Campus Culture of Hazing at James Madison University: A Mixed Methods Exploration of Perceptions, Behaviors, and Policy Implications

Hazing has been around for centuries and has become more prevalent with the rise in social media. This convergent parallel mixed method study sought to explore students, faculty, and staff perceptions of hazing and hazing prevention at JMU, examine what they define as reportable hazing behaviors, and identify what behaviors are currently being reported in organizational misconduct reports. Through content analysis of JMU organizational misconduct reports, a student survey, and interviews with faculty and staff, the capstone team collected data on hazing and determined seven key findings. Findings revealed that students, faculty, and staff acknowledge the risks of hazing, including power differential, harm, and alcohol use, especially in off-campus organizations. While students call for stronger penalties and transparency, faculty and staff have limited training to recognize and report hazing. Recommendations focused on short-term and long-term ways that JMU can continue to address hazing and provide a safer environment for all students. The recommendations focus on implementing peer-led education, harm reduction, and recovery programs alongside systemic anti-hazing initiatives and campus-wide campaigns. Recommendations also emphasize community involvement, accessible faculty and staff training, and collaborative policy development to foster a culture of hazing intolerance. Recommendations for future research on hazing prevention are also provided.