Hazing Policy

The Stop Campus Hazing Act of 2024 (SCHA) amended the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education participating in Title IV federal financial aid programs to collect and publicly disclose information regarding incidents of hazing.

The Act strengthens transparency, accountability, and prevention efforts related to hazing across all student organizations and activities by mandating the publication of a Campus Hazing Transparency Report summarizing any findings (beginning July 1, 2025) concerning any established or recognized student organizations, alongside existing reporting requirements under the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act.

Institutions must make their Campus Hazing Transparency Report publicly available on their websites and update it at least twice per year. All incidents recorded must include the name of the student organization, a general description of the violation that resulted in the finding of responsibility, including whether the abuse or illegal use of alcohol or drugs was involved, the findings of the institution, any sanctions imposed, and key dates in the investigation process. No personally identifiable information is included in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Note: Urshan University and Graduate School of Theology maintains a strict prohibition on the manufacture, possession, use, sale, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, drugs, or any controlled substance without a valid prescription or required license (Urshan Code of Conduct, p. 6, UU Student Handbook, p. 9). The consumption or possession of alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances on campus is expressly forbidden and may result in severe disciplinary action, including possible expulsion (Resident Behavior Expectations, UU Student Handbook, p. 57).

In compliance with the SCHA, Urshan publicly discloses information on institutional hazing policies, definitions, reporting and investigation procedures, prevention efforts, and applicable local, state, and federal legislation. This reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and Christ-centered learning environment for all members of the campus community.

Since July 1, 2025, pursuant to Section 485(f)(9) of the Higher Education Act, Urshan University and Graduate School of Theology has had no qualifying incidents of hazing and therefore is not required to publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report for the 2025 year. Information regarding institutional hazing policies and applicable legislation is provided below.

All hazing policy statements apply to all campuses unless otherwise indicated. Questions regarding hazing policies or related compliance matters should be directed to the Associate Director of Student Services and Clery Coordinator, Rachelle Holbrook (rholbrook@urshan.edu).

Stop Campus Hazing Act

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Urshan University and Graduate School Theology strictly prohibits any form of hazing, defined as any activity that endangers the mental or physical health, or dignity, of an individual, regardless of their willingness to participate. This policy applies to all students, employees, student organizations, athletic teams (organized or intramural), and any affiliated groups or persons acting on behalf of the University.

Any incidents of hazing must be reported immediately to Campus Security, either in person at their office in Building H, by calling 720-975-6855, or via email at security@urshan.edu; to the Clery Coordinator, Rachelle Holbrook, located in the Durr Administration Building (A; Room 417), by calling 314-838-8858 ext. 2117, or emailing rholbrook@urshan.edu; or to any designated Campus Security Authority (CSA).

Reports may be made confidentially. Retaliation against any person who reports hazing or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited.

All reports will be thoroughly investigated in accordance with University procedures and the SCHA. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary actions, which may include suspension or expulsion. All sanctions and disciplinary measures will be administered by the Office of Student Services.

Urshan hazing policy

Hazing policy

Urshan is committed to preventing hazing and promoting a culture of safety, respect, and accountability. The institution will implement ongoing prevention initiatives designed to reduce hazing risks and ensure all community members understand their roles in maintaining a positive campus environment.

In addition to annual hazing prevention education for all students and employees, the institution will maintain broader prevention efforts that may include awareness campaigns, bystander-intervention training, onboarding modules for new students and new employees, and regular communication from administrative leadership reinforcing expectations. Programming will highlight how to recognize hazing behaviors, safe alternatives for team-building and community bonding, and clear steps for reporting concerns.

Targeted training will continue to be provided for Campus Security Authorities, student organization leaders, and Residence Life staff to ensure those in higher-impact roles are prepared to identify, interrupt, and report potential hazing. The institution will routinely assess its prevention strategies and refine them based on emerging best practices, campus climate data, and regulatory guidance.

Prevention Programs & Awareness

Hazing policy

The SCHA defines the term “hazing”, for purposes of reporting statistics on hazing incidents as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons), against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including:

● whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
● causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
● causing coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
● any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
● any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal or Federal law; and
● any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.

“The term ‘student organization’, for purposes of reporting under paragraph (1)(F)(iv) and paragraph (9)(A), means an organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution." — 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)6)(A)(VII).

Examples of student organizations (established, recognized/registered, and unrecognized) include: Registered student organizations; intramural sports; recreational/club sports groups; performing arts groups; honor societies; choir; athletic teams and team subgroups (i.e. linemen or quarterbacks’ groups); student government; residence hall groups; unrecognized groups (i.e. suspended, banned, derecognized,
secret societies).

Federal & State Hazing Definitions & Legislation

Hazing policy

The State of Missouri “Danny’s Law” Makes Hazing Illegal (RSMo §578.365)

Hazing policy

Context matters

Hazing policy