Inside Zation and Within a Particular Cultural Con- Tional Settings, I Generally Find There Is Wide- Text

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The purpose of the North American Interfraternal Foundation shall be to promote and support Notes leadership, educational and research initiatives that advance the North www.nif-inc.net Spring 2004 American college fraternal experience. Hazed and Confused: Transforming Hazing Cultures

by Elizabeth J. Allan, Ph.D. Hazing is a social issue that is under- what’s sional organizations. Hazing is a complex studied, under-discussed, and its power is all social problem that is shaped by power too often under-estimated. When I am asked dynamics operating in a group and/or organi- to speak with groups about hazing in educa- inside zation and within a particular cultural con- tional settings, I generally find there is wide- text. spread lack of awareness and common misun- RESEARCH SUMMARY derstandings about what is meant by the term AND PROGRESS TO Hazing activities are generally considered to “hazing,” why hazing is a problem, and what DATE: EXAMINING AND be: physically abusive, hazardous, and/or can be done to change it. In order to begin a TRANSFORMING sexually violating. The specific behaviors or change-making process, we need to identify CAMPUS HAZING activities within these categories vary widely CULTURES the problem and understand some of the among participants, groups and settings. complexities associated with it. While alcohol use is common in many types of hazing, other examples of typical hazing WHO IS ELIZABETH Hazing Defined practices include: personal servitude; sleep ALLAN? “Hazing” refers to any activity expected of deprivation and restrictions on personal someone joining a group (or to maintain full hygiene; yelling, swearing and insulting new status in a group) that humiliates, degrades or members/rookies; being forced to wear NIF ANNOUNCES 2003 risks emotional and/or physical harm, regard- embarrassing or humiliating attire in public; SCHOLARSHIP AND less of the person’s willingness to participate. FELLOWSHIP consumption of vile substances or smearing of In years past, hazing practices were typically RECIPIENTS such on one’s skin; brandings; physical beat- considered harm- ings; binge drinking and drinking games; sex- less pranks or ual simulation and sexual assault. comical antics associated with What’s Your Opinion? Why is Hazing a Problem? young men in col- Hazing can involve seemingly harmless activ- lege fraternities. At the 2003 Annual Meeting of the NIF ities, but such activities often set the stage for Today we know more risky and potentially dangerous behav- Board of Directors, a new vision statement that hazing iors. The risk level of hazing can quickly was drafted, but we’d like your opinion before extends far beyond escalate and take participants by surprise. college fraternities making it final. If you have any thoughts, Alcohol, uneven distribution of power among and is experienced suggestions or opinions to share, please con- the group/peer pressure and groupthink are by boys/men and some of the factors that can impair judgment tact us! girls/women in and contribute to increasing the danger level school groups, of hazing. Vision Statement Draft—The NIF is a catalyst university organizations, athletic for inspiring collaboration that results in a vital Hazing can be harmful on a number of teams, the mili- levels and is often related to the following interfraternal community. tary, and other social and profes- HAZING, see page 2 thinking about change-making. I usually postsecondary education, however, is Hazing, cont’d from page 1 suggest the following sequential stages pervasive and moves well beyond athlet- as a guide for thinking about change- ic and fraternal environments, affecting detrimental outcomes: making. students of diverse identities and experiences. While we know hazing incidents • Physical harm and death Help others to: have been reported in marching bands, • Emotional harm • Notice hazing. theatre groups, ski clubs, freshman • Student attrition • Interpret hazing as a problem. camps, orientation groups, residence liv- • Breeding of mistrust among group • Recognize a responsibility to change ing units, and other social and academic members it. clubs, no studies have yet collected data • Cultivation of a school/campus cul- • Acquire the skills needed to take to document the nature and prevalence ture of abuse action. of hazing among all types of student • Bad press for individuals, organiza- • Take action! groups on college campuses. Without tion and school/campus or commu- this data, many are likely to view hazing nity According to this model, the most as a problem for Greek-letter organiza- • Lawsuits and liability effective way to educate about hazing is tions and athletic teams only. Directing to begin by drawing attention to hazing hazing education at these groups alone In some cases, determining the risk and helping others interpret hazing as a may jeopardize the health and safety of level of hazing is fairly straightfor- problem. Campus and school officials, many who are subject to hazing in other ward—as in the case of forced alcohol and student leaders, can do this by pub- types of student groups. consumption. In other cases however, licizing hazing policies (or establishing many point to the so called “grey policies when they don’t exist); provid- Research is also needed to help establish areas” where it seems more complicat- ing information to students’ parents, “best practices” in relation to hazing ed to predict whether or not a particu- staff, faculty and community members interventions. Scholars are now consid- lar activity might be interpreted as about how to identify hazing and where ering how hazing is shaped by many hazing. While some activities may to report it; providing assurances of sup- social and institutional forces rather seem innocuous to one person, they port for those who do report being than understanding it as solely a prob- may be considered humiliating, hazed, establishing consequences for lem rooted in personality traits or other degrading and harmful to another. It is those who participate in hazing; and individual characteristics. Research is often difficult for students to judge most importantly, developing incentives important because it will help us to clar- when they are crossing the line from for the implementation of non-hazing ify the causes of hazing, identify envi- harmless to harmful. For instance, it is group initiations and activities. ronmental and socio-economic factors, becoming increasingly common for and create new strategies for eradicating women’s groups to involve sexual sim- The Role of Research harmful hazing activities. ulation in hazing rituals. While some Scholarly attention to hazing has also suggest such an activity is just “a joke”; focused largely on the impact of hazing Hazing is a complex social problem others consider it degrading, insulting within athletics and Greek life. The with no “easy answers.” Those of us who and even threatening—especially for most extensive empirical data regarding have worked with groups to transform a many young women who have experi- hazing practices were generated from hazing culture know there are many enced the threat of sexual harassment, the Alfred University/NCAA study on challenges to making meaningful stalking and/or assault. Students need college athletes (1999), which found change. However, we must not forget guidance in helping them understand that over 76% of all athletes at more that every individual has an important that hazing isn’t simply about the than 1,000 National Collegiate Athletic role to play in helping to solve the prob- activity (though this is one factor), it’s Association schools experienced some lem of hazing. Each individual action also about the process—the ways in form of sports-related hazing during can make a difference. Together, we can which power and control are exercised 1998-99. Other accounts of hazing have continue to build awareness and develop among group members and how new been provided by author/journalist effective intervention and prevention members or rookies are made to feel Hank Nuwer (1990, 1999, 2000), and a strategies to eliminate harmful hazing. about their place in the group. number of thesis and dis- sertation studies have Help others to: Making Change focused on hazing in Eradicating hazing can seem like an the context of Greek Notice hazing. overwhelming undertaking, but it’s life (Holmes, 1999; important to remember that every Lowery, 1998; Shaw, Interpret hazing as a problem. individual can play an important role 1992) and athletics Recognize a responsibility to change it. in making positive change. I usually ( Johnson, 2000). suggest the following steps (adapted Acquire the skills needed to take action. The hazing problem in from Berkowitz 1994) as a guide for Take action!

