This information is provided as part of Ball State’s compliance with the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act and Indiana 21-39-9.1
How does Ball State define hazing?
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that: (1) is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, any organization operating under the sanction of Ball State University; and (2) causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in Ball State activities or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team) of physical or psychological injury. More information can be found by reviewing the complete Ball State University Hazing Policy.
The State of Indiana also prohibits hazing in IC 35-42-2-2 and IC 35-42-2-2.5.
Report Hazing
Any person who is aware of hazing by students, student organizations, athletic teams or any other Ball State groups should report it here:
Report Hazing
Annual Reporting
Ball State University hazing statistics are available in the Annual Security Report (Clery) and can be found at www.bsu.edu/fireandsafetyreports. Hazing statistics for 2025 will be available in the 2026 Annual Security Report.
Campus Hazing Transparency Reports
Ball State publishes a campus hazing transparency (CHT) report that summarizes findings concerning any student organization found to be in violation of the Ball State Hazing Policy. Those CHT reports include the name of the student organization, a general description of the violation that resulted in a finding of responsibility, and related dates (incident date, investigation initiation date, investigation termination date, and date of notice to the organization of findings). CHT reports can be found at Campus Hazing Transparency Reports.
Other Hazing Resources
Procedures for handling reports of student organization misconduct are outlined in section 5.5 of the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
For more information about student organizations, see Student Organizations at Ball State
For more information about hazing and hazing prevention, contact the Office of Student Life
For more information about hazing and hazing investigations, contact the Office of Student Conduct