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Hazing is a violation of �鶹��Ƶ policy, the Stop Campus Hazing Act, and North Carolina law. �鶹��Ƶ is committed to providing an environment of well-being, learning, and accountability for all its members. To this end, the �鶹��Ƶ Anti-Hazing Policy applies to:

• All Students.
• Any organization recognized or sanctioned by the College.
• Any planning team, committee, or group affiliated with �鶹��Ƶ departments or offices.
• Other persons associated with a �鶹��Ƶ recognized- or sanctioned organization, including but not limited to: o Members or participants. o Advisors (faculty or staff). o Alumni. o �鶹��Ƶ faculty, staff, and volunteers. o Representatives of external organizations.

1. Description

Hazing is defined by North Carolina State Law N.C. General Statute §14-35 as “to subject another student to physical injury as part of an initiation, or as a prerequisite to membership, into any organized school group, including any society, athletic team, fraternity or sorority, or other similar group.” Persons who cause physical injury by hazing, or who aid or abet others in physical injury by hazing, are also subject to arrest and criminal liability.

For the purposes of this policy, the college acknowledges that both physical and psychological injury by hazing is possible. Injury is defined in the Stop Campus Hazing Act. It defines hazing as “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, which includes:

o Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;

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

o Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;

o 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;

o Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and

o 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.”

In addition to being a violation of state and federal law, the college considers hazing to be a form of “Verbal or physical harassment, assault, or battery of a college employee, student, or visitor” which is considered a disruptive behavior under the college’s Student Code of Conduct process, which includes an appeals process.

1. Reporting and Investigation

The College encourages reports of hazing and provides several methods. Reports may be submitted:

• In-person: The Vice President of Academics and Student Services office, located in the Cedar Building’s One-Stop Center.
• In-person: The Dean of Students, located in the Cedar Building’s One-Stop Center.
• Contacting Campus Security or the School Resource Officer.
• Via the online incident reporting form on the College website at mcdowelltech.edu/student-forms.
• Anonymous reporting is permitted, but anonymous reports severely limit the College’s ability to understand the scope of the incident, take action, or hold the perpetrator accountable.

Campus security authorities include any �鶹��Ƶ official who has a significant responsibility for campus security and for certain student and campus activities. More specifically, they include the following:

• �鶹��Ƶ Campus Security and School Resource Officer;
• Any individuals not employed by �鶹��Ƶ Campus Security or School Resource Officer but who have responsibility for monitoring entrance into College property (e.g., security officers employed for special events on College property); and
• Personnel responsible for counseling and student development, and accessibility services.

The College will promptly and thoroughly investigate all reports of hazing in a fair, impartial, and thorough manner.

Investigation Process:

• Initial assessment of the report to determine appropriate interim measures and investigation scope.
• Interviews with the reporting party, alleged victims, witnesses, and accused individuals.
• Collection and review of relevant evidence, including documents, electronic communications, and physical evidence.
• Consultation with local law enforcement or other authorities as needed.

Timelines: Investigations will be completed within thirty (30) calendar days of the initial report, unless extenuating circumstances require an extension. All involved parties will be promptly notified of any timeline extensions.

Interim Measures: The College will take appropriate interim measures to protect the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff during the investigation, which may include no-contact orders, temporary suspension of individuals or organizations, or changes in academic or living arrangements.

Standard of Evidence: The College will use a preponderance of evidence standard (more likely than not) in determining whether a violation of this policy has occurred.

1. Student Conduct Process

The Vice President of Academics and Student Services, or their designee, will coordinate hazing investigations in accordance with BP 4.5 and CP 4.5.1 Levels of Discipline and Appeal: Student. Violations of the code of conduct may result in immediate sanction, including probation, suspension, or expulsion from the College.

Disciplinary sanctions may be instituted against a student charged with violation of a law that is also a violation of the Student Code of Conduct if both violations result from the same factual situation, without regard to criminal arrest and/or prosecution. Proceedings under the Student Code of Conduct may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following criminal proceedings. The College will cooperate fully with law enforcement and other agencies in the enforcement of criminal law in campus and in the conditions imposed by criminal courts for the rehabilitation of student violators.

Student groups or organizations involved with hazing may be sanctioned by withholding of college funds, suspension of the club or organization’s status charter, and disqualification from recognition and awards.

1. Retaliation

The College prohibits retaliation against any person who acts in good faith to stop, prevent, or report potential hazing activity, or who participates in an investigation involving hazing allegations.

