How do I choose the right organization to join? (or for parents, how to help navigate that choice?)

Check the school’s organizational conduct history webpage, if posted. Ohio State’s is here. This will tell you if the organization is recognized by the university, or has been “kicked off.” This will also alert you to any previous violations for hazing, alcohol abuse, etc. Unrecognized organizations may still be fully recognized by a national organization, but many are not. These are called “underground” organizations and should be regarded as risky. Risky because the behavior is not regulated, other than by the general code of conduct for students, and because there is no support or backing by experienced adults, no training for members on rules and behavior, and no insurance policies to potentially cover any liabilities that may arise. Usually if a school has “kicked off” an organization and it is operating underground, the school has deemed prior behavior dangerous and that behavior is likely continuing. You should also google the organization and scan for any news articles, either in the local news or the school newspaper, that discuss any discipline against the org.

Look at the organization’s social media presence. If the organization is active on social media, this can indicate professionalism and openness in culture. If the organization is not active on social media, this could potentially mean that the organization’s activities are done mostly without publication or openness, which can be a red flag. Additionally, the social media of the organization will give you an idea on events that occur, the members that are active, and an insight into the culture of the org. You can also check out the personal social media accounts of members to get a better understanding of the activities the members participate in, and how they hold themselves out to the general public.

You should also have an idea of why you (or your student) wants to join this organization. Do you know many of the active members and how well? Are there many members that are in your same major, or have the same interests? Do you look forward to a particular event they host? Do you want to join because they have the best house or best parties? These are questions to think about and be able to answer so that you feel confident in the decision.

I am a new president, or it is my first time serving on the executive board. Any advice?

Support, support, support. Hopefully the outgoing President or person in your position last term has been working with you to help transition you to take over the role. Or, if they have not, hopefully you have support from your national organization or the org’s advisor to help you.

If you want to effect change in your organization’s culture, or have plans to implement new ideas, find support in both the executive board members and regular members, preferably in each different pledge class. Organizations often have difficulty if the executive board has ideas that the general membership doesn’t support or buy into.

Understand that you are serving in a role that has a lot of responsibility. You may be asked to speak for the organization if an accusation is made or an investigation is launched. You may be tasked with kicking out a bad actor. You may be the person responsible for communication between advisor, nationals, and the school. It is a big deal!

Specifically for New Member Educators or Pledge Masters, you need to be in control. Do not let a rogue member act inappropriately to the new members. Do not hide your head in the sand, either, or look the other way. It is going to be you on the first hot seat if an allegation of hazing is made during the new member process. Pay attention to hazing prevention training, be open instead of secretive, and seek advice if breaking an old tradition that is not going to fly.

What do I do if I think i am being hazed, or if i am a member of an organization and think hazing may be happening?

Under Collin’s Law in Ohio, and under most college code of conduct policies, failure to report hazing subjects you to criminal liability and school punishments. Hazing takes many forms and has a broad spectrum - it is not always what you see reported on in the media involving alcohol or drug deaths. It can take the form of forced house cleans, errands for active members, forced exercises, embarrassing tasks, etc. You can report anonymously to your school, national organization, or law enforcement. A good rule of thumb - if you wouldn’t freely talk about the event with your parents or a school official, that’s a red flag. Or, if it is an activity that serves no purpose related to the organization, that’s also a red flag.