Stop Campus Hazing Act

At Northeastern State University, joining a student club, Greek organization, or sports team should be an exciting and welcoming experience, never a dangerous or humiliating one. The federal Stop Campus Hazing Act is a law designed to protect students by forcing schools to be completely open about hazing. Because of this law, NSU is required to publish a public report twice a year showing any campus organizations that have been found responsible through our conduct process of breaking the University's hazing policy, provide related training, and track yearly statistics. This webpage is incredibly important because secrecy is what allows hazing to continue. By putting the facts out in the open and giving the community a safe and direct way to report concerns, we can work together to keep the RiverHawk community safe, supportive, and respectful for everyone. When reported these incidents will be reviewed to determine if they fit the University's hazing policy and then investigated in the manner listed in the Student Handbook. 

Northeastern State University does not tolerate acts of hazing by individuals or organization members.

At Northeastern State University, hazing is officially defined as any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of an individual for the purposes of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in any group or organization.

When viewing behavior within a fraternity, sorority, athletic team, or student organization, remember these important NSU compliance standards:

• Consent is Not a Defense: It does not matter if the person being hazed willingly agreed, volunteered, or signed up for the activity. Under NSU policy, express or implied consent is never an excuse for hazing.

• Passive Participation is a Violation: If you are present, know that hazing is happening, and do nothing, you are violating university policy. Apathy, staying silent, or knowingly witnessing/observing hazing are considered conduct violations.

• On or Off Campus: NSU policy applies to behavior that occurs on university premises, at university-affiliated or sponsored activities, and off-campus if it affects our community.

Specific Behaviors That Should Be Reported

If you experience, witness, or hear about an organization forcing or pressure-testing members through any of the following actions, report it to the University immediately:

• Physical Harm or Discomfort: Striking another student by hand or with any instrument (paddling), branding, tattooing, piercing, or creating excessive physical fatigue.

• Psychological Shocks: Activities designed to cause mental discomfort, extreme embarrassment, harassment, public stunts, buffoonery, or ridicule.

• Forced or Advocated Substance Use: Forcing, pressuring, or encouraging the use or misuse of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any other substances during organizational events.

• Personal Servitude & Tasking: Persecuting or harassing individuals with humiliating personal tasks, running errands for active members, or assigning duties that are not expected of every member of the group.

• Academic Interference: Forcing members into late-night sessions, sleep deprivation, or mandatory meetings that directly interfere with their classes, studying, or academic responsibilities.

• Morally Degrading Situations: Forcing individuals to wear public apparel that is conspicuous or not normally in good taste, or placing them in situations that violate their personal or moral values.

If you have experienced, witnessed, or heard about an incident of hazing, please use one of the options below to report it. Do not assume someone else has already reported it.

Emergency Reporting (24/7)

If someone is in immediate physical danger, requires medical attention, or if an incident is actively occurring, contact emergency services immediately:

• NSU University Police Department (UPD): 918-444-2468 (All Campuses)

• Off-Campus / Local Police: Dial 911

Online Reporting Tools

You can submit a report online from any device. You have the option to remain anonymous.

• NSU Report Concern or Incident Page

Note on Anonymity: Choosing to remain anonymous may limit the university’s ability to thoroughly investigate or take official disciplinary action if investigators cannot follow up for essential details.

Report to a Staff Member

To speak directly with a university official during standard business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM):

• Office of Title IX & Compliance: Call 918-444-2120, email titleix@nsuok.edu, or visit the Seminary Hall, Suite 103 on the Tahlequah Campus.

• Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities: Call 918-444-2260 or email conduct@nsuok.edu.

Confidential Campus Resources

If you want to discuss an incident or seek advice without triggering an official university investigation, you can speak to a confidential resource. These professionals are not required to report incidents to the administration:

• HawkReach Counseling Services: Call 918-444-2042, email to set an appointment at hawkreach@nsuok.edu, or visit the Leoser Center on the Tahlequah Campus.

• NSU Student Advocate: Contact via HawkReach info above to discuss safety planning and navigation support or you can email at casemanager@nsuok.edu.

NSU Student Handbook policy on page 63

Clery Center Website - Stop Campus Hazing Act Info

Congressional Website - H.R.5646 - Stop Campus Hazing Act