2 who is Research Summary and Progress to Date: Elizabeth Allan? Examining and Transforming Campus Hazing Cultures Elizabeth J. Allan, Ph.D. by Elizabeth J. Allan, Ph.D., Principal Investigator is an Assistant The NIF began a partnership with climates and to inform best practices for Professor of Elizabeth J. Allan, Ph.D.in 2002, provid- hazing prevention and intervention. Higher ing funding for grant research for her Educational research study “Examining and Research Goals Leadership Transforming Campus Hazing Cultures. • This study aims to generate breadth of graduate pro- knowledge and promote more in-depth grams at the Overview of the Project understanding about hazing in postsec- Elizabeth J. Allan, University of Once thought of as simply aberrant behav- ondary educational institutions with Ph.D. Maine. She ior perpetrated by a few isolated collegiate possible applications to other popula- has been groups or teams and/or the military, it is tions as well. More specifically, the involved in education about haz- increasingly evident that hazing behaviors goals of this research are to: ing since the early 1990s when she are far more widespread involving students proposed and coordinated lobby- of diverse identities and experiences. • Investigate the prevalence and nature ing efforts for the passage of a Scholars are now considering how hazing of hazing behaviors among students in statewide anti-hazing law in New is shaped by many social and institutional U.S. colleges and universities. Hampshire. She has written a forces rather than understanding it as sole- number of essays, book chapters ly a problem rooted in personality traits or • Offer research-based strategies for and encyclopedia entries on the other individual characteristics. Viewing responding to and preventing the topic of hazing and is the co- hazing as simply a problem of Greek-letter problem of hazing among college stu- founder and manager of organizations or athletes is shortsighted dents with transferability to middle www.StopHazing.org, an educa- and may jeopardize the health and safety and secondary schools. tional website about hazing. of students involved with hazing in many other arenas. In the end, this will hinder Outcomes Allan frequently speaks on the the overall quality of learning environ- It is anticipated that empirical data gener- topic of hazing at colleges, ments in schools and postsecondary insti- ated from the study will inform best prac- national education conferences tutions. tices related to the intervention and pre- and schools. She has been vention of hazing including: sharpened interviewed about hazing for This proposed research will investigate the insights about the nature and prevalence newspapers and radio shows nature and prevalence of hazing practices of hazing; characteristics of students and throughout the country, and across a range of student groups within institutions most at risk for hazing; fac- magazines including TeenPeople, diverse types of postsecondary institutions tors that facilitate and/or impede the Glamour, Sports Illustrated and in the U.S. By addressing the lack of reporting of hazing; and qualities of effec- Good Housekeeping. empirical data, the study will provide foun- tive policy and educational efforts dational data from which to assess campus research, see page 7

