The University of Indianapolis (“UIndy”) is committed to fostering a safe and respectful campus environment. This policy incorporates the provision set forth in the Stop Campus Hazing Act, signed into law on December 23, 2024.

 

University of Indianapolis Hazing Policy

 

I. Definitions

  1. 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, whether on or off campus, regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that: 
    1. Is committed in connection with an initiation into, 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 University or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury.

      Examples of hazing include, but are 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. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to participate in sexually degrading activities, including stripping, simulation of sexual acts or sexually explicit cheers, chants, or songs;
      6. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to wear apparel which is uncomfortable or degrading; dressing alike in specific costumes or clothing (this does not apply to dress attire required for business meetings or team uniforms);
      7. preventing another person from wearing any garments or accessories required for business meetings;
      8. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to change their physical appearance, including, but not limited to, dying or cutting their hair, piercings, tattoos, etc.
      9. Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
      10. Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
      11. 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.

        Consent to participate in such activities does not absolve individuals or organizations from responsibility.
  2. Student Organization is defined as an organization at UIndy (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at UIndy, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by UIndy.
    1. Note – for purposes of the Campus Hazing Transparency Report (the “Transparency Report”), findings concerning any student organization only apply to student organizations that are established or recognized by UIndy.

II. Reporting and Investigation Procedures

  1. Reporting Hazing Incidents.
    1. UIndy requires all members of the campus community to immediately report suspected hazing incidents. Reports can be made through the following channels:
      1. Online Hazing Reporting Form
      2. In Person:
        1. At the Student Affairs office, Schwitzer Student Center 210
        2. At the University of Indianapolis Police Department (“UIPD”), 3920 S. Shelby Street, Indianapolis, IN 46227
      3. Via Phone:
        1. Student Affairs: 317-788-3530
        2. UIPD: 317-788-3386
        3. In the event of an emergency, call 911
    2. Any person who believes that another person is in serious physical danger shall immediately call 911 to obtain immediate medical assistance.
    3. All reports of hazing shall include (a) a detailed description of the events that have transpired, (b) the names of any individuals involved; and (c) a description of any actions taken by the organization. Any person who believes that another person is in serious physical danger shall immediately call 911 to obtain immediate medical assistance.
    4. UIndy is committed to reviewing all reports of hazing. Reports can be made anonymously; however, UIndy’s ability to obtain additional information may be compromised and the ability to investigate anonymous reports may be limited.
    5. Retaliating against an individual who made a report of hazing is prohibited. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, intimidating, threatening, coercing, harassing, or discriminating against an individual because the individual made a report of hazing.
    6. UIndy seeks to remove barriers to reporting hazing. To this end, a violation of the student handbook related to the Student Code of Conduct, when the violation is discovered as a result of a good faith report of hazing will not result in dismissal of the reporting party, provided that no one sustained serious mental and/or physical harm as a result of actions taken by the reporting party.
  2. Investigation Process
    1. Upon receiving a report, UIndy will:
      1. Initiate a prompt and thorough investigation led by trained personnel;
      2. Ensure the rights and privacy of all parties involved are respected;
      3. Implement interim measures to protect individuals during the investigation, if necessary; and
      4. Conclude the investigation with appropriate findings and, if applicable, sanctions.
  3. Disciplinary Sanctions
    1. Sanctions for individuals found responsible for hazing may include disciplinary actions up to suspension or expulsion, as outlined in the Student Handbook.
    2. Sanctions for Registered Student Organizations will be consistent with the Student Handbook.
    3. Sanctions for Faculty will be consistent with the Faculty Handbook.
    4. Sanctions for Staff will be consistent with the Staff Handbook.

III. Transparency and Compliance

  1. Campus Hazing Transparency Report
    1. In compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, UIndy will publish the Transparency Report.
      1. The Transparency Report will summarize the findings concerning any established or recognized student organization found to be in violation of the University’s standards or conduct relating to hazing, regardless of the location of the incident.
    2. For each such finding, the Transparency Report will include the following:
      1. The name of the student organization but no personally identifying information of any individual;
      2. A general description of the violation, including whether it involved abuse or illegal use of alcohol or drugs;
      3. The findings;
      4. A description of the sanctions imposed;
      5. The date(s) of the occurrences of hazing;
      6. The date the investigation was initiated;
      7. The date the investigation ended; and
      8. The date UIndy notified the student organization of the report claiming a violation of the hazing policy.
    3. The Transparency Report will also include:
      1. A statement of the availability of the statistics on hazing in the Annual Security Report (“ASR”) and will include a link to the ASR.
      2. Information about the University’s policies relating to reporting and investigation allegations of hazing.
      3. Applicable local, State, and Tribal laws on hazing, if any.
    4. The Transparency Report will be published on the University’s website.
    5. The Transparency Report will be updated biannually each year if there has been at least one hazing incident that is required to be reported.
  2. Annual Security Report (ASR)
    1. Starting with the ASR published on October 1, 2026, UIndy will include hazing statistics in its ASR.

IV. Prevention and Awareness Programs

  1. UIndy is dedicated to proactive hazing prevention and will offer research-informed, campus-wide prevention programming designed to reach all members of UIndy’s community which addresses:
    1. This policy;
    2. How to report hazing;
    3. Information about UIndy’s hazing response process;
    4. Any applicable state, local, or tribal law; and
    5. Primary prevention strategies.

      Requests for training can be made to the Office of Students Affairs.

V. Additional Confidential Resources and Support

  1. Student Counseling Center, Health Pavilion, Check-in Room 108, 317-788-5015
  2. Ecumenical Faith and Interfaith Programs, Schwitzer Center, Room 203, 317-788-2106
  3. Health & Wellness Center, Health Pavilion, Room 108, 317-497-6500

VI. Applicable Laws

  1. Hazing is a violation of state law and may lead to criminal or civil penalties. Depending on the severity of the action, it may be classified as a misdemeanor or felony which may include prison time and/or fines.
    1. IC 35-42-2-2.5 Hazing; good faith reporting

By adhering to these policies and promoting a culture of respect and accountability, UIndy aims to ensure the safety and well-being of all its students.
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