Hazing Prevention and Reporting

Ogden-Weber Technical College is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all students. Hazing in any form is unacceptable and violates our community standards. This webpage provides resources and information about hazing prevention, reporting procedures, and the college’s policies.

What is hazing?

Hazing is any act that intentionally or recklessly endangers the physical, mental, or emotional well-being of an individual as part of initiation or membership in a group.

  • It occurs in a group context
  • It includes humiliating, degrading, or endangering behavior
  • It can happen regardless of an individual’s willingness to participate: regardless of consent

Why is hazing harmful?

Hazing can cause severe physical, emotional, and psychological harm, leading to long-term trauma such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

It disrupts academic performance and social relationships. It creates a culture of fear and exclusion, and undermines trust and respect.

Hazing Resources

Some hazing behaviors violate college policy and may also be illegal under state and federal law.

Learn more about hazing policies, laws, and facts through these resources:

How to Report Hazing

The college takes all reports of hazing seriously. We encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed hazing to report it.

You can report hazing by contacting complaints@otech.edu or OTECH Security (801-430-5139).

To see all hazing reported, please review our Annual Security Report.


Hazing vs. Team Building

  • Hazing: humiliates and degrades, tears down, creates division, involves shame and secrecy, is adult bullying

  • Team Building: promotes respect and dignity, supports and empowers, creates teamwork, involves pride and integrity, is a shared, positive experience

Hazing incidents often start with power imbalances, where individuals in positions of authority or seniority exert control over newcomers.

Examples of power imbalances: instructors and students, senior students and junior students, alumni and current students, student organization leaders and members not in leadership positions.

Before acting, ask: “Would you tell the parents of your friends what you are doing?”