Bullying is something that many associate with elementary school. However, it is a form of harassment that continues past high school into college. Categorizing bullying at the college level becomes a bit different, but it is still defined as any deliberate act of intimidating or abuse in any formof another person.

Bullying in college has historically been defined as "hazing," harassing behavior targeting students seeking membership to Greek organizations, sports teams, academic societies, military-related programs and other clubs.

Bullying could happen to anyone, of any age, race, color, religion, sexual orientation or national origin. Some forms of bullying, such as harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students or harassment of members of religious groups, may violate antidiscrimination laws.

Hazing or bullying does not always involve physical contact. Social media, email and texting are all outlets through which bullying occurs.Students who are bullied often avoid classes, cafeterias and social events, are often emotionally and physically harmed and tragically can turn to suicide. Bullying in college can also include the following forms according to BullySolutions.com:

Sexual Bullying

This includes unwelcomed touching, taunting, comments, suggestive jokes, advances, requests for sexual favors and threats. It may also include spreading malicious rumors about a person's supposed promiscuity; sexually suggestive pictures and writings including those online; and unwanted physical contact up to and including rape.

Racial Harassment

Racial harassment is defined as unwanted or unwelcomed contact based on a person's race, nationality or ethnicity, which is offensive to the recipient and creates a hostile or unsafe working or studying environment. This includes offensive jokes; ridicule or assumptions based on racial stereotypes; exclusion; hostile or malicious rumors; offensive graffiti, cartoons or other propaganda based on racial stereotypes; or physical assault or threats.

General Harassment

Any unwelcomed conduct which would be seen as offensive, humiliating or demeaning by a reasonable person which is based on any of the following: gender, marital or family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, or disability.

In a study conducted in 2004, 1,025 undergraduate students were asked about bullying in college by their peers and teachers. While 60 percent of the students reported they have observed students being bullied by other students, more than 44 percent indicated seeing a teacher bully another student.

The following are tips to ensure protection against bullying.

· Familiarize yourself with the campus' security department, crisis help center and other emergency resources.

· Know who to call for help.

· Inquire about escort services to get you safely to your dorm, apartment, class or vehicle.

· Learn the campus policies on bullying and violence.

· If you see bullying happening, report it.

· Get involved with student or community groups that take a stand against bullying.

What to do if you are being bullied

· If you are not being physically harmed, you may want to try to work it out by yourself first before involving others. However, a bully may not be willing to change their behavior based on your request.

· Ignoring the bully can be effective, especially if it is a one-time incident. If a bully is looking for a reaction and they are ignored, they may likely lose interest.

· If a bully approaches you, walk in the opposite direction. Do not show fear, but instead, walk with confidence and with your head up. If a trusted individual is near you, walk to them for assistance.

· If you cannot handle the situation, report it and ask for help.

· Utilize your school's resources including security, campus police and student conflict resolution processes.

Glenn Rosenberg is the Vice President of Higher Education at AlliedBarton Security Services, the industry's premier provider of highly trained security personnel to many industries including those in higher education.