Our Safe Teams = Strong Teams campaign highlights the benefits of societies and sports teams and how by keeping challenges 'on the pitch' all members can feel safe and included 'off the pitch'.
We want all our students to feel empowered around initiations/hazing, this includes: What they are; The University, Sport and SU's standpoint and what we are doing about them; And what to do if you witness or are asked to participate in any hazing/initiations whilst at the University.
A key challenge with initiations/hazing is that they are often dressed up by the use of 'fun' names eg: dares, team bonding, challenges, father and sons, mother and daughters. These descriptions can disguise and confuse students as to what they are being invited to take part in, and what can lie behind these names can be humiliation and costly, pressured experiences with potentially dangerous consequences.
Hazing and initiation type behaviours are not limited to the beginning of the academic year and although these are banned by the University of Nottingham, we know that these are unfortunately still happening.
The University, sports staff and SU have provided training for all committee members around expected behaviours and standards and take seriously any teams/societies found to be in breach of these. Students involved in organising initiations/hazing have received match bans, removal from committee positions and formal warnings. Students can also be taken through the University's Code of Conduct which can result in exclusion from the University, as well as criminal prosecution.
We know that it can be difficult for students to say that they don't want to do something if it seems everyone else is going along with something, including when an organiser might say something is 'voluntary'. This can mean that sometimes students will not feel able to attend socials, or they will do something that they aren't comfortable doing. This is not the type or society or teams we are wanting to create, as teams are strengthened by making everyone comfortable and included, not through worry or exclusion.
If you've experienced or witnessed hazing/initiation type behaviours then you can help the University stop this by telling us about what is happening/has happened. In telling us you can be part of the solution in breaking the cycle, so no students have to feel they have to do something that they don't want to do.
Our Report and Support team are a small, friendly team who offer support and advice to students who have had a difficult experience. Submitting a form to us is first and foremost about ensuring you are supported appropriately. We have clear processes we follow depending on the information we receive and can discuss with you all reporting options available to you.
Our Report and Support form connects you to our specialist team. The form offers the option for you to share information anonymously or for you to complete with your contact details. Ideally, we would always ask you to complete with your contact information (even if you share this with us, we would discuss with you if you are comfortable being identified) so that we can talk to you about support available and ensure we have the information needed. However we also recognise that sometimes people reporting are worried about speaking up and the impact that this may have on their inclusion in activities and/or university experience. Mechanisms are in place to deal with anonymous reports but unfortunately we are unable to provide support to people who report in this way. Anonymous reports are however still reviewed and risk assessed, with actions taken where possible and when necessary.
If you don't feel comfortable completing the form you can also always tell a member of staff. This could be someone working in Sports, the Student's Union, your school, Support & Wellbeing, or your halls. The staff member can then support you to complete the form or can complete this on your behalf, as well as offer any immediate support required.
You can find more information below: