At the request of Regent Shelley Berkley, the Academic, Research & Student Affairs Committee directed UCCSN staff to develop an anti-hazing policy for all seven UCCSN institutions.

"As a mother of two college-bound children, I have a concern about reports of numerous cases of hazing on college campuses throughout the country, "said Regent Shelley Berkley. "Since 1970 there have been at least one death per year directly attributed to hazing activities."

"This is not just an issue for fraternities and sororities. Hazing can apply to any campus group or organization that meets on campus. I believe there should be zero tolerance for hazing activities within our System. It is my hope that by addressing this issue and creating a strong Regents' policy strictly prohibiting hazing, that it will serve as a strong deterrent to future activity of this kind, " she added.

Both President Joe Crowley of UNR and President Carol Harter of UNLV voiced their strong support for the development of a Systemwide anti-hazing policy. Currently, 40 states have anti-hazing policies.

The committee will report their policy recommendations to the Board at the September meeting.

Comprised of two doctoral-granting universities, four comprehensive community colleges and one environmental research institution, the University and Community College System of Nevada serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to more than 78,000 students.