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Accountability for Student Organizations & Groups

Anti-Hazing Policy

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless action, on or off campus, which recklessly endangers the mental or physical health or safety of another person or persons, regardless of the willingness of such other person(s) to participate, for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with or as a condition for continued membership in any organization or group sanctioned by or recognized by Coe College.
 
All acts of hazing by any individual student, student group, student organization, or athletic team are prohibited at Coe College and by state law. No individual, group, organization, or team may perform an act that is likely to cause physical or psychological harm to another person within the Coe College community. Such damaging behavior is expressly forbidden in relation to the admission, initiation, pledging in, etc. for group affiliation.  Students are entitled to be treated with consideration and respect.  
 
Any individual student, student group, student organization, or athletic team found to be involved in hazing activity or behavior will face disciplinary action and may be subject to suspension or expulsion from Coe College. A violation of this policy may exist irrespective of any alleged voluntary or consensual participation in the activity by the person(s) being hazed or abused. 
 
As stated, hazing is not acceptable at Coe College. Additional prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:
  • Whipping, beating, striking, branding, paddling in any form;
  • Creating excessive fatigue;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
  • Generating physical or psychological shock;
  • Requiring mandatory quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, or road trips;
  • Forcing the wearing of apparel that is conspicuous and not normally in good taste;
  • Engaging in hazardous stunts;
  • Participating in offensive, degrading, or humiliating games and activities;
  • And any other activities that are not consistent with the policies and regulations of Coe College. 
This policy is in accordance with Iowa State Code, 708.1 Hazing law.
 
Reporting Procedures
Hazing can be reported through multiple channels, including both to Coe College and to external authorities. 
 
Any individual who believes they have been the victim of hazing, or anyone who has knowledge or observes conduct that may constitute hazing, are strongly encouraged to report. All Campus Security Authorities are required to report it immediately. Hazing can be reported via the online report form.
 
For confidential support, contact Health & Wellness at 319.399.8843.
 
Reporting to the Law Enforcement 
Individuals who believe they have been subjected to hazing are strongly encouraged to notify local law enforcement. To report hazing to local law enforcement, contact: 
Reporting to law enforcement is not required for the College to initiate its own investigation or resolution process.
 
All members of the Coe College community (students, faculty, staff), as well as members of the public (family, friends, etc.) can report concerns that arise on campus or are related to our community. When reporting, please provide as much detail about the incident as possible. We ask that reporters provide their name and contact information, so that Coe College personnel can connect to offer resources and support, as well as seek additional information. Being able to follow-up with reporters puts Coe College personnel in the best position to provide an effective response. We appreciate your willingness to report and assist our staff in their efforts to make Coe College a better place to live and learn.
 
Support for Victims 
The college provides resources, including counseling and reasonable supportive measures, according to the nature and seriousness of the incident. 
 
Retaliation 
Coe College strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who makes a good faith report of hazing or participates in an investigation, hearing, or court proceeding related to suspected misconduct. Retaliatory acts will be subject to the student conduct or employee accountability process.
 
Investigation & Hearing Process
Coe College is expected to handle hazing incidents swiftly and fairly while ensuring that all individuals’ rights are protected throughout the process. This process is crucial to balance transparency, due process, and the wellbeing of all involved students, faculty, and staff.
  1. Initial Assessment and Safety/Risk Analysis
    1. Assessment of Incident: Upon receiving a report, college officials (e.g., Dean of Students or Human Resources) assess whether the alleged behavior constitutes hazing under college policy. 
    2. Safety/Risk Analysis: If necessary, the college may take immediate steps to ensure the safety of individuals, including interim accountability measures or immediate removal of individuals or organizations under investigation. 
  2. Investigation:
    1. Investigators: The Dean of Students or their designee will choose one or more investigator(s) to review and investigate all details of the report. The investigator(s) are trained staff, faculty, or attorneys that will be chosen based on availability and knowledge of the case. 
    2. Statements, Evidence, and Witnesses: At the outset of the investigation, the complainant(s) and respondent(s) are both given the opportunity to submit a written incident statement regarding the incident. This includes identifying potential witnesses or those who may have relevant information about the investigation. These incident statements will be provided to the investigator prior to the issuance of the investigation summary report. 
While Coe College seeks to keep all written accounts of the incident confidential, the complainant(s) and respondent(s) may talk freely about the incident. Coe College encourages complainants and respondents to seek the counsel of those they trust. 
 
