National Hazing Symposium, Wed. Dec. 3rd, 2008, 9am to 4pm

Did you know that just last month AFA renewed its sponsorship of HazingPrevention.org - the parent organization of programs such as the National Hazing Symposium, National Hazing Prevention Week, and the Interdisciplinary Institute for Hazing Intervention?  Organizations such as HazingPrevention.org rely on the many sponsorships that offer their talents and resources to help bring an end to hazing.  This year, we are lucky enough to partner with the organization to host the National Hazing Symposium in conjunction with the Annual Meeting.  There is still room to register for the NHS, and the late fee has been waived until Nov. 20!  Read on to learn about what Tracey Maxwell, executive director of HazingPrevention.Org, has to say about the symposium...

2008 marks the fifth time the National Hazing Symposium has been presented to great feedback every time. This year we have an especially unique program planned, and we are pleased to be partnering with AFA for the second time on NHS. The 2005 program in Atlanta was a huge hit with almost 200 participants, and we expect this one to be as well. I am pleased that AFA has agreed to waive the late fee through Nov. 20th for those folks who would still like to register. Read below for program details and a link to the registration page. 

In 2008, the fraternal movement was sent into shock when two university administrators were indicted on charges of aggravated hazing. While the charges were dropped, it marked the first time that university personnel were named in a criminal case. This year’s National Hazing Symposium answers the question of what it may look like for fraternity and sorority professionals to stand trial for hazing incidents.

Since the late 1980s, David Westol has conducted “Hazing on Trial” for hundreds of college and university campuses. For the first time, David is applying his well-known program to the context of fraternity and sorority professionals: one of your colleagues is on trial for their knowledge of hazing activities and you’ll be the jury to determine their future. The mock trial will lead to discussion about how professionals can address hazing culture with attention to the legal environment.

In addition to “Hazing on Trial,” this year’s symposium will serve as a launch pad for increased attention to the necessary steps to address hazing culture. Dr. Elizabeth Allan and Dr. Mary Madden will present on the initial findings of their four-year national study, and participants will discuss ways to address recommendations provided in their report. As the fraternal movement continues to make great progress with how we are a part of the solution, anyone invested in ending hazing culture should consider participation in this full-day seminar.

Hope you can join us!

If you're interested in participating in this pre-conference, be sure to register by Nov. 20th