Implications and Significance: Making a Difference

Numerous anecdotal and journalistic accounts of hazing practices have documented the prob- lems of hazing (including death, physical injuries, emotional harm, and attrition) among college students (Nuwer, 1990, 1999, 2000; Robinson, 1998). Yet, little is known empirically about the prevalence and nature of hazing in this population. Many students and professional staff in colleges and universities are uninformed about the realities of hazing, and stereotypes shape per- ceptions of hazing as only a problem for Greeks and athletes and/or simply harmless antics and pranks. Data generated from this study will provide empirical data related to the prevalence and nature of hazing behaviors for students in U.S. higher education. As such, the data will serve as a platform for advancing further understanding of the problem in a larger context and inform more viable approaches to the intervention and prevention of hazing by promoting campus cultures that are more fully aware of the realities of hazing and are less tolerant of harmful hazing

3 NIF announces 2003 Scholarship and Fellowship Recipients

Lloyd G. Balfour Fellowships Lloyd G. Balfour Fellowships $2,500 James H. McLaughlin Scholarship $1,000 $700 Edward Tulin, Delta Upsilon, Law Courtney Collins-Shapiro, Elizabeth James, Kappa Epsilon, Timothy Braude, Alpha Epsilon Pi Delta Delta Delta, Policy and Pharmacy Leadership Jack Anson Fellowship $2,000 Ryan Kraemer, Kappa Sigma, Medicine Michael Fontana, Zeta Beta Tau, Molly Morgan, Gamma Phi Beta, Meghan Johnson, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Mass Communications Science and Technology Policy Student Personnel Services Stephanie Gause, Delta Gamma, Law Amelia Purser, Delta Gamma, Mary Louise Roller Scholarship Medicine $1,000 Mario Mazz, Zeta Psi, Oenology Stephanie Gause, Delta Gamma, Law Shannon Sauter, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Student Affairs Virginia Smith, Delta Gamma, Public 2004 Scholarship Applications Available Relations and Issues Management Applications for NIF scholarships are now available online at www.NIF-inc.net. Applicants may apply directly online or download an application to be mailed. All applications and supporting materials such as tran- scripts and letters of recommendation must be postmarked no later than May 15, 2004 to be eligible for consideration. Complete instructions are available on the website. George W. Cox

