Hazing Policy SS.005

POLICY NUMBER: SS.005

EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/10/25

APPROVAL DATE: 06/10/25

PURPOSE: Life University is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all students, employees, and campus visitors, one that is free from all forms of hazing. Hazing is defined as any activity required of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of their consent to participate.

Life University strictly prohibits hazing in any form, as it violates both university policy and state law. We are committed to holding individuals and groups accountable to maintain a campus culture rooted in dignity, safety, and mutual respect.

ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY: GA State Max Gruver Act, and the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act (H.R.5646)

SCOPE: Anti Hazing Policy - Life University does not condone hazing in any form. Hazing is defined as any action or situation created intentionally to cause physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Any student group or organization found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. Hazing is prohibited by Life University, the Max Gruver Act, and the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act (H.R.5646). This policy applies to all University students and student organizations.

APPROVAL AUTHORITY: President

RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY: Student Services, Campus Security & Safety

RECIPIENTS:

PUBLICATIONS: Student Handbook, University Catalog

DEFINITIONS: For the purpose of this policy and institutional conduct processes, hazing is defined by the following state and federal definitions:

Per Georgia Hazing Law (The Max Gruver Act):

As used in this Code section, the term:

“Haze” or “hazing” means to subject a student to an activity which endangers or is likely to endanger the physical health of a student or coerces the student through the use of social or physical pressure to consume any food, liquid, alcohol, drug, or other substance which subjects the student to a likely risk of vomiting, intoxication, or unconsciousness regardless of a student’s willingness to participate in such activity.

“School” means any unit of the University System of Georgia, any unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, or any private postsecondary school, college, or university in this state.

“School organization” means any association, corporation, order, club, society, fraternity, sorority, athletic team, or a group living together which has students or alumni as its principal members, including local affiliate organizations.

“Student” means any person enrolled or prospectively enrolled in a school in this state.

It is unlawful to haze any student in connection with or as a condition for gaining acceptance, membership, office, or other status in a school organization.

Any person who violates this Code section is guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.

The federal Stop Campus Hazing Act defines “hazing” to mean “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-

(I) is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and

(II) 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.

Examples of behavior or activities that meet the definition of hazing are as follows. These examples are intended to illustrate specific forbidden practices and are not meant to be all-inclusive:

1. Placing an individual in a situation that intentionally affects emotional stability and puts them at risk of mental harm.
2. Physical contact or punishment, excessive exercise, or sleep deprivation that causes undue fatigue and/or physical or psychological shock.
3. Degrading an individual or group.
4. Coerced or forced consumption of food, drink, alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs.
5. Coerced or forced transportation of individuals.
6. Public tests, humiliation, ridicule, indecent exposure, or nudity.
7. Coercing or forcing illegal acts.
8. Forcing, requiring, or pressuring participation in any unlawful, perverse, publicly indecent, or morally objectionable activity.
9. Interfering with an individual’s academic, athletic, health, or personal success.
10. Personal servitude to others.
11. Mental harassment.
12. Sexual harassment.
13. Collective behaviors such as marching, dressing alike, lineups, etc.
14. Tattooing or branding.
15. Deception or threats designed to convince new members they will not be allowed to join or that their continued participation is in doubt.
16. Threat of social exclusion.
17. Any activity involving alcohol or controlled substances that violate the college’s Alcohol and Drug policies or the laws of the state of Georgia.
18. Any activity not in accordance with the college’s established policies.

 POLICY TITLE

Hazing Policy

 POLICY STATEMENT

Making a false accusation of hazing is prohibited. Individuals who are victims of hazing and truthfully report the activities will not be charged with violating this policy. Similarly, individuals who report hazing incidents they have knowledge of but did not participate in will not be charged under this policy.

In addition to following this policy, all student-athletes are expected to adhere to the policies and guidelines set forth by the NAIA.

All reported hazing allegations will be thoroughly investigated. The primary purpose of the investigation is to ensure that hazing activities cease and that those involved in hazing are held accountable to the campus community. If the allegations are substantiated, appropriate actions will be taken against the individuals and/or organizations responsible for the hazing.

Making a false accusation of hazing is prohibited. Individuals who are victims of hazing and truthfully report the activities will not be charged with violating this policy. Similarly, individuals who report hazing incidents they have knowledge of but did not participate in will not be charged under this policy.

In addition to following this policy, all student-athletes are expected to adhere to the policies and guidelines set forth by the NAIA.

All reported hazing allegations will be thoroughly investigated. The primary purpose of the investigation is to ensure that hazing activities cease and that those involved in hazing are held accountable to the campus community. If the allegations are substantiated, appropriate actions will be taken against the individuals and/or organizations responsible for the hazing.

