/Institutions/Caldwell-Community-College-and-Technical-Institute/json/2025-2026/College-Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/Caldwell-Community-College-and-Technical-Institute/json/2025-2026/College-Catalog.json

2025-2026 College Catalog > Services for Students > Anti-Hazing Policy

Anti-Hazing Policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide a comprehensive framework for preventing, addressing, and eradicating hazing incidents involving college students, faculty, and staff.  This policy applies to all individuals and organizations associated with the college, including but not limited to students, employees, volunteers, and affiliated organizations, both on and off campus.

DEFINITIONS

A. Hazing:  Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are, or include, students at an institution of higher education. This includes but is not limited to:

1. Physical brutality or abuse
2. Forced or coerced consumption of any food, liquid, drug, or other substance
3. Forced or coerced physical activity
4. Sleep deprivation
5. Exclusion from social contact
6. Conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment or humiliation
7. Any activity that would unreasonably interfere with academic pursuits

B. Organization:  Any association, order, society, athletic team, club, service, social or similar group, in which two or more enrolled students of the college are members, regardless of whether the 
     organization is officially recognized by the college.

C. Student:  Any person who is enrolled at the college, regardless of their age or student status (e.g., full-time, part-time, or online), or who has been accepted for admission or readmission to the 
     college.

 

PROHIBITED CONDUCT
The college strictly prohibits hazing in any form. This includes but is not limited to any activity that:

1. Causes or is likely to cause bodily harm, serious mental or emotional harm, substantial emotional distress, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to a student.
2. Interferes with a student's academic pursuits, including grades, academic assignments, or scheduled curricular activities.
3. Occurs on or off campus and involves the forced consumption of any food, liquid, drug, or other substance.
4. Involves sleep deprivation, excessive physical exertion, or exposure to the elements.
5. Requires a student to engage in any illegal activity or violate college policies or codes of conduct.
6. Creates a power imbalance between individuals or groups, or exploits a student's known physical, psychological, or social vulnerabilities.
7. Involves the use of social media, electronic communications, or other technology to facilitate hazing activities.
   
   

REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION

A. Reporting Hazing Incidents

1. Mandatory Reporting: Any person who witnesses, experiences, or has knowledge of hazing activity must promptly report the incident to the appropriate college official. (See Section VIII) Failure to report known hazing incidents may result in disciplinary action.
2. Reporting Methods: Reports may be made in person, by phone, via email, or through the college's online reporting system. Anonymous reports will be accepted and investigated to the extent possible.
3. Confidentiality: The college will protect the confidentiality of all parties involved to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct a thorough investigation and comply with applicable laws.
4. Amnesty: Students who report hazing incidents or who cooperate in hazing investigations may be granted amnesty for minor policy violations discovered during the course of the investigation, at the discretion of the Vice President, Student Services.
5. Retaliation: Retaliation against any person who reports hazing or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

B. Investigation of Hazing Allegations

1. Prompt and Thorough Investigation: The college will promptly investigate all reports of hazing in a fair, impartial, and thorough manner.
2. Investigation Process:
   1. Initial assessment of the report to determine appropriate interim measures and investigation scope.
   2. Interviews with the reporting party, alleged victims, witnesses, and accused individuals.c.
   1. Collection and review of relevant evidence, including documents, electronic communications, and physical evidence.
   2. consultation with law enforcement or other authorities as needed.
   
          c. Preparation of an investigation report.
3. Timelines: Investigations will be completed within ten (10) business days of the initial report, unless extenuating circumstances require an extension. All involved parties will be promptly notified of any timeline extensions.
4. Interim Measures: The college will take appropriate interim measures to protect the safety and well-being of students during the investigation, which may include no-contact orders, temporary suspension of individuals or organizations, or changes in academic or living arrangements.
5. Standard of Evidence: The college will use a preponderance of evidence standard (more likely than not) in determining whether a violation of this policy has occurred.

 

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AND SANCTIONS

A. Students found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion from the college. Sanctions may include but are not limited to:

1. Disciplinary probation
2. Loss of privileges or college recognition
3. Mandatory educational programs or counseling
4. Community service
5. Suspension
6. Expulsion
7. Withholding or revocation of degree 
   
   

B.  Employees found responsible for hazing or for failing to report known hazing incidents will face disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Sanctions may include but are not limited to:

1. Written reprimand
2. Suspension without pay
3. Demotion
4. Termination of employment
   
   

C. Organizations found responsible for hazing may face sanctions including but not limited to:

1. Probation or suspension of organizational activities
2. Loss of college recognition or registration
3. Revocation of charter or affiliation agreements
4. Prohibition from hosting or participating in college-sponsored events
5. Loss of access to college facilities, funding, or other resources
6. Mandatory reorganization or leadership changes
7. Permanent dissolution of the organization

D.  Aggravating Factors: The following factors may result in more severe sanctions:

1. Prior hazing violations
2. Multiple violations in a single incident
3. Use of force, violence, or weapons
4. Intentional or reckless disregard for health and safety
5. Retaliation against reporters or witnesses
6. Interference with the investigation process

E.  Mitigating Factors: The following factors may be considered in determining appropriate sanctions:

1. Self-reporting of the violation
2. Acceptance of responsibility and demonstration of remorse
3. Cooperation with the investigation process
4. Implementation of corrective measures to prevent future violations