At UNC Charlotte, we are all part of the Niner Nation, a community that values respect, safety, and well-being. Hazing has no place here. If you believe a fellow Niner is being hazed, your support and intervention are crucial in helping them. Below are steps you can take to support, offer help, and ensure a safe environment for everyone.
Recognize the Signs of Hazing
Hazing can take many forms, and it’s important to be able to recognize the signs. Hazing may involve:
- Physical harm: Activities that cause injury or distress.
- Psychological abuse: Humiliation, embarrassment, or coercion.
- Forced participation: Pressuring someone into doing something they don’t want to do.
- Isolation: Excluding someone from their peers or support systems.
- Substance abuse: Encouraging or requiring drinking or drug use.
Warning signs may include:
- Sudden change in behavior or attitude after joining the organization or team
- Wanting to leave the organization or team with no real explanation
- Sudden decrease in communication with friends and family
- Physical or psychological exhaustion
- Unexplained weight loss, injuries, or illness
- Change in sleeping or eating habits
- Withdrawal from normal activities
- Expressed feeling of sadness or feeling of worthlessness
- Increase in secrecy and unwillingness to share details
If you notice any of these behaviors happening to a fellow Niner, it’s time to take action.
Approach with Compassion
If you suspect someone you know is being hazed, consider reaching out to them directly—but approach them with care. Here’s how you can offer support:
- Be non-judgmental: Make it clear that you are concerned for their well-being, not judging their situation.
- Listen to them: Let them express what they’re going through and listen without interrupting.
- Offer reassurance: Remind them that hazing is never acceptable, and they deserve respect and safety.
Encourage Them to Seek Help
Your role is to support and encourage, not to force someone to take action. Here’s what you can do:
- Encourage reporting: Suggest they report the hazing to the university, but let them make the choice to do so. You can let them know that reports can be made anonymously.
- Offer to go with them: Sometimes, the support of a friend can make all the difference. Offer to go with them to speak to someone in the Dean of Students Office, CAPS, or Campus Police.
- Provide resources: Give them information on where to get help. Share the contact details for the resources available at UNC Charlotte (listed below).
Report the Hazing If Necessary
If your peer is unable or unwilling to report the hazing themselves, you have the option to report it for them. Reporting can be done anonymously, and it’s a way to ensure their safety while also holding those responsible accountable.
You can report hazing by:
- Online Reporting: You can submit a report through the UNC Charlotte online reporting form.
- Campus Police: If you are in immediate danger or need assistance, contact UNC Charlotte Campus Police at (704) 687-2200 or via the LiveSafe app.
- Student Accountability & Conflict Resolution: To report in person or seek guidance on process and resolution options, you can contact SACR at (704) 687-0336.
- Dean of Students Office: Not sure how to categorize what you have observed or experienced? The Dean of Students Office can offer guidance and support at (704) 687-0345.
- Anonymous Reporting: If you’re concerned about privacy or fear retaliation, you can still submit an anonymous report. Send an anonymous text to +1 (855) 612-5840. Your identity will be protected. Anonymous text messaging using RealResponse is actively monitored Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm EST, when the university is open. This platform is not intended for emergency use.
Seek Counseling and Emotional Support
Experiencing hazing can take a significant emotional toll, and it’s important to take care of your mental health. UNC Charlotte offers confidential counseling services through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers support for dealing with the emotional impact of hazing. Phone: (704) 687-0311
Support the Victim of Hazing
If someone you know is dealing with the aftermath of hazing, they will need ongoing support. Here are some ways you can help them:
- Offer emotional support: Understand that recovering from hazing may take time. Be there to listen and provide reassurance.
- Encourage professional support: Hazing can have lasting emotional and psychological effects. Encourage your friend to seek counseling through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at UNC Charlotte, where they can get confidential help.
- Be patient: Understand that healing from hazing is a process. Your continued support will make a difference in their recovery.
Educate Yourself and Others About Hazing
By educating yourself and others about the dangers of hazing, you can play an active role in creating a safer campus community. Share what you learn with others, and encourage conversations about respect, inclusivity, and safe initiation practices.
Contacting Campus Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing hazing, you don’t have to go through it alone. Below are resources available to help:
- UNC Charlotte Campus Police: For immediate concerns or safety issues.
Phone: (704) 687-2200
Website: Campus Police - Student Accountability and Conflict Resolution: To report in person or seek guidance on process and resolution options.
Phone: (704) 687-0336
Website:SACR - Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Offers confidential counseling services for students dealing with the emotional effects of hazing.
Phone: (704) 687-0311
Website: CAPS - Student Organizations and Involvement: If the hazing is related to a student group, they can offer guidance on resolving the issue and promoting positive group behavior.
Phone: (704) 687-7074
Website: Student Organizations - Fraternity and Sorority Life: If the hazing is related to fraternity or sorority membership, they can offer guidance on resolving the issue and promoting positive group behavior.
Phone: (704) 687-0360
Website: Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life - Sport Clubs: If the hazing is related to membership in a sport club, they can offer guidance on resolving the issue and promoting positive group behavior.
Phone: (704) 687-1385
Website: Sport Clubs - University Athletics: If the hazing is related to membership in University athletics, they can offer guidance on resolving the issue and promoting positive group behavior.
Phone: (704) 687-4955
Website: University Athletics - Dean of Students Office: Provides general support, guidance, and reporting options for students facing hazing.
Phone: (704) 687-0345
Website: Dean of Students Office
By standing up and supporting your fellow Niners, you help ensure that UNC Charlotte remains a place where all students can thrive without fear of hazing or harm.
Remember: If you see something, say something—because every Niner deserves to be safe, respected, and supported.