George W. Cox, Jr., Immediate Past "My early goal the very best examples of Greek leader- Chairman of the NIF, began his was to focus on ship and scholarship." Greek experience at Old Dominion enhancing the University when he joined Pi Kappa profile of all pro- A highlight of George's lifetime of Alpha. His membership there fessional fraterni- involvement in the Greek world came became a springboard to a life of ties within NIF, with his election as president of the NIF exemplary professional and civic as some ques- in 1999. "It was an honor and pleasure accomplishment. tioned NIF's rele- to interact with truly outstanding leaders vance to that in the Greek system. Many former presi- George has practiced law for thirty group," he dents and executive directors, as well as years, the past twenty as principal of recalled recently. outstanding leaders in higher education, Cox & Associates, P.C. in Myrtle "That has been often gravitate to the NIF Board. The Beach, SC. In addition to serving on accomplished and it has been exciting to wealth of experience and problem-solving many other community projects and see the growth of new programs and new talents they bring to the Board is formi- boards, he is a past national officer of partnerships with the College Fraternity dable." the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity Editors Association (CFEA) and the and a past national president of the National Association of Student While George has 'retired' from the Professional Fraternity Association. Personnel Administrators (NASPA) as Board, he continues to be a staunch ally His work with both of those organiza- well as the Campus Hazing Cultures of the NIF and the North American col- tions ultimately led to his involvement project. In addition, the NIF has stayed lege fraternity system. We wish him the with NIF. the course with important scholarships very best and thank him for his yeoman for those graduate students who serve as service.

4 announcesNIF NIF Partners with CFEA on Awards Program new leaders In keeping with NIF’s new-found NIF funding in support of positive momentum to serve as a catalyst for interfraternal activities. NIF repre- “good things Greek,” it has recently sentatives will be on hand May 8 in partnered with the College Fraternity Chicago to present a check at the The NIF is proud to Editor’s Association to support and CFEA Award’s Banquet—and to rec- welcome 5 new members enhance CFEA’s already prestigious ognize those editors who have gone to the Board of Directors awards program. NIF’s own publica- “over and above” in their efforts. who bring much experience, tions award program has been “blended” More extensive integration of NIF into the CFEA application process in a and CFEA award’s goals, objectives, talent and expertise. win-win-win for the two organizations, and mutual promotion is planned for Greek editors and their individual next year. Peg Crawford, organizations. Alpha Omicron Pi NIF will be providing a $2000 spon- You can register for the CFEA sorship grant in support of this year’s annual conference at www.CFEA.org. David Persky, Kappa Sigma program, with present intent to be a The event is at the Renaissance Oak Clifford Schechter, long-term partner with CFEA. As the Brook Hotel, May 6-9 in the Chicago oldest and largest interfraternal organi- area. Phi Alpha Delta, Alpha zation, CFEA is an excellent outlet for Epsilon Pi, Rho Pi Phi Barbara Snyder, Alpha Phi Linda Wardhammar, 2003 Balfour Fellowship Recipient— Gamma Phi Beta Ryan Kraemer Fellowship Ryan Kraemer is from a small town “has helped me ment when it was rechartered in (Hammond, Louisiana) but that tremendously 2000. Ryan was additionally very hasn’t stopped him from having big active on campus as an orientation dreams. The NIF through the L.G. and I’m deeply leader, senator and honor court rep- Balfour Fellowships, is proud to be a grateful to resentative. part of those dreams. In 2003, Ryan have been was awarded a $2,500 Balfour Ryan says he is incredibly honored Fellowship in recognition of his out- chosen. to have received a Balfour fellowship standing academic achievements and It is a very big and is inspired by what the NIF rep- his exceptional community and fra- honor.” resents. The financial reward “has helped me tremendously and I’m ternal activities. His fellowship will Ryan Kraemer help him achieve a medical degree deeply grateful to have been chosen. from LSU. It is a very big honor.” also values the deep bonds he shares Ryan, a member of Kappa Sigma at with his Kappa Sig brothers that run far Ryan’s plans include starting a fami- Centenary College, credits his fraternity beyond ordinary friendships. ly practice where he looks forward to membership with developing his leader- the opportunity to follow his ship and his people skills, both of which While an undergraduate, Ryan served patients throughout their lifetime. have come in handy in medical school. his chapter as Rush Chair and We’d say that Ryan’s future patients He noticed that he seems much more at Treasurer. He worked diligently for are very fortunate indeed and the ease meeting people and knows that an months to revive the defunct IFC on NIF is proud to have played a small important part of his profession is mak- his campus, helped develop the consti- part in helping him reach his goals. ing his patients feel comfortable. He tution and felt a great sense of achieve-

5 2003 Thank youDONORS!

