Training and Education
Preventing hazing requires intentional, ongoing education that reaches students, employees, and campus leaders across the Washington State University system. WSU’s training and education efforts are designed to promote shared responsibility, increase awareness, strengthen early intervention, and support a campus culture grounded in safety, respect, and accountability.
WSU’s training approach is aligned with state law and the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, which requires institutions to provide campus‑wide hazing prevention and education programs and to make related policies and reporting processes publicly available. Mandatory training helps ensure students and employees understand what hazing is, how it may occur, their responsibilities to report concerns, and the resources available for support.
Annual Hazing Prevention Training for WSU Employees
All WSU faculty and staff (including students, temp hourly, and graduate students) are required to complete the Hazing Prevention course within the first six months of hire, then annually afterward. Staff and faculty can access the training through Precipio
The goal of these courses are to assist WSU in maintaining a safe and respectful working and learning environment. It defines hazing, identifies key WSU Executive Policies addressing these topics, gives examples of “look-fors” for managers when supervising staff, and provides links to resources available to help in cases of alleged hazing incidents. The training also highlights employee and supervisor responsibilities when hazing misconduct is reported or observed.
Current Student Training: Hazing and Hosting
All incoming and transfer students, undergraduate, graduate, and professional, on all WSU campuses must be made available a Hazing Prevention Course. Hazing & Hosting is a state-law-specific course that emphasizes personal responsibility for both hazing and social hosting as it relates to underage drinking. This course will help students identify the various forms of hazing that can occur and how and when to file a report. See how to access and complete the course here.
Cougs Stand Strong: Hazing Prevention & Bystander Empowerment
This training is designed to educate students on the definition and dangers of hazing, as well as empower them to take action through bystander intervention. Led by the Center for Community Standards, the session explores:
- legal definitions of hazing,
- highlights harmful behaviors like intimidation and harassment, and
- introduces the Five D’s of Bystander Intervention- Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct.
Participants engage in case studies to apply these strategies and are encouraged to report concerning behavior to university resources or law enforcement.
Peer Health Education Workshop: Cougs Against Hazing: An Introduction
Health Education offers a variety of workshops to support student health, happiness, safety, and success. Our health education staff and student peer educators can facilitate workshops for all types of campus groups like residence halls, Greek organizations, student groups, or classes.
Workshops must be requested at least two weeks in advance. Workshops are generally 60 minutes in length with interactive activities and discussion. Facilitators are available starting at 8:00 a.m. and ending no later than 8:00 p.m. Submit a workshop Request
Workshops
- Cougs Against Hazing: An Introduction- An introduction to hazing including definitions, institutional responses, and resources with scenarios and engaging discussion. (60 minutes)
- Cougs Against Hazing: Breaking the Cycle- This workshop builds upon 'An Introduction' and explores with participants how hazing happens, why it's prevalent, and how to intervene. (60 minutes)
Complete a workshop request to bring a specific mental or emotional health topic of interest to your group, class, or event.
WSU Hazing Prevention Week
WSU hosts Hazing Prevention Week to help raise awareness of hazing’s negative effects, promote its prevention and encourage students to stand up against it. This is part of National Hazing Prevention Week at a time that best serves our students.
Events and information will be posted on our WSU Hazing Prevention Week Page.
Healthy Group Activities
For many groups, initiations and bonding rituals are important to creating a sense of community among members. Initiations and other activities are fine as long as they are voluntary and don't involve any hazing behaviors.
If your group is looking for a way to connect, try one of these activities:
- Have new members opt into playing a favorite sport or activity (for example, frisbee or video games) against current members, with no penalties for losing
- Host a talent show
- Try the UREC challenge course
- Participate in a service project together (get ideas from CCE)
- Host a quiz night to review knowledge about your organization's history and values (with no penalties for incorrect answers)
Remember: a healthy group bonding activity does not cause physical, emotional, or mental harm and is completely optional.
Additional Resources
Materials
- Download the WSU Hazing Prevention bulletin board kit.
- Training PowerPoint Presentation
- Download a PDF version of the Hazing Prevention Handout. We also have graphics you can use on social media, zoom, and email: square, vertical story/reel, and banner image.
