Compliance

In compliance with federal law, the University of South Dakota prepares an annual report on campus safety, security programs and services. Originally enacted in 1990, the federal law was amended in 1998 and renamed the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. As of December 2024, this legislation was renamed the “Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act.”

View Annual Fire Safety & Security Report

Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Review

• USD Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act Biennial Review
  
• Drug Free School and Campuses Act Annual Notification

Anti-Hazing Policy

USD is committed to promoting a safe, respectful campus environment. To that end, USD prohibits student organizations from engaging individually or collectively in hazing activities and has a formal process in place to address alleged incidents of hazing in compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024). USD also maintains a comprehensive education and awareness program for students, staff and faculty on hazing awareness, hazing prevention and processes for reporting a concern related to hazing. More information and procedures are outlined in USD’s anti-hazing policy.

Anti-Hazing Policy

In accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, USD shares the information below on local, state, and tribal laws on hazing.

1. The City of Vermillion Municipal Code does not have any local ordinances that directly relate to hazing.
2. The State of South Dakota does not have any codified laws that directly relate to hazing.
3. USD encourages students and employees to consult with relevant tribal authorities for applicable laws governing behavior on tribal lands.

Campus Hazing Transparency Report

In compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, USD will maintain and report findings of hazing violations by any student organization, athletic team or living group within the Hazing Transparency Report.

The Transparency Report will include:

• The name of the student organization or group involved
• The date the incident was reported
• The date the investigation was initiated;
• A general description of the incident(s) and violation
• Whether the violation involved the abuse or illegal use of alcohol and/or drugs
• The outcomes of any disciplinary processes, including findings and sanctions

This report is updated biannually and is publicly accessible to inform students, families and the broader community in order to promote the awareness, accountability and prevention of hazing on campus. Please check back for this report, and reach out to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities with any questions.

Private Reporting

If you are aware of hazing on campus, you are encouraged to complete the Hazing Violation Reporting Form. The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities will attempt to safeguard the identity of the reporting party from those involved in the case unless necessary to address the allegation at hand. This is to encourage witnesses of an incident to come forward without fear of retaliation.

Report Hazing Incident

In compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024), the University of South Dakota is committed to promoting a safe, respectful campus environment. As part of this commitment, USD will maintain and report findings of hazing violations by any student organization, athletic team, or living group within the Hazing Transparency Report. The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities will report any “responsible” determinations of hazing violations dating back to July 1, 2025, and incidents will be maintained for a period of five years following the publication.

The Hazing Transparency Report will include:

• The name of the student organization or group involved;
• The date the incident was reported;
• The date the investigation was initiated;
• A general description of the incident(s) and violation;
• Whether the violation involved the abuse or illegal use of alcohol and/or drugs;
• The outcomes of any disciplinary processes, including findings and sanctions.

This report is updated biannually and is publicly accessible to inform students, families, and the broader community in order to promote the awareness, accountability, and prevention of hazing on campus.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

There have been no findings of hazing behavior as of July 1, 2025.