Learn about reporting and the process for investigating hazing at WashU.

Reporting Hazing Incidents

This will allow WashU to support the health and well-being of our students.

Please note that “Campus Security Authorities,” as defined by the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, must report an alleged hazing incident by contacting the WashU Police Department or OSCCS as described below. 

To report suspected hazing

  1. WashU Police Department: if there is an immediate safety concern, call WashU Police at 314-935-5555 or dial 911.
  2. Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards: Contact the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Reports or concerns about alleged Hazing can be submitted to OSCCS or Campus Life through the Student Conduct Incident Report form.
  3. Silent Witness: For non-emergencies, individuals may also submit an anonymous report through the WashU Police Department’s Silent Witness form. The Silent Witness form is not monitored and reviewed 24/7, and this form should not be used to report an emergency situation or a crime in progress. The university’s ability to respond to and take further action based upon anonymous reports may be limited.

Hazing Investigation Procedures

Formal Complaints asserted against students or student groups under the University’s Hazing Policy or Student Conduct Code are managed by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS), Campus Life or another Student Conduct Administrator (SCA). The processes outlined below are designed to comply with the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) and a thorough and fair investigation and Hearing into such Complaints.

Upon receiving a Complaint, OSCCS or Campus Life will conduct a preliminary review to determine whether the Complaint alleges conduct that constitutes a violation of the University’s Hazing Policy or other violations of the University Student Conduct Code. If the SCA determines that the Complaint alleges a potential violation of the Code, a Notice of Complaint will be sent to the Respondent’s University email address. This Notice will include a brief description of the factual allegations, the relevant Student Conduct Code Offenses, as well as information about the Student Conduct Code and procedures that will be followed. The SCA will schedule a meeting with the Respondent to discuss the allegations and allow the Respondent an opportunity to be heard, generally providing two (2) Business Days’ notice before the meeting.

Additional information about investigative and resolution processes under the University Student Conduct Code can be found in the Initiation of Complaint and Resolution Procedures.

If a Complaint alleges Hazing committed by a university staff or faculty member, OSCCS will refer it to the Office of Human Resources for further action. If a Complaint alleges Hazing committed by an individual not affiliated with the university, OSCCS may refer the matter to WashU Police or other law enforcement agencies or to other institutions or organizations that may have jurisdiction over the individuals accused.