Hazing Policy (SAF 100-011)

1.0 Purpose

Baker College is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment in which all students can participate in student organizations without fear of hazing. This policy establishes the College’s prohibition of hazing in any form and affirms its commitment to promoting a culture of respect, safety, and accountability.

2.0 Definitions

Hazing –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 of a harmful substance 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 against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and 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.

3.0 Scope

This policy applies to all members of the Baker College community, including students, faculty, staff, and student organizations.

4.0 Policy Statement

Baker College does not tolerate hazing in any form. All campus community members are expected to uphold a culture of dignity, respect, and accountability. Any reports of hazing will be taken seriously, thoroughly investigated, and addressed in accordance with college policies and applicable laws.

5.0 Procedures

The following procedures outline the steps to be taken when hazing is reported or suspected, and the institutional commitments to prevention, transparency, and compliance.

Reporting Hazing

• Any member of the campus community who witnesses or becomes aware of a potential hazing incident is expected to report the matter promptly.
• Reports should be made to a Campus Security Authority or the local Campus Safety office.
• Reports may be submitted in person, by phone, or through the College’s designated reporting channels.

Preliminary Review

• Upon receiving a report, Campus Safety will conduct an initial review to assess the nature and circumstances of the alleged incident.
• If the initial review identifies sufficient concern or potential policy violation, the matter will be referred to the Director of Student Affairs for formal investigation.

Investigation and Adjudication

• The Director of Student Affairs will lead investigations into hazing reports referred by Campus Safety.
• Investigations will follow a preponderance of the evidence standard (i.e., more likely than not) to determine whether a policy violation occurred.
• Findings will be addressed in accordance with applicable student conduct processes and College policies.

Prevention and Education

• Baker College will implement ongoing education and awareness initiatives to prevent hazing and promote a respectful, inclusive campus culture.
• Programs may include workshops, orientation sessions, training modules, and communication campaigns targeting students, staff, and student organizations.

Hazing Transparency Report

• In compliance with applicable laws, the College will maintain and publish a Hazing Transparency Report on its public-facing website.
• The Transparency Report will include findings of hazing policy violations and will be updated biannually, in January and July.
• In accordance with The Clery Center, Baker College will compile and publish on a prominent location of their public website a hazing transparency report that summarizes findings concerning any student organization found to be in violation of the institution’s standards of conduct related to hazing. The report will include:
  • The name of the student organization;
  • A general description of the violation that resulted in a finding of responsibility; and
  • Related dates (the date of the alleged incident, the date of the initiation of the investigation, the date the investigation ended with a finding, and the date the institution provided notice to the organization of the finding).

Legal Compliance

• Any findings of hazing will be reported to external authorities as required by local, state, tribal, or federal law.

6.0 Responsibilities

Campus Safety

• Receive and document reports of suspected hazing. 
• Conduct an initial review and follow all necessary reporting protocols.
• Forward cases to the Director of Student Affairs for further review.
  

Director of Student Affairs

• Receive, investigate, and adjudicate reports of Hazing received from Campus Safety.
• Update the Hazing Transparency Report bi-annually in January and July via the Marketing and Communications ticket process.

Campus Community

• Be aware of hazing risks and prevention measures.
• Report any concerns to Campus Safety or a Campus Security Authority.
• Promote an environment of inclusion, respect, and accountability.
  

7.0 Citations & Related Information

Document A: Michigan law on Hazing, see MCL 750.411t.