NDSCS's Commitment to a Safe College Community
NDSCS is committed to fostering a safe and respectful learning environment. Hazing is strictly prohibited under college policy and North Dakota law (NDCC § 12.1-17-10), and it stands in direct opposition to the values we uphold as a college community.
All students should expect to be treated with dignity and respect. Hazing has no place in the Wildcat experience or in the culture of any student organization.
Federal Definition – Stop Campus Hazing Act
As defined by the Stop Campus Hazing Act (enacted December 23, 2024), hazing includes any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—committed by individuals or groups—during initiation, affiliation, or membership maintenance in a student organization that causes or risks physical or psychological harm, regardless of willingness to participate.
Examples include:
• Physical harm: Whipping, beating, shocking, harmful substances
• Coercion: Sleep deprivation, extreme physical activities, confinement
• Sexual acts: Coercing or inducing unwanted sexual behavior
• Threats or fear: Using words or actions to instill fear of bodily harm
• Criminal acts: Any action violating local, state, tribal, or federal law
North Dakota Definition
Under NDCC § 12.1-17-10, hazing is defined as willful conduct during a person’s initiation or affiliation with an organization that creates a substantial risk of physical injury or extreme mental stress. This includes:
• Forced physical activity
• Deprivation of sleep or isolation
• Forced consumption of substances
Depending on severity, hazing may be charged as a Class A or B misdemeanor.
Alleged hazing violations involving students, employees, or organizations may be reported through any of the following methods:
• Submit an NDSCS Concern Form
• Contact the NDSCS Police Department
701-671-2233 or dial 911 in emergencies
Concerned About Retaliation?
Retaliation for reporting hazing is prohibited and violates the NDSCS Student Guide to Rights and Responsibilities.
If you feel at risk or have concerns about retaliation, contact:
Melissa Johnson, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
701-671-2520 or Melissa.J.Johnson.3@ndscs.edu
All inquiries are handled with care and discretion.
NDSCS takes all hazing reports seriously and investigates in a fair, thorough, and impartial manner:
- Student Cases: Investigated in accordance with the NDSCS Student Conduct Process.
- Employee Cases: Handled per institutional policies. Reports involving employees are referred to the Executive Director of Human Resources and investigated by appropriate administrators or supervisors.
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act and the Stop Campus Hazing Act, NDSCS provides public access to:
Includes statistics on Clery-reportable crimes, including hazing, based on all reported incidents—regardless of investigation outcomes.
Campus Hazing Transparency Report
Published biannually (December 1 and June 1) and includes:
- Non-identifiable case details for all incidents where hazing was substantiated under college policy or law
Report Archive: All reports remain on the NDSCS website for at least five years to promote ongoing transparency.
Experiencing or witnessing hazing can be distressing. If you or someone you know has been affected:
NDSCS Counseling Services
Provides free and confidential support to students for emotional and psychological concerns related to hazing or other challenges.
Whether you're seeking someone to talk to or need guidance, we're here for you.