National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW), organized by the Hazing Prevention Network, is an annual opportunity for communities, institutions, organizations, and individuals to come together to raise awareness of hazing and strengthen prevention efforts through education and intentional dialogue.
Officially observed during the last full week of September each year, NHPW encourages communities to dedicate focused time to discussing the realities and consequences of hazing and the role each individual can play in preventing it. While nationally recognized in September, organizations and communities are encouraged to hold hazing prevention programming at any time throughout the year.
What is the Hazing Prevention Network?
The Hazing Prevention Network (HPN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to its mission of empowering people to prevent hazing through education, research, and collaborative leadership.
Sigma Nu’s Partnership
As a Fraternity founded in opposition to hazing, Sigma Nu has proudly supported the Hazing Prevention Network since its founding in 2007. This longstanding partnership reflects our commitment to advancing hazing prevention not only within Sigma Nu, but across higher education.
Sigma Nu has contributed to HPN’s mission through financial support and leadership. Numerous staff members, alumni volunteers, and collegiate brothers have served the organization in a variety of leadership roles. Most notably, Past Regent Joe Gilman (Morehead State) previously served as President of HPN’s Board of Directors, while Executive Director Brad Beacham (Texas Christian) currently serves on the Board.
Together with the Hazing Prevention Network and other higher education partners, Sigma Nu is helping lead the national effort to eliminate hazing. By promoting education, accountability, and healthy organizational cultures, we continue working toward the vision our Founders established in 1869—a college experience where brotherhood is built on dignity, respect, and shared values, free from hazing.
How to Get Involved
Nationally, Sigma Nu regularly participates in NHPW through the development of resources for chapters to organize and participate in local efforts supporting NHPW and publishing hazing prevention articles and insights on each day of NHPW.
Locally, chapters throughout the country organize and participate in a variety of activities in support of NHPW. If your campus or chapter does not currently participate in NHPW, below are numerous resources to help in starting a NHPW initiative in your community:
- The official NHPW website has a number of helpful resources and ideas to get NHPW started on your campus.
- The “A Different Look at Hazing” workshop and accompanying PowerPoint presentation, available in the Resources section of the Sigma Nu Portal, were intentionally designed to be appropriate for both Greek and non-Greek audiences, so it could be used as part of NHPW.
- Facilitate a discussion about hazing prevention using the 2026 NHPW poster (shown left) from the Harm Reduction Alliance. Click on the provided hyperlinks to download the high-resolution poster and discussion guide.
If you need any other ideas or want some advice on how to get NHPW started on your campus, feel free to contact the General Fraternity office at (540) 463-1869. Also, please let the General Fraternity know when and how your chapter participates in NHPW by emailing news@sigmanu.org.
2026 NHPW Articles
2026 NHPW Article
Herman B Wells and the Leadership Imperative in Hazing Prevention
by Regent Steve Ratterman (Indiana)
Herman B Wells’ legacy of moral courage offers Sigma Nu members a powerful example of leadership rooted in dignity, integrity, and a commitment to creating a brotherhood free from hazing.
2026 NHPW Article
NHPW Message from the Executive Director
By Brad Beacham (Texas Christian)
For 157 years, Sigma Nu’s founding stand against hazing has remained our charge: building men of honor through positive example, personal discipline, and dedication to Love, Honor, and Truth.
2026 NHPW Article
Ours to Answer For
by Grand Chaplain Drew Logsdon (Western Kentucky)
Sigma Nu was founded in opposition to hazing. More than 150 years later, that legacy calls every brother to reject cruelty, speak up, and choose Love, Honor, and Truth.
2026 NHPW Article
A Lesser Idea
by Grand Marshal Matt Tudor (Eastern Kentucky)
A Sigma Nu and military veteran reflects on his experience with hazing, the leadership lessons that shaped him, and why building others up is essential to living Love, Honor, and Truth.
2026 NHPW Article
"All Fraternities Haze"
by Chapter Advisor Rob Herb (Gettysburg)
When prospective members ask if all fraternities haze, Sigma Nu’s answer should reflect its founding purpose: We reject hazing, embrace authentic brotherhood, and create an environment where good men become better men.