Hazing Policy

Hazing is defined 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—

(i) is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation or connection with, the maintenance of membership in, or any other condition or precondition connected to a student organization or school organization; and

(ii) causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in institution or organization activities (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including—

(a) whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;

(b) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;

(c) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;

(d) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;

(e) any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;

(f) any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, state, tribal, or federal law; and

(g) 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.

Reporting Procedures

Students, faculty, and staff may report hazing incidents confidentially through the following methods:

Ethics and Compliance Reporting Hotline: usg.ethicspoint.com or 877-516-3466

Email: [email protected] – Phone: 706-272-2505

In-person: Dean of Students Office in Pope Student Center (located across the hall form the bookstore)

Investigation and Due Process

The investigation and due process procedures for investigation hazing allegations are located in the Student Code of Conduct beginning on page 17 of the Code.

Public Disclosures

Dalton State must publicly disclose all hazing incidents per the Max Gruver Act. The following information was updated April 15, 2025.

Prevention and Education Programs