Founders’ Circle ($10,000+) William C. Schilling, Delta Sigma Pi, Omega Financial Inc. Sidney H. Guller, Alpha Epsilon Pi Alpha Gamma Rho George F. Patterson, Acacia Richard H. Sudheimer, Triangle Edward Pease Chairman’s Circle ($2,500+) Tau Kappa Epsilon Educational Fdn. David Persky, Kappa Sigma Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity Foundation Chapter of Theta Chi Kenneth D. Tracey, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Louise Kier Zirretta, Phi Sigma Sigma Phi Delta Theta Fraternity Phi Gamma Delta Educational Fdn. Leadership Circle ($1,000+) Corporate Partners ($250+) Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi Foundation ARIA Communications Phi Rho Sigma Medical Society Henry L. Bauer, Kappa Sigma Burr, Patterson & Auld Company, Inc. Phyllis B. Pryor, Kappa Kappa Gamma Philip H. Cohen, Alpha Epsilon Pi Capstone Development Corporation Kris Brandt Riske, Gamma Phi Beta David M. Coyne, CFRE, Kappa Hobbs Group/Kirklin & Co., LLC Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation Sigma Hyatt Corporation Sigma Chi Foundation James E. Greer, Jr., Zeta Beta Tau M-J Insurance* Sigma Delta Tau Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Marriott & Renaissance Hotels Sigma Kappa Foundation Phi Kappa Tau Foundation Ness & Company Sigma Sigma Sigma Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation Norval B. Stephens, Delta Tau Delta *Indicates Corporate Partner Plus ($1000+) Theta Tau Benefactors ($500+) Adele Williamson, Phi Mu Alpha Chi Omega Foundation Partners ($100+) Zeta Beta Tau Foundation Howard R. Alter, Jr., Theta Chi Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority George A. Beck, Pi Lambda Phi Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity Donors Eugene D. Cote’, Phi Gamma Delta Alpha Sigma Phi Educational Mary Barbee, Sigma Sigma Sigma Delta Sigma Pi Foundation Fran Beque, Pi Beta Phi John D. Peterson, Sigma Chi Alpha Sigma Tau Melissa L. Bradford, Kappa Alpha Phi Sigma Sigma Robert K. Ausman, Alpha Epsilon Pi Theta Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation Alpha Xi Delta Foundation William Bringham, Sigma Chi Sigma Chi Fraternity Beta Theta Pi Fraternity Karly Burns George W. Spasyk, Lambda Chi Marcia H. Bond, Kappa Alpha Theta Delta Omicron International Music Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity Fraternity Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation Peg Crawford, Alpha Omicron Pi Angela Guillory, Sigma Kappa Ralph D. Daniel, Phi Kappa Psi Daniel Harrop Patrons ($250+) Delta Delta Delta Fraternity Carl Hartman Carlton F. Bennett, Theta Chi Delta Tau Delta Fraternity William D. Jenkins, Phi Kappa Tau George W. Cox, Jr., Pi Kappa Alpha, Delta Upsilon Educational Foundation Ruth Sieber Johnson, Sigma Alpha Iota Phi Alpha Delta Delta Zeta Foundation Litwack Travel Service Nancy A. Frick, Kappa Alpha Theta James A. Estes, Kappa Alpha Order Cynthia McCrory, Alpha Sigma Tau Edward Heminger, Delta Tau Delta C. Allen Favrot, Delta Kappa Epsilon Robert Miller, Phi Delta Theta Terrence Hogan, NASPA Kenneth File, Delta Tau Delta Durward Owen, Pi Kappa Phi Kappa Alpha Order Gamma Iota Sigma Charles L. Pride, Phi Delta Theta Nancy N. Leonard, Alpha Chi Aaron Girson, Sigma Alpha Mu Beth Saul, Alpha Epsilon Phi Omega Fredrick B. Hammert, Delta Chi T.J. Schmitz, Tau Kappa Epsilon Richard N. McKaig, Delta Chi Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity Laura Sweet, Sigma Sigma Sigma Henry B. Poor, Psi Upsilon Kappa Delta Rho Foundation Susan Welch, Delta Gamma Manuel F. Plana, Lambda Chi Alpha Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Gale Wilkerson, Delta Tau Delta Gregory McElroy, Zeta Psi Michael A. Moxley, Tau Kappa Epsilon William R. Nester, Pi Kappa Alpha

