National Hazing Prevention Week encourages USI community to “Step Up”

USI will participate in National Hazing Prevention Week from September 22 to 26. The Institutional Equity Office (IEO) will host events around campus throughout the week to raise awareness about the issues related to hazing and encourage USI community members to "Step Up" their efforts to end hazing on campus.

The events will include suggestions for organizations on how to establish more positive rituals and ways to intervene when they become aware of hazing practices on campus. IEO encourages students, staff and faculty to participate and asks employees to promote these activities among students and organizations.

For more information, visit USI.edu/institutional-equity.

Schedule of Events: 

Third Thursday Equity Chat, Thursday, September 18: This month’s Equity Chat will be the kickoff to Hazing Prevention Week. It will feature a “Hazing Facts and Myths” game, resources and freebies. IEO will be at the UC West Information Desk from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

"Take the Pledge" Trail, Monday, September 22 to Friday, September 26: Find one (or more!) of the eight Hazing Prevention posters around campus. Use the QR code to take the “No Hazing” pledge. Your completion will also put you in the drawing to earn one of 10 prizes given away at the end of the week, including an Archie bobblehead! Student organizations with more than 75% participation in the “No Hazing” pledge will be recognized, and the groups will receive a certificate from the Institutional Equity Office to honor their commitment to end hazing at USI.

Giant Jenga, Tuesday, September 23: Learn more about the signs of a healthy group while having fun! IEO will share resources for building healthy groups while trying to keep a giant Jenga tower upright. Stop by the UC Breezeway between 11:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. to participate.

USI Wellness Fair, Wednesday, September 24: Stop by the IEO table at this year’s Wellness Fair and take a selfie with the photo frame/sign. Ask staff members about anything on your mind and show your commitment to "Step Up" against hazing at USI! Pick up some free resources as well. The Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Carter Hall. 

We Wear Purple, Thursday, September 25: On Thursdays, we wear purple! Wear purple to support Hazing Prevention Week. Take a group photo, selfie or Reel and post it to any social media account using the hashtag #StepUpUSI. Follow USI's IEO on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok! Staff members will pick one photo to highlight in social media feeds and to be entered into a drawing for a prize!