Dean of Students

Hazing

Columbia College Chicago is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where all students can thrive. Hazing, in any form, is a serious violation of our community standards and is strictly prohibited.

• What is Hazing?

  Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that causes harm or creates a risk of harm to another person, regardless of whether they agreed to participate. Hazing typically occurs as part of joining, belonging to, or maintaining membership in a student organization.

  Hazing can involve physical or psychological harm and includes, but is not limited to:

  • Physical violence or harmful contact

  • Forced or coerced sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme conditions, confinement, or excessive physical activity

  • Forced or coerced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances

  • Forced or coerced sexual acts

  • Threats or behavior that create fear of bodily harm

  • Any conduct that violates local, state, tribal, or federal law

  • Requiring someone to participate in illegal activity

  Hazing goes beyond the normal risks associated with college activities, such as standard athletic training, and is prohibited.

• Campus Hazing Transparency Report

  The Columbia College Chicago Hazing Transparency Report is a public record of reported hazing incidents involving student organizations at Columbia College Chicago. Updated regularly, the report is intended to promote accountability, educate the campus community, and support a culture of prevention. By making this information accessible, Columbia College Chicago helps students and families make informed decisions about campus involvement and reinforces the College's commitment to a safet, respectful, and inclusive learning environment. This report summarizes findings related to student organizations found responsible for violating the College's hazing policy.

  Updated: December 15, 2025

  2025 - 2026 Academic Year

  No Incidents to Report

• Hazing Awareness & Prevention

  Columbia College Chicago aims to provide research-informed, campus-wide prevention programs designed to reach students, staff, and faculty.

  

  Citation: (Allan, 2005; Allan & Kerschner, 2020; [Adapted from Bringing in the Bystander], The Spectrum of Hazing)

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  Please contact the Dean of Students Office to schedule additional training for your organization members.

• Policy & Reporting

  Anti-Hazing Policy

  Columbia College Chicago is commtited to maintaining a dynamic and safe educational environment for all students, faculty, and staff. In compliance with the Illinois Criminal Code and the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, the College prohibits Hazing within its education programs or activities.

  Columbia College Chicago
  Anti-Hazing Policy

  Reporting

  Individuals who have experienced, witnessed, or otherwise learned of Hazing within the College’s education programs or activities shall promptly report the incident to the Office of the Dean of Students using the button below:

  Report Hazing Incident

  Alternatively, individuals may report with identifying details or anonymously through the College’s Whistleblower Hotline or by calling (844) 406-8158; however, depending on the extent of information available about the incident, the College’s ability to respond to anonymous reports may be limited. When possible, hazing reports should include the following: the name of the offenders (if known); a chronology of the relevant events, detailing dates, places, and times; a description of the alleged Hazing; and the names of any witnesses to the alleged Hazing or persons with knowledge of the Hazing. 
  
  Indiviudals may also report directly to Campus Safety & Security at (312) 369-1111.

   

  Amnesty

  To encourage disclosure, the use of alcohol or drugs by a student who has experienced or witnessed Hazing and reported such Hazing to the College will not serve as the foundation for discipline or independent proceedings under another College policy, except where the College determines that such behavior created a material health or safety risk for others.

• Investigations & Disciplinary Action

  The College shall investigate and address reports of Hazing within its education programs or activities, retaliation, and false reports as alleged misconduct under applicable College conduct policies and procedures (e.g., the Student Code of Conduct, Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy & Procedures, Statement of Policy on Academic Freedom, Faculty Status, Tenure, and Due Process, and collective bargaining agreements).

  Possible sanctions include, without limitation, suspension and expulsion (for students) and termination (for employees). The College, in its discretion, may limit the privileges of or revoke recognition of any Student Organization that has violated this Policy.