As faculty and staff working directly with student organizations, teams, and groups, you play a crucial role in preventing hazing and fostering positive team-building environments. This guide provides resources to help you mentor student leaders, recognize warning signs of hazing, and promote healthy group dynamics.

Understanding Your Role in Hazing Prevention

Your position as an advisor, coach, or staff member gives you unique opportunities to:

• Guide students toward positive team-building activities that align with institutional values
• Intervene early when you notice concerning patterns or behaviors
• Model appropriate leadership and mentorship
• Support students who may be experiencing or witnessing hazing
• Help transform problematic traditions into healthy bonding experiences

Promoting Positive Team Building

When working with student groups, help them understand that their common goals can be achieved through constructive activities. These goals often include:

• Building a strong sense of belonging and healthy relationships
• Understanding organizational operations and structure
• Learning about group history and evolution
• Developing trust among members
• Supporting personal and professional growth
• Creating a shared sense of purpose

Guide students toward activities that build people up rather than tear them down. Consider directing them to the Cornell Team and Leadership Center for structured team-building experiences.

Recognizing Potential Hazing Activities

Help students evaluate their planned activities by considering these critical questions:

1. Does the activity align with the organization's stated mission and values?
2. Is the activity proportional to its intended purpose?
3. Could the activity pose physical or emotional risks to participants?
4. Would the activity raise concerns if shared on social media or with university officials?
5. Does the activity involve substance use expectations or penalties?
6. Could the activity cause significant stress or trauma?
7. Would the activity be appropriate in a professional workplace context?

If any of these questions raise concerns, work with your students to modify or replace the activity.

Intervention Strategies

When you become aware of potential hazing:

1. Address the situation promptly and directly
2. Help students understand why certain activities are problematic
3. Work with them to develop alternative team-building activities
4. Document your concerns and interventions
5. Connect students with appropriate university resources
6. Follow up to ensure new practices are being implemented

Supporting Students Who Have Experienced Hazing

Be aware that students in your organizations may have:

• Experienced hazing directly
• Witnessed others being hazed
• Participated in hazing others
• Feel conflicted about speaking up

Create opportunities for open dialogue and make it clear that you are available to discuss concerns confidentially.

Campus Resources and Support

Collaborate with these offices for additional support and guidance:

• Athletics & Physical Education (for varsity athletic teams)
• Campus Activities Office (for registered student organizations and club sports)
• Cornell Outdoor Education (COE): The Cornell Team and Leadership Center
• Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life (for Greek organizations)
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
• Skorton Center for Health Initiatives

External Resources and Training

• Familiarize yourself with StopHazing.org's resources and research
• Consider attending professional development sessions on hazing prevention
• Stay updated on best practices for group development and team building
• Network with colleagues who work with similar student populations

Reporting Procedures

Know that you can:

• Submit confidential or anonymous reports at hazing.cornell.edu/reporting
• Consult with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
• Work with your department's leadership to address concerns
• Encourage students to report incidents they witness or experience

Remember that as a staff member, you may have specific reporting obligations. Consult with your supervisor about your department's protocols for handling hazing concerns.

Creating Sustainable Change

Help student groups:

• Evaluate their current practices regularly
• Document successful non-hazing traditions
• Plan leadership transitions that maintain positive changes
• Build institutional memory of healthy team-building activities
• Celebrate achievements that don't involve hazing

Your consistent guidance and support are essential in creating lasting cultural change within student organizations and preventing hazing behaviors.