6 National Consortium for research, cont’d from page 3 Academics and Sports: The mission of the NCAS is to create a better society by focusing designed to prevent hazing. Results of National Association of Student the study will be shared with practition- on educational attainment and Personnel Administrators: NASPA using the power and appeal of ers, scholars and the general public provides professional development, pro- through reports, publications and pre- sport to positively affect social motes exemplary practices, and is a change. sentations. Based on the outcomes of leader in policy development in student the study, the research team will develop personnel administration. Association for Student Judicial and distribute a wide range of educa- Affairs: ASJA facilitates the integration tional materials and serve as consultants National Collegiate Athletic Association: NCAA is a voluntary of student development concepts with to support educators with efforts to principles of judicial practice in a post- transform campus hazing cultures. association of about 1,200 colleges and universities, athletic conferences and secondary educational setting, and pro- motes, encourages and supports student Timeline and Progress sports organizations devoted to the sound administration of intercollegiate development professionals who have A project of this magnitude requires a responsibility for student judicial affairs. design that spans multiple years. athletics. Financial support from the NIF has Association of Fraternity Advisors: been exceedingly helpful in advancing AFA is an international organization NIF funding has provided a profession- the hazing study in a number of providing resources, recognition and al grant writer to develop a letter of respects including: the development support for campus fraternity/sorority intent for the Ford Foundation and full and refinement of the research design, advising professionals. proposal to the Balfour Foundation. identification of broad-based We are continuing to work on identify- American College Personnel ing potential funding sources and plan support/collaborators, and progress Association: ACPA fosters college stu- toward acquiring external funding to to send proposals to the NCAA, the dent learning through the generation NASPA Foundation, Lumina support the initiative. Thanks to sup- and dissemination of knowledge, which port from the NIF, some highlights of Foundation and the Charles Stewart informs policies, practices and programs Mott Foundation among others. our accomplishments over the past year for the higher education community. include: National Association of Campus The NIF welcomes additional research Identifying and securing the participa- Activities: NACA links the higher edu- partners as well as input on the scope of tion of nationally recognized scholars cation and entertainment communities the research project and ideas for and practitioners to serve on the in a business and learning partnership. prospective funders. Please contact us if Research Advisory Committee for the National Orientation Directors you would like information. project. Association: NODA provides education ([email protected] or 317/848-7829) and leadership in the fields of college Confirming collaborators and co-spon- student orientation, transition and sors for the project including: retention.

NEW website Please note that the NIF has a new website address www.nif-inc.net. More than 90% of applicants in 2003 used the website to apply for scholarships. In addition to scholarship applications you will find the ADDRESS NIF grant application, a listing of NIF Board members, NIF histo- ry, issues of NIF Notes and more.

7 2003 NIF PUBLICATION AWARD WINNERS

NPHC First Place: Kappa Alpha Psi Second Place: Kappa Alpha Psi

PFA First Place: Delta Sigma Pi Second Place: Delta Sigma Pi

NIC 2004 Officers (from left to right): David Coyne, CFRE, Vice President; Louise First Place: Phi Delta Theta Kier Zirretta, Chair of the Board; Bill Schilling, Treasurer; Ken Tracey, President. Second Place Delta Tau Delta Third Place: Sigma Tau Gamma NIC Member Organizations 28% 2003 NIF ANNUAL FUND NPC NPC Member Organizations 54% First Place: Alpha Omicron Pi PARTICIPATION Second Place: Kappa Delta PFA Member Organizations 18% Third Place: Kappa Alpha Theta NIF Board 92%

0 20406080100 Notes

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