Any material or information received by any party in the investigation or hearing must be returned to Coe College upon final resolution of the report. Failure to return material or information may result in separate disciplinary action. 
 
In addition to providing written incident statements to the investigator(s), the investigation may involve in-person interviews with the complainant(s), respondent(s), or other identified witnesses. During the investigation, both the complainant(s) and the respondent(s) may identify relevant witnesses, including expert witnesses, to present to the investigators. Witnesses cannot be participating solely to speak about an individual’s/organization's character. If it is clear a witness would not contribute relevant information about the case, the investigator(s) may choose not to interview the witness. The investigators will electronically record any interviews. Also, during the investigation, the parties are encouraged to provide any other relevant evidence, including but not limited to, correspondence between the parties and physical evidence. 
 
Throughout the investigation, the burden of proof and the burden of gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination regarding responsibility rests on Coe College—not on a complainant or a respondent. Throughout the proceeding, until the issuance of a decision by the hearing officer, a respondent(s) will be presumed not responsible for the allegations in the report. All parties will have an equal opportunity to present witnesses to the investigators, including expert witnesses. All parties will also have an equal opportunity to present evidence that they believe supports or disproves the allegations. Neither the investigators nor Coe College will restrict a party’s ability to discuss the allegations under investigation, or gather and present relevant evidence. 
 
The parties will have the same opportunity to have others present for the grievance procedure, including the opportunity to be accompanied to any investigation meeting by a single advisor.  
 
All evidence collected will be made available to the hearing board, consisting of two faculty/staff and one student, discussed below. 
  1. Investigation Summary Report
    1. At the conclusion of the investigation, the investigator(s) will prepare a written investigation summary report based on interviews with the complainant(s), respondent(s), witnesses, and other materials reviewed. The report will provide a fair summary of relevant evidence. An electronic copy of the report will be sent to the members of the Administrative Hearing Board prior to the hearing discussed below. 
  2. Day of Operations
    1. At the hearing, the student(s) will be able to share their perspective of the incident in question. The Hearing Board will further engage in dialogue with the student(s) to learn about the incident and the student’s alleged involvement. The hearing board will also be able to review previously submitted evidence relevant to the incident and/or meet with relevant witnesses to gain additional information.
    2. Panelists will receive information about the incident and available evidence prior to the hearing. When the panelists are prepared, the Conduct Officer will bring the students into the room or web call.
      1. Chairperson invites introductions of panelists and participants and explains expectations and process for the hearing.
      2. The respondent(s) will be asked if they take responsibility for each of the charges. 
      3. Each of the participants will tell the Hearing Board what happened. 
      4. Panelists will ask questions. 
      5. The Conduct Officer/Investigator will make statements. 
      6. Participants and panelists will be invited to make any final statements. 
      7. All participants will be dismissed from the hearing 
    3. Expectations and Decorum
      1. Involved individuals are expected to arrive to the hearing on time and prepared 
      2. Involved individuals are expected to answer questions honestly and on their own
      3. Involved individuals are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner (no profanity, intimidating behaviors, etc.)
      4. Involved individuals will not interrupt the hearing board chair, conduct board members, other individuals, etc.
      5. Communication via technology (cell phones, computers, etc.) is restricted during the hearing
      6. New documentation or evidence cannot be submitted on the day of or during the hearing 
    4. Deliberations
      1. After the conclusion of the hearing, the Hearing Board will deliberate to determine a finding and accompanying sanctions. Based upon the finding(s) of the Hearing Board, the student/organization will either be found responsible or not responsible for the incident in their disciplinary record. The Hearing Board may also submit a finding that indicates there was not sufficient evidence for a responsible finding. The chairperson will send a letter to the student/organization to provide notification of the outcome within 10 business days of the hearing. 
  3. Notification of Decision
    1. If responsible, the outcome letter will include all sanctions and corresponding completion deadlines. If a student/organization fails to complete the sanctions in the designated time-frame, an additional $100.00 fine (at minimum) will be assessed per incomplete sanction. 
    2. In the case of a responsible finding, the student/organization also has the right to appeal. To appeal, the student will need to submit a written letter to conduct@coe.edu within seven days of the sending of the outcome letter. An Appeal Officer will be assigned and will make a decision based upon all available evidence, in addition to the information provided by the student. The Appeal Officer may request a meeting with the student to discuss the written appeal (at the discretion of the Appeal Officer), but the case will not be heard again. Written appeals will only be considered if made on one or more of the following grounds:
      1. there is newly discovered evidence, which was not available at the time of the hearing and it is believed this evidence would result in a different outcome; and/or
      2. there were procedural errors, which had a material impact on the outcome; and/or
      3. the assigned sanctions are believed to be disproportionate to the finding 
In the case that a student/organization fails to respond to the original meeting invitation and/or attend the hearing, the hearing will automatically be held in their absence. As a result, the student will receive a $150.00 fine, be found responsible for the incident in their formal conduct file, and be assessed additional sanctions and deadlines (if applicable). If the student fails to complete the sanctions within the designated time frame, an additional $100.00 fine (at minimum) will be assessed per incomplete sanction. The student can appeal these sanctions using the same appeal process as mentioned in the previous paragraph.
  1. Appeals Process
    1. In the case of a responsible finding, in either an administrative conduct meeting or hearing, the student has the right to appeal. To appeal, the student will need to submit a written letter to conduct@coe.edu within seven days of the sending of the outcome letter. Within seven days following the submission of the appeal letter, an Appeal Officer will be assigned and will make a decision based upon all available evidence, in addition to the information provided by the student. 
An Appeal Officer is a person authorized to review written appeals submitted by students who are found responsible for (a) policy violation(s). An Appeal Officer has the right to determine whether or not a written appeal satisfies the appropriate grounds for appeal.  Appeal Officers include, but are not limited to: Dean of Students, Assistant Dean of Students, and Director of Residence Life. 
 
