UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State University Police and Public Safety’s Community Oriented Policing (COP) Unit has launched a new no-cost Hazing Awareness and Prevention educational program that is available to work units and student groups by request across the commonwealth. The program expands the COP Unit’s suite of community education offerings, which include safety topics like active attacker response, sexual assault awareness and prevention, and drug and alcohol awareness, with the aim of supporting a safe, welcoming and inclusive campus environment.
The new training provides participants with the tools to recognize hazing behaviors; identify associated risks; understand Penn State Policy AD98 and federal and state laws; and learn safe, practical strategies for intervention, reporting and positive team-building. Topics may be tailored to the individualized needs of student groups, academic departments and administrative units.
Sgt. Monica Himes, who oversees the COP Unit, said the program reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to proactive safety education.
“Hazing can take many forms, and it often goes unrecognized,” Himes said. “Our goal is to equip our communities with the knowledge and confidence to identify concerning behaviors early and take steps that protect themselves and their peers.”
To help introduce the new program and highlight the COP Unit’s broader educational offerings, UPPS will partner with the R-VOICE (Relationship Violence Outreach, Intervention, and Community Education) Center for a tabling event from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, in the HUB-Robeson Center at University Park. Officer Shelly Stevick, a member of the COP unit, will be on site to share information about the hazing program and other COP trainings, while R-VOICE representatives will speak with students and employees about interpersonal violence prevention, trauma-informed support and available reporting options.
R-VOICE Director Yvette Willson emphasized the importance of collaborative outreach.
“Students deserve to feel safe, heard and supported,” Willson said. “By partnering with UPPS and their COP Unit, we’re helping to ensure that anyone impacted by interpersonal or gender-based violence knows where to turn and understands the resources available to them.”
The R-VOICE Center, a unit in the division of Student Affairs, is a confidential resource for students impacted by sexual or gender-based violence, harassment or stalking. Its advocates provide student support, safety planning and guidance to help students understand their options and access care in a compassionate, empowering environment.
Himes noted that the April 8 event is an opportunity for the community to learn more about both departments’ services.
“We encourage anyone who is on campus that day to stop by, ask questions and explore the programs designed to keep our community safe,” she said.
Requests for in-person COP Unit safety educational programs, including the new Hazing Prevention and Awareness training, may be submitted through the Community Education Program Request Form on the University Police and Public Safety website.