Student Handbook

3.17 Hazing Policy and Prevention

Policy Statement on Hazing

Northeastern Junior College (NJC) strictly prohibits any form of hazing by individuals or student organizations. Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with others) against another person, regardless of willingness to participate, when:

  1. The act is committed in connection with initiation into, affiliation with, or maintenance of membership in a student organization, and
  2. The act causes, or creates a risk above what is reasonably expected in ordinary college participation, of physical or psychological harm, including but not limited to:
    1. Physical abuse (e.g., whipping, beating, shocking, or applying harmful substances)
    2. Forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
    3. Sleep deprivation or extreme exercise
    4. Sexual acts
    5. Threats or fear of harm
    6. Any act involving a criminal violation of local, state, tribal, or federal law

This definition follows federal guidance outlined in 20 U.S.C. § 1092(f)(6)(A)(vi).

Reporting Hazing

Any member of the NJC community including students, faculty, staff, guests, and/or visitors may report hazing. Reports can be made through:

  • The NJC Campus Safety Office (970-521-6683)
  • The Vice President of Student Services (970-521-6657)
  • The Residence Life Office (970-521-6608)
  • The Human Resource Department (970-521-6730)
  • The NJC Online Reporting Form (Maxient, accessible through the NJC website)

Reports may be submitted confidentially and will be investigated under the college's disciplinary procedures. NJC will maintain all Clery-required records and disclose hazing incidents in the Annual Security Report.

Hazing Investigation Process

Upon receiving a report of hazing:

  1. The Vice President of Student Services (or designee) will initiate a timely review and investigation.
  2. Due process will be observed in accordance with NJC’s Student Code of Conduct (see Section 5.00).
  3. Appropriate sanctions—including education, probation, suspension, or expulsion—may be imposed on individuals or organizations found responsible.
  4. A Campus Hazing Transparency Report (CHTR) will be published on NJC’s website if a student organization is found responsible for hazing. This report will include the violation and applicable sanctions and be updated twice annually.

Prevention and Awareness Programming

NJC is committed to proactive prevention. Annual, research-informed training is provided to all students, faculty, and staff. Programs focus on:

  • Understanding hazing and its risks
  • Bystander intervention training
  • Ethical leadership
  • Non-hazing group cohesion strategies

Prevention programs are delivered through orientation sessions, residence life programming, student organization training, and campus-wide workshops. Participation in these initiatives is encouraged and may be required for student leaders and club officers.

Compliance and Oversight

NJC maintains hazing statistics beginning January 1, 2025, and reports them in the Annual Security Report published each October. This section will be updated to reflect applicable state and federal changes. Questions or concerns regarding hazing prevention or compliance should be directed to the Vice President of Student Services. Additionally, a copy of the Annual Security Report is available by contacting the Coordinator of Campus Safety at (970) 521-6683.