National Hazing Prevention Week: A Q&A with Travis Apgar
Organized by the Hazing Prevention Network, National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW) is a time when communities, institutions, organizations and individuals make a concerted effort to raise awareness and increase education about hazing. Recognized Sept. 22–26, the theme of NHPW 2025 is “Be the leader. Prevent hazing.” with a focus on education, advocacy, awareness and fundraising.
We sat down with Travis Apgar, vice president for student affairs, and member of the Hazing Prevention Network Board of Directors, to discuss hazing on CWRU’s campus.
What constitutes hazing, and how frequently does it occur?
Hazing is any activity that humiliates, degrades or endangers members of a group as an expectation of gaining or continuing membership. Studies indicate that as many as 55% of all college students involved in clubs, teams and organizations experience hazing. Hazing is often viewed by perpetrators as an attempt to foster group bonding or secure a sense of belonging or commitment..
Who experiences hazing?
Any student can experience hazing, and it most commonly occurs to members of a group, club, or team such as an athletic organization, a fraternity or sorority, or other student organizations. Hazing occurs among both male and female students. In a 2008 National Study, 73% of students involved in social fraternities or sororities experienced behaviors meeting the definition of hazing in order to join or maintain membership in their group; 74% of students involved in athletics programs experienced behaviors meeting the definition of hazing in order to join or maintain membership on their team. While those experiences rose to the top of the list, there were many others, such as academic clubs, performing arts groups, and honors organizations in which hazing occurs.
Why is hazing a problem?
Hazing is a problem because it causes both visible and hidden harm. Hazing often involves risky behaviors like binge drinking, sleep deprivation or humiliation. While some cases make media headlines due to injury or death—at least one hazing-related death has occurred on a U.S. campus every year since 1959—many more leave lasting but less visible scars. Students who endure hazing often suffer hidden harm such as anxiety, depression, academic decline or withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed. Beyond individual harm, hazing erodes trust, belonging and safety in campus communities while also exposing students, teams and organizations, and campuses to serious legal and reputational liabilities.
What measures does CWRU take to prevent hazing?
Case Western Reserve University strongly affirms that hazing is adverse to our culture, overall mission and values. Through the prevention of hazing incidents via education and reporting protocols, stopping hazing occurrences in progress, holding individuals and student organizations accountable, and keeping public records, CWRU commits to providing a space free from hazing. An important component of a hazing-free experience is instilling in students the knowledge and tools to build onboarding experiences for members that are welcoming, respectful, and meaningful.
All students complete an anti-hazing training module before they are eligible to participate in student organization. Additionally, all individuals who advise or coach a CWRU student organization must complete a mandatory anti-hazing training module as well.
How can students prevent hazing from taking place?
Students who are involved in organizations or groups on campus should speak out if they are being hazed or have seen other students being hazed. Be an active upstander within our community: if you become aware of hazing practices, use the many resources we have available in our community to report it. In doing so, you will have spared your fellow students from potential emotional and physical pain these outdated, unnecessary and intolerable practices cause. We are a caring community of the world’s brightest minds. We must take care of one another.
What is the Stop Campus Hazing Act, and what does it mean for students?
The Stop Campus Hazing Act is the first federal legislation of its kind aimed at preventing hazing. It requires colleges and universities to publicly report hazing incidents under the Clery Act and provide hazing prevention education to students. Its goal is to increase transparency, accountability and awareness so campuses can better protect students from hazing. For individuals across campus who are designated as a responsible employee, otherwise known as mandated reporters, hazing incidents or allegations need to be reported to CWRU Public Safety.
I have experienced hazing, what should I do?
For immediate action, individuals should report a hazing concern directly to Public Safety. They can also use one of the following ways described in the Anti-Hazing Policy and shared here:
- Community Concerns Reporting System (CCRS)
- Contacting a staff member of:
- Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
- Office of the Dean of Students
- Public Safety
- Other law enforcement agencies
You can also ask questions about what activities may be considered hazing by connecting with the following additional offices:
In asking questions and reporting any concerns with these additional offices, the hazing allegations will be immediately shared with Public Safety.
In addition to reporting mechanisms through which action will be taken, there are equally impactful support resources available to those who have experienced hazing. I urge them to seek support from University Health and Counseling Services, usee the 24/7 TimelyCare services or connect with your Four-Year Advisor or a faculty member—you will be supported.
How is CWRU recognizing National Hazing Prevention Week?
As part of CWRU’s Be the Leader campaign, the Division of Student Affairs is raising awareness to promote a safe, inclusive campus community.
The feature event of the week, where I will be speaking, will take place on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 4:30 p.m. in Eldred Hall Theater. Free, limited-edition t-shirts will be given away at this event. First-year students attending this event can receive Explore credit.
During the week, there will also be hazing prevention yard signs posted around campus. On Friday, Sept. 26, stop by the Spirit Wall or TVUC to sign the Pledge to Prevent Hazing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and show your commitment to building a safer CWRU community. You can also Pledge to Prevent Hazing by signing online.
