Hazing

Policy 301.8

1 Introduction

Appalachian State University (the “University”) is dedicated to fostering a safe and secure campus environment in accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act. The Stop Campus Hazing Act requires a framework for reporting, investigating, adjudicating, and resolving any violations of Hazing.

2 Scope

2.1 This policy applies to all members of the University community, including students, Student Organizations, Employees, and Third-Parties.

2.2 This policy does not address the University’s reporting and disclosure requirements under the Clery Campus Safety Act, which are addressed in University Policy 301.4 Clery Safety Act.

3 Definitions

3.1 Campus Security Authorities (“CSA”)

University employees with required Clery Safety Act crime reporting obligations, which include:

Campus law enforcement personnel;
Security personnel;
Any individual or organization specified in the University’s statement of campus security policy as an individual or organization to which students and Employees should report criminal offenses;
Individuals with significant responsibilities for student and campus activities, including residence life staff, student conduct staff, athletic coaches, and advisors to Student Organizations.

3.2 Employee

An individual employed by the University, including but not limited to those holding temporary, probationary, time-limited, full or part-time, SHRA, EPS, SAAO, Faculty, Student Employees, and Non-Student Temporary positions.

3.3 Hazing

Hazing for the purposes of reporting statistics on hazing incidents is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by one person or a group against another individual or group, regardless of willingness to participate that:

is connected with an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a Student Organization; and
causes or creates a risk (above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution or the student organization) of physical or psychological injury. It includes activities such as:
aa. whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;

bb. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;

cc. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;

dd. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;

ee. any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;

ff. any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and

gg. any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.

3.4 Student Organization

For purposes of reporting statistics of Hazing, a Student Organization at the University, means an organization (such as, but not limited to, clubs, societies, associations, athletic teams, club sports teams, ROTC, fraternities, sororities, marching band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the University, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the University.

3.5 Third-Party

An individual who either participates in or is attempting to participate in a University program or activity or conducts business on behalf of or at the request of the University, including but not limited to contractors, vendors, visitors, or guests.

4 Policy

4.1 Prohibited Conduct The following conduct is prohibited:

engaging in Hazing as defined herein;
soliciting, encouraging, condoning, directing, aiding, or attempting to aid another person engaging in Hazing; or
negligently allowing Hazing to occur.

4.2 Reporting

4.2.1 Report Hazing, crimes, and emergencies to local law enforcement by calling 911 or the Appalachian State Police Department (“App State PD”) by calling 28000 or the non-emergency line 828-262-2150 from a campus phone or 828-262-8000 from any phone or in person 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.

4.2.2 University employees designated as CSAs under the Clery Safety Act are required to report Hazing with App State PD within forty-eight (48) hours (2 business days).

4.2.3 If a report indicates a threat of additional violence, App State PD may activate the University Threat Assessment Team to assess the potential threat. The team comprises representatives from key University areas and is responsible for receiving threat reports, conducting thorough assessments, and determining appropriate responses.

4.2.4 Investigations of reports of Hazing will be referred to the appropriate University office(s), such as the Office of Access and Opportunity, the Office of Student Conduct, and the Office of Human Resources. Employees who violate of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to applicable employment policies. Students and/or Student Organizations who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to the Code of Student Conduct.

4.3 Campus Hazing Transparency Report

Student Conduct biannually in July and December, publishes the Campus Hazing Transparency Report (the “CHTR”). This report details Hazing violations involving Student Organizations recognized by the University, regardless of location. Each entry includes the organization’s name, a brief description of the violation, and key dates: the incident's date, the investigation's initiation and conclusion, and the notification date of the finding to the organization.

4.4 Education and Prevention

The University provides a research-informed, campus-wide hazing prevention education for students and Employees. Prevention education includes both general training and group-specific sessions tailored to the needs of Student Organizations, athletic teams, and other campus groups.