Sanctions will be imposed based on the severity of the violation and determined by Life University’s

Conflict Resolution & Accountability Office. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Fines for damages, educational assignments, or community service.
2. Probation for student organizations or athletic teams, which includes loss of privileges as a recognized student organization/athletic team of Life University.
3. Suspension, dismissal, or expulsion from Life University.

REPORTING OF HAZING

Reports of violations of this policy must be made promptly. Students and members of the campus community are required to report any hazing activity, as well as any knowledge of or suspicion of hazing. An individual subjected to hazing may not recognize that what is happening constitutes hazing or may not feel empowered to refuse participation. Perceived, implied, or expressed consent to hazing does not make it acceptable under this policy. If a student feels they are in a hazing situation, they are encouraged to file a report here. Additionally, reports of hazing or inquiries about whether an activity constitutes hazing can be made by contacting any of the following offices: the Office of the Dean of Students, Conflict Resolution & Accountability, Campus Safety, Residence Life, or Athletics.

Sanctions will be imposed based on the severity of the violation and determined by Life University’s Conflict Resolution & Accountability Office. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Fines for damages, educational assignments, or community service.
2. Probation for student organizations or athletic teams, which includes loss of privileges as a recognized student organization/athletic team of Life University.
3. Suspension, dismissal, or expulsion from Life University.

REPORTING OF HAZING

Reports of violations of this policy must be made promptly. Students and members of the campus community are required to report any hazing activity, as well as any knowledge of or suspicion of hazing.

An individual subjected to hazing may not recognize that what is happening constitutes hazing or may not feel empowered to refuse participation. Perceived, implied, or expressed consent to hazing does not make it acceptable under this policy. If a student feels they are in a hazing situation, they are encouraged to file a report here. Additionally, reports of hazing or inquiries about whether an activity constitutes hazing can be made by contacting any of the following offices: the Office of the Dean of Students, Conflict Resolution & Accountability, Campus Safety, Residence Life, or Athletics.

Duty to Report:

Confidential employees are not required to report hazing behavior. Anyone with general concerns about hazing and/or the well-being of any student is also encouraged to contact Conflict Resolution & Accountability or Student Affairs. Anonymous reports are accepted; however, the University’s ability to investigate anonymous reports may be limited.

Compliance with Policy:

Failure to comply with the requirements of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion or termination in accordance with relevant University policies and the University’s Standards of Conduct. Additionally, such prohibited actions may also be in violation of state or federal law.

Hazing Prevention

Consistent with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, the University will provide hazing prevention training for all students, including current, new, and incoming students. This training is especially required for students involved in any group, club, team, or organization.

The training will include comprehensive, current, and in-person education on hazing, the dangers of hazing (including alcohol intoxication), and all applicable laws and University policies. It will also clarify that the University’s disciplinary process is not a substitute for criminal legal proceedings.

In addition, the University will implement research-informed, campus-wide prevention programs that promote:

1. Bystander intervention skills
2. Ethical leadership development
3. Strategies for building group cohesion without hazing

These initiatives are designed to empower students to recognize, prevent, and respond to hazing-related behaviors.

Faculty and staff members will also receive hazing prevention training. Additional, role-specific training will be provided to faculty or staff members serving as advisors to student groups or as coaches of athletic teams.

Retaliation:

The University prohibits retaliation directed against a person for making a good faith complaint under this policy or who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation or adjudication process. Retaliation may exist even when the underlying complaint is without merit or not substantiated.

 PROCEDURE(S)

Investigation:

An investigation will be considered once Conflict Resolution & Accountability becomes aware of a possible violation of this Code. The investigation may include any of the following components:

1. A review of all submitted information related to the possible violation;
2. Interviews of relevant witnesses and other appropriate parties;
3. Documentation of relevant information to the incident;
4. Any other information or actions deemed necessary by the Conflict Resolution & Accountability office.

Notification of a Possible Violation:

The Conflict Resolution & Accountability office will notify the student, student organization, or student group of a possible violation of the Code of Conduct after considering factors that go into determining the proper time to make such notification. The notification will include all of the following information that is applicable to a particular incident:

1. Time, date, and location of the possible violation;
2. Name of the reporting party (if known);
3. Narrative information contained in any received incident report(s);
4. Supporting information related to the incident (photographs, screenshots, videos, copies of assignments, etc.) will be shown in person;
5. A copy of the current Code of Conduct.

