Hazing

For Indiana code, hazing “means forcing or requiring another person: with or without the consent of the other person; and as a condition of association with a group or organization; to perform an act that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury. A person who knowingly or intentionally performs hazing commits a Class B misdemeanor. However, the offense is a Level 6 felony if it results in serious bodily injury to another person, and a Level 5 felony if it is committed by means of a deadly weapon.” 

The definitions and additional language can be found in the following policies: UA-16, Clery Act compliance; STU-00, Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct; and STU-01, Student Organizations.  

Student organizations are responsible for abiding by university policy, the IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct (“Student Code” or “Code”), and all other agreements between the University and the student organization. Complaints involving a registered student organization will be addressed using the procedures described below. Complaints against individual members of a student organization may also be addressed under the appropriate University policies and procedures. For additional information, please see the conduct policies section below. The procedures may vary slightly from campus to campus, but the overarching policy is outlined in this hazing subsection. Further details can be found in the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct, under part III, Procedures.  

Once an incident of hazing is reported to the Office of Student Conduct (OSC), Dean of Students, or the respective campus office whether by IUPD, a residential office, students, organizational leaders, or others, the investigation will begin with OSC, Dean of Students, or the respective office. Interim measures may be applied based on the alleged incident during the investigation. The investigating office will assess for credibility as appropriate and request campus partner input when necessary for aid in the investigation. The investigation will end with a report of findings to the student organization.

Within two weeks, the organization must provide a response to the investigation office on the findings. The response will begin the resolution process, which could include Alternative Resolution, a Collaborative Action Plan Meeting, or a Formal Administrative Hearing. In some instances, an Alternative Resolution may be directly referred without a need for a formal investigation. Alternative Resolution may include mediation, restorative processes, related programming, chapter coach referral and headquarters referral, or a formal agreement with the chief student affairs officer for the campus and/or their designee that addresses allegations. Each campus affords the option to ensure the investigation is appropriate for their students and organizations and may or may not adopt all the options in this section. 

In Bloomington, during a Collaborative Action Plan (CAP) Meeting, the student organization accepts responsibility for the alleged misconduct and presents a proposed action plan for addressing and correcting the concern. The action plan is evaluated by OSC and partnering units. During the CAP meeting the proposal is discussed and changes are made as necessary. The Action Plan is final when approved by the Vice Provost for Student Life or delegate/equivalent. The outcome and action plan are not appealable.  

For Formal Hearings, the student organization receives their official charge letter and is scheduled to attend a pre-hearing meeting. The notice is provided at least seven calendar days prior to the meeting and scheduled at least five days prior to the formal hearing. This meeting allows the investigating office to provide an overview of the alleged violations as well as the findings. After the pre-hearing meeting, the student organization will provide a written response to the findings at least two business days prior to the formal hearing. The formal hearing will be held with the investigating office and the student organization where outcomes and action plans will be decided. This could include suspension or expulsion of the organization, action plans to correct the issue(s), and working with the investigating office to determine next steps. The outcome and action plan are eligible for appeal and must be submitted no later than ten calendar days after the written decision.