The Appeal Officer may request a meeting with the student to discuss or gain clarification on the written appeal (at the discretion of the Appeal Officer), but not to learn new details or to rehear the case. 
 
The appeal letter should include the grounds for appeal as well as details explaining the grounds.  Appeal Officers will not re-hear a case, so as much details as possible should be included in the letter. 
 
Should a written appeal satisfy the grounds for appeal, the Appeal Officer will uphold, adapt, or overturn decisions made as a result of the administrative conduct meeting or hearing board process and provide a written rationale. 
 
The appeal process provides the opportunity for students to have due process should the claim meet the grounds for appeal.  The appeal process is not a re-hearing of the original case. The outcome of an appeal is final. 
 
Disciplinary Sanctions
Students and/or organizations found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary actions and sanctions.  Sanction examples are outlined in the Student Handbook. 
 
Prevention & Awareness Programs 
Coe College is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all students, staff, and faculty, free from hazing. This policy is designed to promote awareness, prevent hazing behaviors, and ensure that all students, staff, faculty, and campus organizations adhere to the college’s expectations. 
 
  1. Educational Programming: These strategies aim to address the cultural and environmental conditions that enable hazing. 
    1. Online Safety Training: Annually, all students and Campus Security Authorities will be required to complete an online training course outlining safety on campus, specifically targeting hazing concerns as outlined in this policy.
    2. Bystander Intervention Training: student leaders will be trained to recognize, intervene, and report hazing behaviors at annual Club Leader Training.
    3. Advisor Training: Annual training will be conducted with Student Organization Advisors, specifically focusing on identifying, reporting, and stopping any potential hazing behaviors. National Hazing Prevention Week Participation: a week-long of programming surrounding hazing awareness and prevention through events, social media, club/organization involvement.
    4. Resources and Policies: Anti-Hazing policy and agreement is outlined in resources given to Student Organizations and their Advisors in handbooks. Additionally, organizations annually commit to stop hazing by signing the Clubs & Organizations Anti-Hazing Agreement. This agreement pledges that individual Clubs & Organizations will not create or support an environment of hazing.
  2. Awareness: social media and poster campaigns designed to launch within the first 5 weeks of classes about hazing awareness, prevention, and reporting.
  3. Ongoing Assessment and Improvement 
    1. Program Evaluation: Hazing prevention programs will be reviewed annually, and improvements will be made based on feedback and data. 
Public Communication and Transparency 
  • If the hazing incident involves criminal behavior (e.g., physical assault, abuse, or illegal substances), the college may also report the incident to local law enforcement, who may conduct a parallel investigation. 
  • Hazing incidents will be included in the Annual Security Report and Daily Crime Log (available in the Campus Safety & Security Office), as required by the Clery Act. This law requires colleges to disclose certain campus safety information, including hazing and sexual assaults. 
    • The incident must be reported by a campus security authority or local police. 
    • It must occur within the Clery Act’s defined geography. 
    • The incident must meet the Clery Act's definition of hazing. 
  • Depending on the severity of the incident, the college may disclose the outcome to the broader community, especially if public safety is at risk, through Coe Safety Alerts. 
Campus Hazing Transparency Report
In accordance with college’s policy, a Campus Hazing Transparency Report is compiled and published on the college's website to provide transparency regarding any established or recognized student organizations found in violation of the college's hazing policy. The report will not include any personally identifiable information about individual students. This report includes the following information for each organization involved: 
  • Name of the Student Organization 
  • General Description of the Violation (*Must include whether the violation involved the abuse or illegal use of alcohol or drugs, the findings of the college, and any sanctions placed on the student organization) 
  • Relevant Dates 
    • Date the incident was alleged to have occurred 
    • Date investigation was initiated 
    • Date investigation ended with findings of hazing violation 
    • Date the college provided notice to organization of outcome 
  • Findings for Determination of Responsibility 
  • Sanctions Imposed
The Campus Hazing Transparency Report is publicly available on Coe College’s website. This report will be updated two times per year and will summarize all findings related to student organizations that have violated hazing policies. 

