Common Strategies to Detect Hazing at LMU

Common Strategies to Detect Hazing at LMU

Analyze Available Data

Look for behavioral or activity changes that deviate from typical patterns for students or organizations.

Examples:

  • Drops in academic performance among new members
  • Changes in keycard access activity (e.g., frequent late-night use)
  • High attendance at secretive or off-campus events

Identify Communication Channels

Who are knowledgeable and valuable stakeholders in your network you can have informal or formal conversations with about hazing behaviors they may notice?

Examples:

  • Resident advisors (RAs) and residential staff
  • Advisors, especially those for registered student organizations and Sorority and Fraternity Life
  • Student workers and student leaders
  • Family members who express concern

Observe New Member Behavior

Noticeable changes in demeanor, health, or engagement can be signs of hazing, especially if multiple new members are affected.

Red flags:

  • Increased social isolation
  • Visible stress, fatigue, or injuries
  • Avoiding eye contact, poor hygiene, or sudden silence on social media
  • Reluctance to discuss group activities

Additional Hazing Detection Tools for LMU Advisors and Leaders

Use early intervention techniques:

  • Track who's attending events and who’s falling behind academically
  • Talk regularly with student leaders and new members
  • Encourage open-door policies and normalize help-seeking
  • Monitor social media trends of student groups
  • Keep updated on organization rituals and activities

Train your teams to ask:

  • Are any members being intentionally excluded or degraded?
  • Are group rituals consistent with stated values and university policy?
  • Are any members showing signs of fear, burnout, or withdrawal?

Take Action Early

If you see something, say something. You don’t have to prove it’s hazing to make a report. Early intervention can prevent more serious harm.

When in doubt, use these tools:

  • Document what you see
  • Call Campus Safety for consultation
  • Use LMU’s confidential E-Report system