1. Disciplinary Actions and Sanctions

a. Students found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion from the College. Sanctions may include but are not limited to:

i. Disciplinary probation. ii. Loss of privileges or college recognition. iii. Mandatory educational programs or counseling. iv. Community Service. v. Suspension.

vi. Expulsion. vii. Withholding or revocation of degree.

b. Employees found responsible for hazing or for failing to report known hazing incidents will face disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Sanctions may include but are not limited to:

i. Written reprimand. ii. Suspension with or without pay (President’s discretion). iii. Demotion. iv. Termination of employment.

c. Organizations found responsible for hazing may face sanctions including but not limited to:

i. Probation or suspension of organizational activities. ii. Loss of college recognition or registration. iii. Revocation of charter or affiliation agreements. iv. Prohibition from hosting or participating in college-sponsored events. v. Loss of access to college facilities, funding, or other resources. vi. Mandatory reorganization or leadership changes. vii. Permanent dissolution of the organization.

d. Aggravating Factors: The following factors may result in more severe sanctions:

i. Prior hazing violations. ii. Multiple violations in a single incident. iii. Use of force, violence, or weapons. iv. Intentional or reckless disregard for health and safety. v. Retaliation against reports or witnesses. vi. Interference with the investigation process.

e. Mitigating Factors: The following factors may be considered in determining appropriate sanctions:

i. Self-reporting of the violation. ii. Acceptance of responsibility and demonstration of remorse. iii. Cooperation with the investigation process. iv. Implementation of corrective measures to prevent future violations.

1. Prevention and Education

a. On a regular basis, the College will provide education and training on hazing prevention and the College’s anti-hazing policy to all students, faculty, and staff. The training may include:

• Defining hazing and outlining prohibited conduct.
• Explaining reporting procedures, the College’s investigation, and disciplinary processes.
• Highlighting the negative physical and mental health consequences of hazing.
• Promoting a culture of respect, inclusion, and student well-being.
• Providing bystander intervention strategies.
• Ethical leadership.
• Discussing legal and disciplinary consequences of hazing.
• Positive strategies for building group cohesion.

b. New Student and Employee Orientation: All new students and employees will receive information about this policy and hazing prevention during their orientation or convocation programs.

c. Student Organization Training: All student organizations must complete annual anti- hazing training as a condition of maintaining college recognition or registration.

d. Online Resources: The College will maintain an online resource center with information about this regulation, reporting procedures, and a link to the College’s Clery Act Annual Security Report.

e. Hazing Transparency Report: The College will publish on its public website, and update at least two times each year, a report that summarizes any incident concerning a student organization recognized by the College found to be in violation of this regulation. The report will include the following information:

• The name of the student organization.
• A general description of the violation that resulted in a finding that a violation of this policy occurred, including whether or not the violation involved the abuse or illegal use of alcohol or drugs.
• Any sanctions imposed on the student organization.
• Related dates (the date 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).

The report will not include any personally identifiable student information.

1. Preventive Measures and Early Intervention

a. Risk Assessment: The College will conduct periodic risk assessments to identify potential hazing risks within student organizations.

b. Early Warning System: The College will implement an early warning system to identify and address potential hazing risks, including regular check-ins with student organization leaders and advisors.

c. Student Organizations must maintain detailed records of all new member activities, if any, and submit them for review upon request.

d. Advisor Training and Oversight:

• All faculty and staff advisors to student organizations must complete specialized anti-hazing training.
• Advisors are required to attend and monitor new member activities and report any concerns promptly

e. Collaborative Partnerships: The College will establish partnerships with national organizations, local law enforcement, and other institutions to share best practices and resources for hazing prevention.

1. Resources and Support Services

a. Reporting and Information: i. Dean of Student Success, Cedar Building (Building 11), One-Stop Center Phone: 828-659-0493

ii. Vice President of Academics and Student Services, Cedar Building (Building 11), One-Stop Center Phone: 828-652-0699

b. Confidential Counseling and Support: i. Registrar, Cedar Building (Building 11) Phone: 828-652-0629

c. Campus Safety: i. Security, Cedar Building (Building 11) Emergency: 911 Non-Emergency: 828-442-1084

ii. School Resource Officer, Azalea Building (Building 4) Emergency: 911 Non-Emergency: 828-317-1840

1. Limitation of Liability

While the College is committed to preventing and addressing hazing, the College cannot guarantee that hazing incidents will not occur. The College’s liability is limited to its good faith efforts to implement and enforce this policy. Nothing in this policy shall be construed as creating any additional rights or causes of action against the College beyond those provided by applicable law.