Hazing Prevention at Central


Central Washington University (CWU) is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment free from hazing in all forms. Our dedication to hazing prevention involves educating our community about the harmful effects of hazing, promoting awareness, and implementing clear policies that uphold the dignity and respect of all individuals.

This website contains information about the policies, procedures, and resources that CWU has in place to prevent and address hazing.

Understanding Hazing

Under the CWU Student Code of Conduct (WAC 106-125-020):

  • (8) Hazing includes any initiation into a student organization or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization that causes or is likely to cause the destruction or removal of public or private property or that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger or physical harm, or serious mental or emotional harm, to any student or other person.

Hazing Transparency Report

Central Washington University will maintain and publicly disclose records of hazing violations involving any student organization, athletic team, or residential living group. These reports will include violations of the Student Conduct Code, the University's anti-hazing policies, and applicable state or federal laws related to hazing, as well as offenses involving alcohol, drugs, sexual assault, or physical assault, in accordance with RCW 28B.10.906. 

The report shall include the following:

  • The name of the student organization, athletic team, or living group;
  • The date the investigation was initiated;
  • The date on which the investigation was 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 the student organization, athletic team, or living group was charged with a violation.

Any hazing violation of a student organization, athletic team, or living group should be made public for at least five years.

Investigations that do not result in a finding of formal violations of the student code of conduct or state or federal law shall not be included in the report.

Central Washington University's Transparency Report

Hazing Prevention Education and Training


From preventing hazing before it occurs to reducing the effects on those involved as well as the impact it has on larger CWU community, hazing awareness and prevention happens in many ways at Central. We actively engage students, faculty, and staff in conversations about healthy group dynamics and encourage reporting of any hazing incidents. Together, we will create a culture of accountability and support, ensuring that every member of our community can thrive without fear of intimidation or coercion.
  • Education for Incoming Students

    Prior to arriving to campus, all incoming students are provided education on Hazing Awareness and Prevention through Canvas; this course is one of three Compliance & Violence Prevention Education courses.

    To learn more about the Hazing Awareness and Prevention course, visit the Compliance & Violence Prevention Education webpage.

     

  • Hazing Reporting Responsibilities for Central Employees

    All Central employees, including student employees and volunteers, who have reasonable cause to believe that hazing has occurred are expected to report this information the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR) or through the Concern and Support Reporting Form.

    • This requirement does not include confidential employees, unless the employee has a supervisory role or position of authority over students.

    Whether you witness these behaviors, learn this from the student experiencing it, or from another party, the information must be reported as quickly as possible so the Central can address the behavior and prevent hazing from happening in our community.

    For more information, see CWU 701-09: Reporting Concern and Employee Reporting Responsibilities.

  • Annual Training for Central Employees

    Central employees are trained annually on their reporting responsibilities and FERPA. In addition to reporting expectations, this training section that addresses:

    • How hazing occurs in many types of groups, clubs, organizations, and teams
    • That hazing involves exerting power and control over other members or teammates
    • How hazing generally involves causing harm to others (physical, emotional, and/or psychological) or directing or forcing food, drinks, and alcohol or other substances on someone else
    To learn more about this required training, visit Human Resource's Required Training webpage. 

Resources and Support

 

For questions or more information, please contact Student.Conduct@cwu.edu or 509-963-1817

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