The Notice of Possible Violation will include a scheduled appointment time for the student, student group, or student organization to meet with Conflict Resolution & Accountability. The appointment will be based on the class schedule of the student or designated representative. The appointment may be changed once to accommodate non-academic commitments of the student or student organization representative, at the discretion of the Conduct Officer.

Students are expected to appear regarding student conduct matters. Failure to comply with a notice to appear may subject the student to additional student conduct action. Delivery of such notices to appear will be made to the student’s University email address. Delivery to said email address will constitute acceptable notice to the student.

The Conflict Resolution & Accountability Office reserves the right to notify appropriate University personnel of the existence of a submitted incident report regarding a specific student or student organization, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended.

Resolution Conference

At the resolution conference the Conduct Officer and the student or designated student representative from the student group or student organization shall engage in the following process:

1. The Conduct Officer will explain the conduct process;
2. The Conduct Officer will answer any questions about the process, posed by the student or designated student representative, about the process;
3. The Conduct Officer and the student or designated student representative will engage in a candid discussion about the incident;
4. The student or designated student representative shall be given the opportunity to share any information related to the incident;
5. The student or designated student representative shall be given the opportunity to share the names and contact information of any witnesses related to the incident, with whom the Conduct Officer should meet;
6. The student or designated student representative shall be given the opportunity to resolve the matter during the resolution conference or using the Conduct Review Board;
7. The Conduct Officer shall have the discretion to continue the resolution conference at their discretion, and/or at the request of the student or designated student organization representative

Resolution of an Incident

At the time of incident resolution, during a resolution conference, the student or designated student representative shall be provided with the following options for resolution:

If the student or student group/organization is not facing possible suspension or expulsion from the University, the Conduct Officer with whom the student is meeting can make the determination about responsibility and sanction(s).

1. Option I: I ACCEPT responsibility for the violation(s) and ACCEPT the recommended sanction(s);
2. Option II: I DENY responsibility for the violation(s) and request a hearing before a Conduct Review Board or Administrative Officer.
3. Option III: The student or designated student representative NEITHER ACCEPTS NOR DENIES responsibility in resolution of this incident and remains subject to the finding and any imposed sanction(s).

When a student selects Option II, the determination about whether or not the matter will be heard by a Conduct Review Board or Administrative Officer will be determined by the severity of the sanctions being considered. Students or student groups/organizations facing possible suspension or expulsion from the University shall only have the option to have their case heard by a board.

Option III is only available to students who are facing criminal charges at the time of the resolution conference.

A student or designated student representative must notify the Conflict Resolution and Accountability of their preferred resolution option during a resolution conference. The selected resolution option will take effect three (3) business days after the student or designated student representative submits their choice. During the three-business-day period between notifying the Conflict Resolution and Accountability office of their resolution option and the effective date, the student or designated student representative may change their requested resolution option. The resolution option on file with the Conflict Resolution and Accountability representative as of 4:00 p.m. on the third business day after the initial notification will become effective. A student subject to a resolution conference shall receive written notification of the outcome of the conference, if the student selects OPTION I or OPTION III. The outcome letter will include the following items:

1. Finding(s);
2. Sanction(s);
3. Rationale for the decision.

This notification shall normally be sent within two (2) business days following the effective date of the resolution option. Notification of the outcome is not usually communicated to the reporting party and/or victim, except as allowed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Notification will be sent to University personnel who have been determined by the Conflict Resolution and Accountability representative to have a legitimate educational interest.

Georgia Senate Bill 85 – “Max Gruver Act” Report

The Georgia SB 85 “Max Gruver Act” aims to mitigate, prevent, and provide transparency regarding campus hazing incidents. The act bans dangerous hazing in student organizations, including Greek organizations, athletic teams, and any other club or a student group at public and private colleges and universities. The Act expands the definition of hazing to include any activity which endangers, or is likely to endanger, the physical health of a student, or coerces a student using social or physical pressure to consume any food, liquid, alcohol, drug, or other substance which subjects the student to a likely risk of vomiting, intoxication, or unconsciousness.

Stop Campus Hazing Act and Max Gruver Act Requirements

In compliance with this federal and state law, Life University will publish to this website all instances of administrative adjudications of hazing and/or hazing-related convictions within 15 calendar days of final adjudication or public notice of criminal conviction. Such instances will remain posted for a period of no less than five years. This disclosure shall not include the personal identifying information of any individual student and shall be subject to the requirements of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Organizational Conduct – Hazing Related Public Disclosures

Student Organization/Group    Date/Time Reported    Date of Final Resolution    Code of Student Conduct Responsible Finding and Sanction(s)    Date for List Removal

 OTHER NOTES

N/A