The Hazing Prevention Task Force, convened earlier this year and spearheaded by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, continues to examine efforts to change campus culture concerning high risk behavior in the Greek community.
The group is currently reviewing current University websites and a reporting platform where the WVU community can conveniently report hazing incidents and other social behaviors that do not align with University values. They are also benchmarking a new software system that would provide hazing prevention education to students involved in fraternity and sorority life, as well as student organizations.
As part of National Hazing Prevention Week, Sept. 24-28, the task force has planned a full slate of activities to raise awareness around the issue of hazing and the impact it has on campus. All events are free and open to the WVU community.
Today (Sept. 24)
3 to 4:30 p.m.—HAZE by WellWVU; Greenbrier Room
5 to 6:30 p.m.—Dinner with Lianne Kowiak; Hatfield’s (invitation only)
7 to 8:30 p.m.—Lianne Kowiak Lecture; Towers Blue and Gold Room
Tuesday (Sept. 25)
7 to 8 p.m.— Hazing Round Table Discussion; Gluck Theater
Wednesday (Sept. 26)
7 to 8 p.m.— Healthy Masculinity; Greenbrier Room
7 to 8 p.m.—Sorority Hazing Prevention Workshop; Shenandoah Room
Thursday (Sept. 27)
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.— Hazing Prevention Resources to be distributed around campus
Friday (Sept. 28)
All Day: #MountaineersDontHaze Social Media Campaign
The Hazing Prevention Task Force exists as a collaborative body of faculty, staff, and students charged with strategizing the intentional eradication of hazing at WVU, increase an active awareness and understating of hazing in the University community through awareness programs, policy creation, and a standardized reporting structure.
“We are dedicated to working with the administration and student leaders committed to strengthening healthy treatment of others on campus,” said Matthew Richardson, director of the WVU Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. “We plan to engage more students in opportunities to discuss acts of hazing and plan for their eradication.”
For more information, contact Richardson at matthew.richardson3@mail.wvu.edu or 304.293.8201.