Hazing Prevention
What is Hazing?
What is Hazing?
When most people hear the term “hazing,” it conjures up images of fraternities and sororities. In reality, however, hazing occurs in many arenas and not just fraternities and sororities. Hazing can occur in military groups, athletic teams, bands, and any student organizations at the collegiate level. Many believe that hazing in fraternities and in general is nothing more than silly antics and harmless pranks like those they see on television or in movies.
The reality is that hazing can happen anywhere and is much more than just pranks. Hazing can cause emotional, mental, and even physical harm to individuals, and many don’t speak out about it for fear of being removed or ostracized by the group. Before you ever require a new member/rookie to do something, think about how they may perceive it as well as how someone outside of your organization may interpret the action. Stophazing.org says it best:
“In some cases, determining the risk level of hazing is fairly straightforward—as in the case of forced alcohol consumption. In other cases, however, many point to the so-called “gray areas” where it seems more complicated to predict whether or not a particular activity might be interpreted as hazing. While some activities may seem innocuous to one person, they may be considered humiliating, degrading, and harmful to another. It is often difficult for students to judge when they are crossing the line from harmless to harmful.”
Hazing Prevention Courses
Hazing Prevention Courses
Flagler College utilizes Vector Solutions to provide expert-authored, online hazing prevention courses tailored for both students and employees. These courses are designed to meet compliance requirements and build a safer, more informed campus culture.
| Course Title | Audience | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Hazing Awareness and Prevention | Students | This course educates students about the dangers of hazing, helping them recognize harmful initiation practices that may escalate into inappropriate or criminal behavior. It aims to increase awareness so students can identify and help prevent hazing incidents. |
| Hazing Awareness and Prevention for Athletes | Athletes | This course educates student-athletes on the dangers of hazing, highlighting how seemingly harmless initiation rituals can escalate into harassment, violence, or even fatal incidents. It aims to help athletes recognize hazing behaviors and take steps to prevent them within their teams and organizations. |
Features of Vector Solutions Courses:
- Interactive modules with real-life scenarios and testimonials
- Compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act and state laws
- Anonymous reporting tools through the Vector LiveSafe platform
- Accessible online 24/7 for flexible learning
How to Access Hazing Prevention Training
Click on the Vector Solutions Student Portal Link: https://flaglercollegestudents-fl.vectorlmsedu.com/training/home
Use your Flagler College login credentials
- Username – your Flagler College email address.
- Password – your Flagler College password.
Additional Prevention Resources
Alternatives to Hazing at Flagler College
Alternatives to Hazing
Why Look for Alternatives?
At Flagler College, we take pride in fostering a safe, inclusive, and values-based community. While some students may believe hazing creates stronger bonds, there are far more meaningful and ethical ways to achieve group unity, personal growth, and lasting traditions. Hazing can cause physical, emotional, and psychological harm—and it's not necessary to build an incredible experience at Flagler. Our campus and the greater St. Augustine area offer a wealth of positive alternatives that foster leadership, trust, and camaraderie without harm.
Things to Consider Before Planning Activities
Before planning events or group traditions, consider whether your activity:
- Builds others up rather than breaks them down.
- Includes all members in meaningful ways, regardless of age or ability.
- Encourages connection, accountability, and purpose.
- Reflects Flagler’s values of integrity, respect, and learning.
Positive Strategies for Group Unity
Start with a Desire to Change
Some groups at Flagler may feel unsure about how to create meaningful experiences without using hazing rituals. Begin with a clear goal: build a culture where new members are respected, supported, and welcomed. Look for ways to challenge one another that promote growth, not humiliation.
Avoid Alcohol in Activities
Group bonding doesn’t require alcohol. In fact, it often gets in the way. At Flagler College, the possession or use of alcohol on campus is prohibited, so make your events about real connection and creativity. No member, new or returning, should be pressured to consume alcohol to belong.
Create New Traditions
Remember: today’s activity can be tomorrow’s tradition. Whether it's a beach cleanup on Vilano, a game night in the Student Center, or a candlelight reflection on the West Lawn—build memories that future members will be proud to continue.
Examples of Non-Hazing Group Activities
Community Service & Philanthropy
- Adopt-a-Block: Partner with the City of St. Augustine or local organizations like St. Francis House to beautify areas downtown or assist those experiencing homelessness.
- Beach Cleanups: Organize a monthly cleanup at Anastasia State Park or Vilano Beach.
- Service Projects: Collaborate with Flagler’s Career Development Center to find meaningful service hours.
Shared Experiences & Group Bonding
- Sunrise Breakfast at the Pier: Catch the sunrise at St. Augustine Beach Pier and enjoy a group breakfast at a local diner.
- Group Dinners: Eat together in the Ponce Dining Hall or organize small group meals rotating around town.
- Candlelight Conversations: In the Solarium or Palm Garden, host guided group discussions using reflection prompts to foster connection in a safe, thoughtful way.
- Game Creation Challenge: Divide into teams and use random items to create a game. Play it on the West Lawn for fun and laughs.
Entertainment & Traditions
- Flagler Talent Show: Host it in the Lewis Auditorium or the Student Center Theater. Include everyone—members, alumni, even faculty!
- Movie Nights: Reserve a space on campus or set up a projector for an outdoor movie night on the lawn.
- Big/Little Dinners or Events: Pair new and current members for outings—grab coffee at a local coffee shop, attend a Flagler Athletics game, or enjoy First Friday Art Walk together.
Service Learning & Mentorship
- Alternative Spring Break: Coordinate through Student Leadership & Engagement to do an out-of-town service project.
- Mentorship Program: Pair each new member with a current member who can offer guidance, academic support, and encouragement.
- Alumni Panels: Invite graduates to talk about how their time at Flagler shaped them and what your organization has meant to them.
Accountability & Growth
- Study Hours in the Proctor Library: Study together weekly. Provide snacks, motivation, and peer support.
- Progress Check-ins: Have informal or formal progress reviews to encourage accountability and reflection.
- Presentation Projects: Ask new members to present on the group’s history, campus values, or community service ideas.
Athletic and Outdoor Activities
- Beach Volleyball: Play at Anastasia State Park or Flagler’s sand court.
- Intramural Sports: Compete in Flagler’s Intramural Leagues—basketball, soccer, or dodgeball.
- Flagler Scavenger Hunt: Plan a fun, respectful hunt around iconic campus and downtown sites (e.g., Castillo de San Marcos, Lightner Museum, Aviles Street).
Final Thoughts
Tradition doesn’t mean stagnation. At Flagler College, we believe in evolving our practices to reflect our values— transformative learning, citizenship with integrity, thoughtful stewardship, and a respectful and inclusive community. You can still challenge new members, but those challenges should uplift, inspire, and include. Make every activity one that contributes to a legacy you’re proud to leave behind.
If you’re unsure whether something might be hazing, reach out to Student Engagement or the Dean of Students. We’re here to help.