Together for Wellness: Hazing Prevention and Education

Vice President of Student Affairs Charlotte Johnson highlights USD’s hazing prevention efforts and participation in the StopHazing program

Dear USD Community,

I hope the Fall 2025 semester is going well and that you are managing self-care during what I know are stressful times. At USD, we strive to make wellness resources readily available. I encourage you to take advantage of these offerings as you navigate your own wellness journey.

During this Year of Wellness, I am continually reminded that USD is a special place where being in community is important. There are high expectations for each of us to act in ways that uphold and affirm the dignity of every individual. Remember that your words and actions matter, even when you presume that no one is there to witness them. We are all responsible for the tone and tenor of our campus community.

This year, as we celebrate the many opportunities for wellbeing, I will occasionally highlight current wellness initiatives at USD and how you can help make USD a place where everyone can thrive.

I would like to highlight the University’s efforts to prevent hazing and our participation in the StopHazing program. USD participated in National Hazing Prevention Week, September 22-26, and has established a Hazing Prevention and Education website for specific events and resources. 

At USD, hazing is defined as any method of membership into or within an organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by the institution, which is likely to cause physical, psychological, or social harm to any former, current, or prospective community member at USD, regardless of intent or an individual’s willingness to participate.

Hazing undermines the trust we strive to build in our community. Beyond the physical and emotional harm it can cause, hazing damages our campus culture, and places community members at risk.

How You Can Help

• Report hazing if you experience or observe it. USD has partnered with Real Response to provide a safe, confidential method to report hazing concerns. Students and staff can call or text 619-260-4USD to share information or raise concerns. Reports are submitted anonymously. All will be reviewed and investigated.
• Attend and participate in a Hazing Prevention & Education in-person workshop to learn more about hazing and ways to prevent it.
• Visit the USD Hazing Prevention and Education Website for more resources and information.

Thank you for your continued commitment to a strong and caring community - because USD begins with us!

Sincerely,

Charlotte Johnson
Vice President for Student Affairs