In compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act and Missouri state law, North Central Missouri College prohibits hazing and is committed to ensure all members of the campus community are able to learn, work, and participate in an environment free from physical or psychological injury incurred during recruitment or participation in a student organization.
DEFINITIONS:
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concern 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;
- activities that could result in extreme embarrassment or adversely affect the dignity of the individual.
- any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law;
- any activity that induces, causes, coerces, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
- activities that could result in extreme embarrassment or adversely affect the dignity of the individual.
- Student Organization. An organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) where two or more members of the organization are students enrolled at the college, whether the organization is established or recognized by the institution.
This policy includes actions of current, former, and prospective members of campus organizations.
HOW TO REPORT
Members of the campus community can report hazing misconduct by utilizing the Hazing Misconduct Report Form, also located on myCOMPASS. Students who voluntarily report hazing may be granted conduct immunity in efforts to encourage a culture of accountability and safety. Conditions for immunity include:
- The person was present at the event where hazing occurred, and a person was in need of immediate medical assistance;
- Was the first person to call 911 to report the need for medical attention;
- Provided the relevant information to the 911 operator; and
- Remained at the scene until medical assistance arrived and cooperated with such assistance.
If aid is rendered to the hazing before assistance arrived, immunity may occur.
Any employee that has a reasonable cause to believe that hazing has occurred should report it to the appropriate campus official. Reasonable cause includes witnessing hazing or receiving a credible report alleging hazing or planned hazing activities.
Tips for reporting:
- When in doubt, report
- Provide as much detail as possible
- Include any evidence (pictures, screenshots, etc)
PROCESS USED TO INVESTIGATE
Step 1: Report of Concern
- Individual(s) submits a Hazing Misconduct Report Form
- The Vice President of Student Affairs reviews the report and conducts an intake meeting, when applicable, to determine if a violation has taken place and next steps.
- Option A – Not proceeding due to insufficient of information/evidence or determined not to be a violation.
- Option B – Open an investigation (see below for Step 2)
- Option C – Referral to other office or made to determine Moving forward with a referral
Step 2: Investigation
- Notice of investigation, charges/violations are sent to organization leadership
- Investigative interviews of impacted parties and student leadership conducted
- Following the investigative interviews, the conduct officer will determine whether the organization had violated the Hazing Misconduct Policy by utilizing preponderance of evidence standard.
- Option A – Preponderance is not met thus the organization will be found not responsible for hazing
- Option B – Preponderance is met thus the organization will be found responsible for hazing and issued the appropriate sanction
FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS
PREVENTION PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF
Programmatic efforts include information about the college’s hazing policy, how to report, and research-informed prevention strategies to stop hazing before it occurs. Bystander intervention, a key role in the prevention of hazing, is discussed during Orientation, as part of College Seminar, on the college website, and as part of specific trainings for various groups, e.g. Resident Assistants. Ethical leadership and recruitment information is provided to advisors and student groups at the start of the academic year.
In addition, all employees are provided with information regarding hazing and how to report potential or suspected violations of the Hazing Misconduct Policy. Those employees designated as Campus Security Authorities have supplemental training, including definitions and reporting obligations.
CONTACT AND RESOURCES
Office of Campus Activities, Nuttall Student Center, (660) 357-6245
Vice President of Student Affairs, Alexander Hall, (660) 357-6400
Counseling, Geyer Hall, (660) 357-6801
Care Team, [email protected]
CAMPUS HAZING TRANSPARENCY REPORT
The Campus Hazing Transparency Report includes a summary of incidents associated with any student organization in violation of the college’s hazing policy, as of 7/1/25. The report will reflect five calendar years since the publication of the report and is updated twice annually.