Notice of Crime: Hazing, Core Campus MPC
In compliance with the "Timely Warning" provisions of the federal Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, Virginia Commonwealth University is providing notice of a recently reported crime that may pose a serious or continuing threat to campus safety. This notice is intended to aid in the prevention of similar crimes and to enable members of the university community to protect themselves. VCU is sending this notification because the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024) added Hazing as a reportable crime under the timely warning provisions of the Clery Act beginning this academic year. VCU is dedicated to promoting a safe and secure environment for learning, living, working or visiting.
Reported offense: Hazing
Location: Multiple off-campus locations
Date and time of incident: October 3-6, 2025
Brief description of how the crime took place: The VCU Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity has received multiple reports of alleged hazing incidents that have occurred related to the pledging/new member process of an unrecognized organization, Theta Chi. Allegations include extreme physical calisthenics, physical battery, forced alcohol consumption and mental degradation.
It is important to note Theta Chi is an unrecognized student organization with VCU after being found responsible for violations of the Student Code of Conduct, resulting in their suspension. Full details of Theta Chi’s history can be found on the Student Organization Conduct Report.
Suspect/s: For a full description of the suspect/s visit alert.vcu.edu.
Investigating agency: The Office of Student Conduct & Academic Integrity are leading the investigation with assistance from VCU Police and other VCU offices.
Have Information to Report: Anyone with information pertaining to the incidents of hazing can complete the University Hazing Reporting form, contact the Office of Student Conduct & Academic Integrity at (804) 828-1963, or email at stuconduct@vcu.edu. Any crime or suspicious activity should contact the VCU Police Department at (804) 828-1234 or via the LiveSafe app. For incidents occurring off-campus in the city of Richmond, please call 911 for emergencies. For general concerns related to hazing, please reach out to hazing@vcu.edu.
VCU would like to remind the VCU and VCU Health community to keep personal safety in mind, be prepared and take responsibility for your own safety and for the safety of others. A few key reminders:
Hazing:
- At VCU, students are encouraged to join organizations as a way to meet fellow Rams, explore their interests and learn new skills. When joining a VCU organization, students should be welcomed warmly, embraced for who they are and respected with dignity. No Ram should be demeaned or harmed while trying to find their place with the VCU community. Please report hazing behaviors so we can cultivate a safe environment for all students.
- Report any concerns of hazing using the University Hazing Reporting form or report to VCU Police.
- Be aware of risks associated with unrecognized student organizations.
- Seek medical assistance in the case of an alcohol or drug overdose.
- Know that an individual is unable to consent to any hazing activity.
- Visit hazing.vcu.edu to learn more about hazing prevention and training opportunities.
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