Hazing Prevention and Response Policy

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Policy Statement
Trine University is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all members of its community. Hazing, in any form, is antithetical to the values and mission of the University and is strictly prohibited. Employees and Students play a critical role in preventing, reporting and responding to hazing behaviors. This policy applies to all students, student organizations (including fraternities, sororities, athletic teams, clubs and other recognized or unrecognized student groups), faculty, staff, alumni and guests of the university, both on and off campus, whenever the conduct is related to a university-sponsored event, activity, or organization.

Hazing, as defined herein, is strictly prohibited by the university and will result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension, expulsion, termination of employment and/or withdrawal of university recognition for organizations. Trine University will also comply with all applicable state and federal laws regarding hazing.

Definition of Hazing
The term hazing means any intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that is committed in the course of 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 of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including:

Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing harmful substances on someone’s body or similar activity.
Causing, coercing or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics or other similar activity.
Causing, coercing or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs or other substances.
Causing, coercing or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts.
Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct.
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.

It is not possible to provide an exhaustive list of all types of behavior that would constitute hazing, and the behaviors listed above are only examples of common types of hazing behavior. The university reserves the right to administer appropriate disciplinary action for all forms of hazing, and each situation will be dealt with on an individual basis.

The term of “Student Organization” means an organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.

Prevention Policies (Inspired by the Stop Campus Hazing Act)
Trine University employs a multi-faceted approach to prevent hazing, consistent with the principles of promoting transparency, education and accountability.

Education and Awareness Programs
Mandatory Hazing Prevention Training: All recognized student organizations (including their advisors, coaches and leaders), new student members (e.g., new pledges, recruits, athletes) and relevant faculty and staff will be required to complete annual hazing prevention training. This training will cover:

The definition of hazing and its policy.
The dangers and consequences of hazing.
Bystander intervention strategies.
Reporting procedures and amnesty policies.
Positive team-building alternatives.

Ongoing Educational Initiatives: The university will periodically offer workshops, seminars and informational campaigns to raise awareness about hazing and promote a culture of respect and safety.

Transparency and Public Disclosure
Hazing Violation Reporting: Trine University will maintain a publicly accessible record of all findings of hazing violations by student organizations. This record will include:

The name of the organization.
The date the hazing incident was reported.
The date the investigation was concluded.
A description of the hazing violation(s) found responsible.
Any sanctions imposed on the organization.

This information will be updated at least semiannually and made available on the university website.

Bystander Intervention Training
Training programs will specifically include components designed to empower individuals to recognize, intervene in and report hazing activities safely and effectively. This will emphasize the responsibility of all community members to prevent harm.

Promoting Positive Alternatives
The university will actively promote and provide resources for student organizations to engage in positive, constructive and safe team-building activities that enhance camaraderie and personal development without resorting to hazing.

Regular Policy Review
This policy, along with all hazing prevention programs and procedures, will be reviewed periodically to ensure its effectiveness, compliance with applicable laws and alignment with best practices in hazing prevention.

Reporting Hazing Incidents
Prompt reporting is crucial for addressing hazing and ensuring the safety of the community. Trine University encourages anyone who witnesses, experiences or suspects hazing to report it immediately. If you feel that you have experienced or witnessed hazing, you should report the incident immediately. Trine University will promptly and thoroughly investigate the complaint and when applicable, take appropriate remedial action.

Who to Report To
Reports can be made to any of the following University officials or offices:

Dean of Student and Community Relations: Cisco Ortiz | 260.665.4206 | University Center, Room 207, One University Ave, Angola, IN 46703,
Director of Campus Safety: Stu Hamblen | 260.665.4543 | University Center, Campus Safety Office, One University Ave, Angola, IN 46703
Assistant Vice President for Human Resources / University Compliance / Title IX Coordinator: Jamie Norton | 260.665.4847 | Shambaugh Hall, Room 322, One University Ave, Angola, IN

Employee Duty to Report: All University employees have reporting responsibilities to ensure the university can take appropriate action, including student-employees such as Resident Directors and Resident Assistants, have a duty to report incidents of hazing. Employees may not report suspected hazing anonymously. Any employee who receives a disclosure of hazing or becomes aware of information that would lead a reasonable person to believe that hazing may have occurred involving anyone covered under this policy, must report all known information immediately to one of the persons identified above.

Corrective action may be taken against any individual who has a duty to report and who fails to respond in a manner consistent with the provisions of applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures.

How to Report:

In-Person: Visit the offices listed above during business hours.
By Phone: Contact the relevant office directly (e.g., Dean of Student, Campus Safety).
By Email: Send an email to the appropriate university official or office.
Online Reporting Form: Trine University will provide a dedicated online reporting form on its website for hazing incidents. This form can be submitted anonymously.
Anonymous Reporting: Reports can be made anonymously through the online reporting form or other designated anonymous reporting channels. While anonymous reports will be investigated to the fullest extent possible, the university’s ability to investigate and take action may be limited without the ability to gather additional information or engage directly with those involved.

Confidentiality and Amnesty
Confidentiality: Trine University will treat all reports with discretion and will maintain confidentiality to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct a thorough investigation and protect the safety of the community. Information will be shared only with those who have a legitimate need to know.

