Hazing Policy Statement

Northern Kentucky University prohibits hazing in any form by all members of the University community, including students, faculty, staff, student organizations, and third parties such as guests, visitors, and volunteers, whether on campus or in connection with university-affiliated activities off campus. The University’s Hazing Policy defines hazing, outlines prohibited conduct, explains reporting and investigation procedures, and details potential disciplinary actions.

Hazing Prevention and Awareness Programs

NKU is committed to proactive education and prevention efforts to eliminate hazing. Campus-wide initiatives include:

1. Online Hazing Prevention Training: NKU provides online hazing prevention training to employees and students. Employee training is part of the University’s annual compliance program, while students complete the training each academic year. 
2. Training for Fraternity and Sorority Life: All new and initiated members of fraternities and sororities must complete an interactive online hazing prevention course, created by the Office of Student Affairs. The training features real-life scenarios, best practices, and knowledge checks. Additionally, chapter officers and council representatives are required to attend in-person training, led by the Office of Student Affairs, covering the University’s hazing policy, reporting procedures, leadership responsibilities, and prevention strategies. 
3. Training for Registered Student Organizations: Presidents of registered student organizations must attend in-person hazing prevention training, led by the Office of Student Affairs. Topics include hazing policy,  prevention strategies for safe and inclusive activities, reporting requirements, and campus resources.

Through these efforts, NKU seeks to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus community, free from hazing in any form.
 

Reporting Hazing

Anyone who witnesses or suspects hazing should report it to the University immediately. Failure to report is a violation of University policy and may result in disciplinary action.

Reports should be made to the Student Conduct Office in-person, via telephone, email, or by submitting a Hazing Report through the Ethics and Compliance Helpline, which provides an anonymous option for reporting.

Student Conduct Office

Student Union 301

studentconduct@nku.edu

(859) 572-6475

For immediate assistance or to report an emergency, reports should be made to University Police.

University Police

251 Nunn Drive

Highland Heights, Kentucky 41099

(859) 572-7777 or 911

NKU App

The NKU app provides free texting to University Police when calling may be dangerous or impossible. To use this option, open the NKU app on your cell phone and select “contact campus police.” The app allows users to share their geolocation, photos, and videos and allows University police to view the ALL CARD photo of the name of the person contacting them.
 

Hazing Prohibited by State and Federal Law

Hazing is prohibited by both state and federal law. Under Kentucky law, hazing that causes serious physical injury or death is a Class D felony, while other forms of hazing are Class A misdemeanors. KRS § 508.182; KRS § 508.184.

KRS § 164.375 also requires university governing boards to adopt a hazing policy, include the policy in its student organization bylaws, and share the policy with all registered students.

At the federal level, the Stop Campus Hazing Act, Public Law 118-173, enacted in 2024, requires universities to publicly disclose their hazing policies, incidents, and enforcement procedures in campus safety reports.

NKU fully complies with these laws and strictly prohibits hazing in any form.