Mars Hill University Anti-Hazing Policy

Anti-Hazing

Mars Hill University has a zero-tolerance policy for hazing on its campus. In accordance with North Carolina law, no student, student organization, or athletic team, shall permit, plan, direct, encourage, participate, assist, engage, aid, condone, or tolerate hazing. Any student, student organization, or athletic team that engages in hazing, or in an act that is disrespectful of basic human dignities of other students or members of the administration, faculty, or staff is in violation of this policy and/or in violation of North Carolina law, shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including, student expulsion or termination of employment.

North Carolina Law

It is against the law for any student in attendance at any University, college, or school in the State of North Carolina to engage or participate in hazing, or to assist or aid another student in hazing (N.C. G.S. §14-35). Hazing is defined in N.C. Gen. 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.” A violation of N.C. Gen. Statute § 14-35 is a class 2 misdemeanor.

Reporting Hazing Incidents

Mars Hill University encourages prompt reporting of any hazing activity. Reports may be made as follows:

• Online Reporting Form: Confidential submissions via confidential link HERE
• Campus Security: Contact Campus Security at 828-689-1230
• Student Life: Visit the Student Life Suite to report in-person, located on the 2^nd floor of the Student Campus Center.

All reports will be handled with discretion to protect the privacy of individuals involved.

Investigation Process

Upon receiving a hazing report, Mars Hill University will:

• Initiate a Preliminary Assessment: The purpose of the assessment is to determine the credibility and severity of the allegation.
• Conduct a Formal Investigation: If warranted, a thorough investigation will be led by the Student Life Office in collaboration with Campus Security.
• Implement Interim Measures: Interim measures such as no contact orders, adjustment of class schedules, or temporary suspension may be implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of students during the investigation.
• Conclude with Findings and Actions: Based on the investigation, appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken, which may include suspension or expulsion of individuals or organizations found responsible.
• Reporting to Law Enforcement: In cases involving potential criminal conduct, Mars Hill University may refer the matter to local law enforcement while continuing the internal investigation.

Hazing Prevention and Awareness Programs

Mars Hill University is dedicated to proactive hazing prevention through:

• Mandatory SafeColleges Workshops: All student athletes and members of student organizations must complete the hazing awareness and prevention training, and complete the required assessment.
• Awareness Campaign: All students will receive hazing prevention information via email and will be invited to attend hazing awareness sessions.
• Primary Prevention Strategies: Emphasizing the development of positive organizational cultures, peer leadership, and bystander intervention training to prevent hazing before it occurs.

Transparency and Accountability

In compliance with the SCHA, Mars Hill University will:

• Publish an Annual Hazing Report: Detailing reported hazing incidents and outcomes, made publicly available on the Mars Hill University website.
• Maintain a Campus Hazing Transparency Report: Regularly updated to include information on hazing incidents and prevention policies, ensuring community awareness and institutional accountability.