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College offers students many opportunities to meet people, explore their interests and find communities where they feel like they belong. Whether they join a club, team, fraternity or sorority, academic program or another group, these experiences can become an important part of college life.��

Sometimes, though, group expectations and traditions can cross a line into hazing. Families can play an important role by knowing what hazing looks like, noticing potential warning signs or concerning behaviors and creating opportunities for students to talk about their experiences.��

Here are five things to know.��

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers them, regardless of whether they are willing to participate.��

Hazing may be described as a tradition, bonding experience, team-building activity or rite of passage. What an activity is called matters less than what students are expected to do and how it affects their health, safety and well-being.��

Learn more about hazing prevention and reporting.��

One change doesn’t necessarily mean your student is experiencing hazing. Instead, consider changes in the context of what you know about your student and pay attention if something doesn’t seem right.��

4. Start a conversation and listen��

If you’re concerned, ask open-ended questions that give your student room to talk about their experience.����

You might ask:��

• “How are things going with your group?”��

• “What kinds of activities have you been doing together?”��

• “You seem exhausted lately. What’s been keeping you so busy?”��

• “How do you feel about the group’s traditions?”��

• “What happens if someone doesn’t want to participate?”��

Listen without judgment and try not to jump immediately into problem-solving. Students may be more willing to share when they know they can talk openly without being blamed, criticized or pressured to make an immediate decision.��

If they share something concerning, remind them that they deserve to be safe and supported. You can help them think through their options and connect with campus resources when they're ready.��

You also don’t need to determine whether something officially qualifies as hazing before reaching out for guidance.��

5. Know where to turn for help��

If you become concerned about possible hazing, encourage your student to seek support and report what is happening.��

Report suspected hazing��

Suspected hazing involving �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder students can be reported to Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution (SCCR). Students, family members and others can share concerns even if they aren’t certain whether an activity meets the definition of hazing.��

Reporting concerns early gives the university an opportunity to review the information, assess potential risks, follow up as appropriate and connect students or organizations with resources.��

Find support��

Your student can also seek confidential support or help navigating their options. Office of Victim Assistance (OVA) provides free and confidential information, consultation, support, advocacy and counseling for students who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic, disturbing or disruptive event, including hazing.��

Student Outreach, Advocacy & Support (SOAS) can help students navigate challenging situations and connect with campus and community resources.��Families can also contact SOAS for guidance if they are concerned about their student’s well-being and aren’t sure what support they may need.��

You don’t have to have all the answers before reaching out. Sharing a concern can be an important first step in helping your student get support.��