSC Student Code of Conduct. BSC may also refer to other campus resources (Campus Police, Title IX Compliance) for review and possible investigation under their appropriate policies.
 
BSC will accept and make every effort to act on any information provided regarding hazing concerns. Our ability to respond effectively is greatly enhanced when reports include:
  • Accurate details about the incident
  • Timely submission close to when the incident occurred
  • Fact-based information rather than speculation
  • Contact information for the individual reporting the concern
Providing complete and reliable information helps ensure a thorough and appropriate response. All reports are taken seriously and handled with care to protect the safety and integrity of our campus community.
 
Anonymous reports are welcome; however, they may limit BSC’s ability to conduct a thorough investigation or provide a comprehensive response.
 
Never assume someone else has reported a concern—duplicate reports are welcomed and far better than missing critical information, as every report plays a vital role in creating a safer campus.
 
BSC Campus Hazing Transparency Report
Pursuant to Section 485(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)), BSC provides a Campus Hazing Transparency Report of past hazing misconduct involving student organizations. This report provides a summary of all substantiated hazing incidents involving student organizations, teams, or groups that were investigated and adjudicated through formal College proceedings. This report is intended to promote transparency, accountability, and student safety and is updated biannually.

BSC Campus Hazing Transparency Report

For each substantiated hazing incident below is the following information:
  • The name of the student organization, athletic team, or living group;
  • The date the investigation was initiated;
  • The date on which the investigation ended with a finding that a violation occurred;
  • A description of the incident or incidents, including the date of the initial violation, and the violations, findings, and sanctions placed on the student organization, athletic team, or living group;
  • The details of the sanction or sanctions imposed, including the beginning and end dates of the sanction or sanctions; and
  • The date that the student organization, athletic team, or living group was charged with a violation.
Notes
  • The report will not include personally identifiable information about specific individuals.
  • This report includes only incidents that were investigated and found to violate the BSC’s hazing policy.
  • Any student organizations under active investigation will not appear on the Campus Hazing Transparency Report until conclusion of the investigation (and findings of responsibility).
  • Reports are maintained for at least five years from the date of resolution.
  • This document is updated twice a year and published on the College’s public-facing website.
  • This document is maintained and published in addition to the College’s reporting requirements under the Clery Act.
  • The date that the student organization, athletic team, or living group was charged with a violation.
Annual statistics on hazing are available in the BSC’s Annual Fire Safety and Security Report beginning with the 2026 report (issued on or before October 1, 2026). Hazing statistics include incident reports that meet the federal definition of hazing in Section 485(f)(6)(A) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)). These statistics do not reflect actual findings of hazing behavior, which are included in the Campus Hazing Transparency Report.
Hazing Prevention & Education
BSC is committed to providing education and prevention strategies aimed at reducing the occurrence of hazing. These initiatives ensure that students and employees are informed, trained, and accountable.
 
Student Awareness & Educational Programming
 
All students at BSC are required to complete an online hazing prevention course during their first semester.
 
In addition, BSC will offer hazing awareness and prevention programs each academic year.
 
Employee Awareness & Educational Programming
 
All employees at BSC are required to complete an annual online hazing prevention course.
 
Athletic coaches and campus clubs & organizations advisors will participate in additional hazing education.