Amnesty for Reporters/Victims: Individuals who report hazing in good faith, whether as a victim or a witness, will not face disciplinary action from the university for their own minor policy violations (e.g., underage drinking) that may be revealed in connection with the hazing incident, provided the report was made promptly and in good faith. This amnesty applies solely to university policy violations and does not protect individuals from criminal prosecution.

Amnesty for Active Participation: Students who actively participate in hazing but subsequently come forward to report the incident and cooperate fully with the investigation may be granted consideration in the disciplinary process, recognizing their role in helping to address the hazing behavior. This consideration will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the investigating body.

Investigation Process for Hazing
Upon receiving a report of hazing, Trine University will initiate a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation. The primary goal of the investigation is to gather all relevant facts to determine whether a hazing violation has occurred and to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved parties.

Initial Assessment and Response
Receipt of Report: Student-based reports will be forwarded to the Dean of Student Office, or designee, for initial assessment. Employee-based reports will be forwarded to the Assistant Vice President for Human Resources, or designee, for initial assessment.

Immediate Action: If there is an immediate threat to the health or safety of an individual, Campus Safety will be notified immediately to intervene.

Interim Measures: The university may implement interim measures to protect the safety and well-being of individuals or the community, which may include, but are not limited to, no-contact orders, restrictions on activities or temporary suspension of individuals or organizations.

Investigation Team/Personnel
Investigations will typically be conducted by trained university officials, which may include personnel from the Dean of Student and Community Relations, Student Conduct, Office of Human Resources or other relevant departments, depending on the nature and scope of the allegations. In some cases, external investigators may be engaged.

Gathering Evidence
The investigation process will involve:

Interviews: Conducting interviews with the reporting party, the alleged victim(s), the accused individual(s) or members of the accused organization and any witnesses.
Document Review: Reviewing relevant documents, such as organization bylaws, previous conduct records, communication logs (emails, texts, social media posts, if accessible and relevant) and event plans.
Physical Evidence: Collecting and examining any physical evidence related to the alleged hazing incident.
Information Sharing: The investigation will involve appropriate information sharing within the university to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the situation while respecting privacy.

Due Process
Throughout the investigation and disciplinary process, all parties involved (the reporting party, alleged victim and the accused individual/organization) will be afforded reasonable due process, including:

Notification: Timely notification of the allegations.
Opportunity to Respond: An opportunity to present their side of the story, provide evidence and identify witnesses.
Right to an Advisor: The right to have an advisor of their choice present during interviews and disciplinary hearings (the advisor may not speak on behalf of the party).
Access to Information: Access to relevant information gathered during the investigation, consistent with privacy laws and university policy.

Timeline
The university will strive to complete investigations in a timely manner, typically within 30-60 calendar days of receiving a report, although complex cases may require more time. All parties will be kept informed of the investigation’s progress.

Findings and Determination
Standard of Proof: The university will use a “preponderance of the evidence” standard (meaning it is more likely than not that a violation occurred) to determine responsibility for hazing.

Investigation Report: Upon conclusion of the investigation, a report will be prepared summarizing the findings and recommending a determination of responsibility.

Resolution: The Investigator will communicate his or her decision to both parties, concurrently. The Investigator will communicate the decision in writing as soon as possible after conclusion of the investigation.

Appeals Process: If either party disagrees with the Investigator’s determination, then they may file a written appeal with the Appeals Committee. The Appeals Committee consists of the Dean of Student and Community Relations, the Director of Campus Safety and the Assistant Vice President for Human Resources / University Compliance / Title IX Coordinator. Appeals must be filed within 10 days after the Investigator’s written decision is communicated. Absent unusual circumstances, the Appeals Committee shall issue a written decision on the appeal within 10 business days. The decision of the Appeals Committee shall be final.

Appeals must be filed due to:

A procedural irregularity that affected the outcome of the matter;
New evidence that was not reasonably available at the time of the determination regarding responsibility or dismissal was made, that could affect the outcome of the matter or;
The Investigator(s) had a conflict of interest of bias for or against one or more of the parties involved that affected the outcome of the matter.

Disciplinary Actions and Sanctions
If a student, student organization, faculty or staff member is found responsible for violating the Hazing Policy, disciplinary sanctions will be imposed commensurate with the severity of the violation and previous conduct history.

Sanctions for Individuals (Students, Faculty, Staff)
Students: Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, official warning, disciplinary probation, suspension from the university, expulsion from the university, mandated educational programs, community service, loss of privileges and restitution.

Faculty/Staff: Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, documented corrective action, mandatory training, suspension or termination of employment.

Sanctions for Student Organizations
Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, official warning, disciplinary probation, suspension of university recognition, permanent revocation of university recognition, social probation, loss of privileges (e.g., facility use, participation in campus events), financial penalties, mandatory educational programs for all members and restrictions on recruitment/new member activities.

In cases of severe or repeated hazing violations, the university reserves the right to immediately and permanently revoke the recognition of a student organization.

External Reporting and Legal Obligations
Trine University will comply with all state and federal laws requiring the reporting of hazing incidents to law enforcement authorities where criminal activity is suspected or confirmed.