Please visit the Stop Hazing website or Hazing Prevention Network website for more information on hazing prevention and reporting.

Report a Hazing Incident

Hazing Prevention & Awareness

Student Training

Educational Programming: These strategies aim to address the cultural and environmental conditions that enable hazing. 
  • Online Safety Training: Annually, all students will be required to complete an online training course outlining safety on campus, specifically targeting hazing concerns as outlined in this policy.
  • Bystander Intervention Training: student leaders will be trained to recognize, intervene, and report hazing behaviors at annual Club Leader Training.
  • National Hazing Prevention Week Participation: a week long of programming surrounding hazing awareness and prevention through events, social media, club/organization involvement.

Required Employee Training

  • Online Safety Training: Annually, all Campus Security Authorities will be required to complete an online training course outlining safety on campus, specifically targeting hazing concerns as outlined in this policy.

Required Advisor Training

Annual training will be conducted with Student Organization Advisors, specifically focusing on identifying, reporting, and stopping any potential hazing behaviors.

National Hazing Prevention Week Schedule

September 22-26, 2025
Some organizaitons and groups may require attendane.
 
Sep. 22, 2025 - These Hands Don’t Haze tabling
Sep. 23, 2025 - The Lonely Dog Film Screening & Discussion
Sep. 24, 2025 - Take the Hazing Prevention Pledge tabling
Sep. 25, 2025 - Hazing Prevention Practices in Athletics & Student Organizations presentation
Sep. 26, 2025 - National Hazing Prevention Week Celebration tabling
 

Recognized Student Organizations & Groups Accountability Report
Academic Year 25-26
August 1, 2025 - July 31, 2026
No incidents to report.
Academic Year 24-25
August 1, 2024 - July 31, 2025
No incidents to report.
Academic Year 23-24
August 1, 2023 - July 31, 2024
No incidents to report.
Academic Year 22-23
August 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023
Organization Name: Tau Kappa Epsilon
 
Incident description and charge(s): Unauthorized gathering, including underage alcohol consumption and risky behavior.
Charges included:
  • Alcohol Policies: Students under 21 years of age shall not possess, distribute, or consume alcohol anywhere on Coe College property or at a Coe College-sponsored event.
  • Alcohol Policies: Students must be 21 years of age or older to host, formally or informally, any activity that includes alcoholic beverages.
  • Disorderly, Disruptive, or Indecent Conduct Policy
  • Guest & Visitation Policy
  • Non-Compliance Policy
Abuse or illegal use of alcohol or drugs: Yes

Incident Date: April 18, 2023

Investigation Initiated: April 25, 2023

Investigation Ended: May 9, 2023

Determination of Responsibility: Responsible for all charges

Determination of Responsibility Notice sent: May 10, 2023

Status: Social Function Probation through December 31, 2023

Sanction: Educational Sanction: All members of Tau Kappa Epsilon at Coe College are required to participate in a training specifically focusing on risk management and bystander intervention.
Sanction Status: Complete

Sanction: Individual Educational Course regarding alcohol safety
Sanction Status: Complete

Sanction: Individual Coach Notifications, as applicable
Sanction Status: Complete