SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University's new anti-hazing task force will be about prevention rather than reaction, according to one of its leaders.

Brian Crow, professor and chair of the department of sport management, serves along with Brad Wilson, associate provost of transformational experiences, as co-chairs on the anti-hazing task force that was developed last month.

“It's definitely a proactive group,” Crow said. “It's not an enforcement body. There's already mechanisms in place for student conduct violations.”

Listed in the school's code of conduct, a hazing victim is defined as someone being hurt or put in danger for initiation purposes. The rule covers both mental and physical abuse. The code also allows the university to implement its own disciplinary actions in addition to any criminal penalties imposed by law enforcement.

“Any organization found to have engaged in hazing may have its official recognition revoked,” the code reads, in part. “Any student who participates in hazing may be fined, suspended, or disciplined.”

Crow and Wilson lead the 11-member task force of professors, staff, police and students that represent various groups in which hazing could occur, such as athletic teams, Greek Life organizations and others.

Crow said the task force is still working on its approach to disseminating information, but he would like to see the group create a platform or begin testing one by fall 2018. He said the important thing is for members to be consistent with their message.

“The delivery and the timing are what we're working on,” he said.

Crow said constant reminders about hazing policy could reinforce the students' recognition of hazing.

“There's always potential for issues, and we want to make our students aware of the dangers,” he said.

Crow said hazing practices can sometimes be mistaken as traditions. He said some struggle to see the difference between bullying and hazing as well.

“Hazing is kind of organized and structured, and bullying doesn't really need to be that way,” he said.

Crow said he sees the task force having a limited run at the college because the informational platform would ideally eliminate the threat of hazing. He said the goal for any preventive group should be to not be needed.

“We want to be on the front lines of being proactive and preventive,” Crow said. “Slippery Rock is considered one of the safest campuses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and certainly we want to keep it that way.”