Talking about Hazing

Please recognize that students go through many natural and normal changes during their college experiences.  If your student does not return your phone call in what you would consider a reasonable time frame that may just be a part of his or her development.  As students grow, it is possible for the parents and students to have emotional growing pains.  For many students, coming to college is the first time they have been independent.  Here are a few tips that might help when talking to your student:

• Remember, your student is an adult
• Your student is probably a little different than when in high school
• People communicate differently
• Listen to what your student says
• Treat your student with respect

Here are some questions and statements you may want to consider starting with:

• Let your student know you care about him or her.
• Are you okay?
• Address your concern.  “I’m worried about you.  It’s unusual for you not to reply to my emails.”
• Are you in the process of joining any club/group/organization/team on campus?  If so, what group?
• What types of activities do you do with a club/group/organization/team?
• Are you being forced to do anything unreasonable?
• Do you feel deprived of any necessity (food, shelter, sleep)?
• Is there alcohol involved with any activities?
• If you want to learn more, there is a university website that can help

Basics about filing a hazing complaint
Reporting an incident of hazing is not about getting people in trouble—it is about keeping people safe.  The faculty and staff at FSU believe that students should be able to participate in campus activities free of concerns for personal safety.  Hazing can result in severe injury or death.  If you are truly concerned about the personal health and safety of someone, you would do anything to get them out of jeopardy.  Reporting the activity to people who can stop the activity is the best way to do this.  However, reporting hazing without providing your name limits the University’s ability to stop the behavior. 

• Report hazing to police in the city alleged hazing occurs  (FSU Police 850.644.1234)
• Be specific with details including dates, times, activities and names
• Have facts, not assumptions
• Give your name and your student’s name to the police
• Be prepared for your student to possibly feel angry and hurt or relieved and grateful if you make a complaint on his/her behalf.  Also know it could potentially save someone’s life. 

Helpful Links  

• Report Hazing
  
• Hazing Definition and Policy
  
• Seminole Creed: The Values and Morals of the FSU Community
• Chad Meredith Act synopsis