Hazing

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Hazing Policy and Procedure

Effective Date: September 30, 2026

Review Date: September 30, 2027

Responsible Party: Dean of Students Office

Authority: Public Law No. 118-173

Policy

I. Purpose

Carroll College recognizes the uniqueness and dignity of the human person and the religious and moral values implied in one’s relationship to God, self, and others. In full support of the Carroll College Mission Statement, this policy on hazing is designed to help protect the community from actions that undermine the college’s mission and to provide assistance and support for those who have been targeted.

II. Scope

Carroll College strictly prohibits hazing in all forms, regardless of the consent of those involved. Hazing is contrary to the values and mission of the college and is a violation of institutional policy and federal law under the Stop Campus Hazing Act (an amendment to the Clery Act).

This policy applies to all students, student organizations, faculty, and staff. It covers conduct occurring on or off campus, during college-affiliated activities, and in virtual environments.

The college strives to promote a safe and respectful learning environment and takes all reports of hazing seriously. Carroll is also committed to ongoing education, training, and prevention efforts to eliminate hazing and promote student well-being.

III. Definitions
A. Hazing:

Hazing is defined by federal law 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—

  1. is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
  2. 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, but not limited to,—
    1. whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
    2. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
    3. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
    4. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
    5. any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
    6. any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
    7. 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.
B. Student Organizations:

Are defined as any group at Carroll College with two or more members who are enrolled students, regardless of whether the school officially recognizes or establishes the group. Examples include but are not limited to: clubs, societies, associations, varsity or junior varsity athletic teams, club sports teams, bands, or student government.

Procedures

How to Report

Reports of alleged Hazing can be filed directly through the Carroll College Incident/Concern Report Form or by contacting any of the following:

  • Title IX Coordinator; Karla Weltz, O’Connell Hall 214, (406) 447-5501, kwetlz@carroll.edu
  • Assoc. VP of Student Engagement / Dean of Students & Title IX Coordinator: Annette Walstad, Borromeo Hall 127, (406) 447-5434, awalstad@carroll.edu
  • Director of Campus Security and Public Safety; Jay Nelson, Borromeo Hall 100, (406) 447-4404, jnelson6@carroll.edu
  • Assoc. Dean of Students / Director of Residential Life and Housing, Zack Eckerdt, Borromeo Hall 110, (406) 447-5509 zeckerdt@carroll.edu

Investigation

When a student or student organization is accused of hazing, the matter is investigated pursuant to the same method used to investigate other potential Student Code of Conduct violations. Upon receiving a report, a staff member reviews the information contained in the report and begins the investigatory process. A full outline of the process is included in the Student Code of Conduct Article VI: Conduct Code Procedures section.

If college employees are accused of hazing, Human Resources reviews the information contained in the report and, when appropriate, coordinates the investigation process.

Depending on the nature of the conduct reported, in some instances other college policies may apply in addition to this Policy.

Prevention and Awareness

Carroll College provides programs of targeted educational training (online and in-person) for all students annually, which address sexual violence and violence prevention, awareness, bystander intervention, alcohol and drug education and hazing awarness and prevention. Carroll also provides the essential communication and leadership skills that help in the prevention of issues.