Families and Community Members
Warning Signs
- Pattern of communication with your student changes drastically
- Your student seems to close off or become isolated with the group they are trying to join
- Sometimes, someone who is adjusting too quickly to college and seems to have no transition issues can be an issue. Acquiring instant friends can be a result of an organization that is controlling your student
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Changes in mood.
- Angrier, more irritable
- Drop in academic performance due to substantial time commitment
- Physical ailments and poor explanations of how those injuries occurred.
Questions to Ask
- Are you currently in the process of joining an organization? If so, which one?
- What kinds of activities do they ask you to do?
- How much time do you spend doing these activities and at what times of the day?
- Are you being forced to do anything unreasonable?
- Are you being deprived of anything such as food, sleep?
- Is alcohol involved in any of these activities?
- How does the group have you learn more about their organization/team?
- When is your initiation date?
- Do you have an assigned mentor? How were you paired with them?
- Have you had to do anything silly or embarrassing?
How to Address Concerns
- Remind your student you care about them
- Ask if they are okay
- Directly address concern
- Ask if they are joining an organization
- Ask about activities and requirements
- Are you being forced to do anything unreasonable?
- Are you feeling sleep deprived?
- If you feel comfortable, please share your student’s name and any facts you have along with specific details (dates, time, activities, names)
Importance of Reporting:
The University of Florida (UF) is committed to maintaining an environment that promotes the health and safety of its students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors. By reporting any suspected incidents of hazing, you are helping keep your student and UF safe.