Auburn advances hazing prevention through national research partnership

Auburn University is concluding its first year of participation in the national hazing prevention initiative led by the Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research at Penn State.

As one of nine institutions selected for the second cohort of the WhatWorks Study, Auburn is participating in a three-year research effort aimed at reducing hazing and other high-risk behaviors through evidence-based prevention strategies. 

The second cohort of the WhatWorks Study, which runs from through August 2027, is designed to help campuses build and refine comprehensive hazing prevention programs through manageable, data-informed steps. Auburn’s involvement reflects its ongoing commitment to student safety and its leadership in fostering a healthy, values-driven Greek community. 

“Greek Life aims to implement a comprehensive, research-driven hazing prevention strategy that enhances student safety,” said Director Lindsay Holdren. “In our first year, we have conducted two surveys within the Greek community to assess current conditions and the broader fraternity and sorority experiences. In year two, we’ll use this data to develop and implement targeted prevention strategies.” 

As part of the study, Auburn engages with prevention researchers at multiple checkpoints each year, receives campus-specific reports to guide implementation and participates in monthly professional development through a national Community of Practice. The study emphasizes a four-stage approach to using data in prevention efforts: diagnosing problems, implementing programs, assessing effectiveness and refining strategies. This approach ensures that prevention strategies adapt based on the data collected from the target audience.

In its first year, Auburn administered the Fraternity and Sorority Experience Survey, which received a 52% response rate, and the Comprehensive Hazing Prevention Survey, which had a 10% response rate.

Additional assessments, including a short-form survey following newly implemented programming, were also conducted. Auburn identified its signature program as its New Member Educator Training and began implementing a short film, called “The Lonely Dog,” as part of its prevention education efforts recommended by the study. 

Results from the Fraternity and Sorority Experience Survey also underscored the value students place on their involvement. Ninety percent of respondents said their fraternity or sorority experience was valuable or very valuable to their overall college experience. This finding highlights the importance of supporting these communities with strong, research-based prevention strategies that protect and enhance the student experience. 

Through its participation in the WhatWorks Study, Auburn is helping shape a national conversation around hazing prevention and student well-being. The university’s involvement not only strengthens its own efforts but also will contribute to a growing body of research that will inform best practices across higher education.

As Auburn continues in this three-year initiative, university leadership emphasizes the importance of collaboration and community in fostering safer campus environments.

“Auburn is proud to be home to one of the largest Greek systems in the country," said Lady Cox, associate vice president of Student Affairs. "We’re grateful to join our SEC peers in the Piazza Center’s WhatWorks cohort and look forward to shaping best practices that strengthen Greek communities nationwide.”

More information about Auburn’s hazing prevention initiatives can be found here.