As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors, Williston State College strictly prohibits all forms of hazing.
This page is dedicated to creating awareness and bringing hazing into the open so it can be addressed directly. We recognize that unhealthy traditions do not disappear easily, and WSC is committed to providing education that challenges cultures supporting hazing and to supporting students who have concerns.
Report a Hazing Incident
Hazing has no place in our community. If you have concerns, please use the options below:
Hazing Incident Report Form
What is Hazing?
According to the Stop Campus Hazing Act, hazing is:
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (individually or with others) against another person, regardless of willingness to participate, in connection with initiation into, affiliation with, or membership in a student organization. Such acts create risks—beyond reasonable ones associated with higher education or the organization— of physical or psychological injury.
Examples of Hazing
- Whipping, beating, striking, or applying harmful substances
- Inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, or extreme calisthenics
- Forcing consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
- Pressuring individuals to perform sexual acts
- Using threats that cause fear of bodily harm
- Any activity that violates local, State, Tribal, or Federal law
Student organization includes clubs, teams, fraternities/sororities, band, and student government— any group where at least two members are enrolled WSC students, whether or not the group is officially recognized by the College.
North Dakota State Law
NDCC Section 12.1-17-10 – Hazing – Penalty
A person is guilty of an offense if, during another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, they willfully engage in conduct creating a substantial risk of physical injury. “Conduct” includes treatment or forced activity likely to harm health or safety, or cause extreme mental stress.
- Class A misdemeanor if conduct causes injury
- Class B misdemeanor if conduct does not cause injury
Campus Hazing Transparency Report
No report at this time.
WSC Hazing Guidelines
Hazing has no benefits and can cause serious, long-term harm—including physical injury, emotional trauma, or even death. At WSC, we encourage organizations to replace hazing with activities that build unity, promote growth, and strengthen community.
Alternatives to Hazing
Foster Unity
- Work together on a community service project
- Visit a ropes course for team-building
- Plan a joint social or athletic event with another group
Develop Problem-Solving Abilities
- Have members collaborate on solutions to organizational challenges
Develop Leadership Skills
- Encourage campus involvement outside the organization
- Include new members in committees or leadership roles
- Pair mentors with new members
- Invite leaders from campus or the community to share experiences
Instill a Sense of Membership
- Organize social events for all members
- Hold a membership circle or reflection activity
Promote Scholarship
- Utilize WSC’s academic and tutoring resources
- Set group study hours
- Invite experts to share study and time management tips
Build Awareness of History
- Invite alumni to share the organization’s origins and traditions
Aid Career Goals
- Participate in WSC’s career development workshops
Resources
National Resources
Video Resources
Recognizing & Reporting Hazing
Williston State College is a community that cares. If you witness hazing, please report it. Every report is investigated by College officials, and when applicable, by law enforcement.
In an Emergency
College Contacts
- Vice President of Student Services 701-774-4200 (student-related incidents)
- Human Resources: 701-774-4204 (employee-related incidents)
See Something, Say Something
Campus safety is everyone’s responsibility. WSC participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s program. If you see something that doesn’t seem right, report it.
Bystander Intervention
WSC promotes bystander intervention as a prevention strategy. Students are encouraged to take safe action when witnessing concerning situations and to participate in awareness programs that build a culture of safety and respect.