
Hazing Policy
Purpose
Northern Michigan University (NMU) is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and lawful campus environment. As part of this commitment, the University encourages meaningful student engagement in extracurricular activities and student organizations. Hazing, in any form, undermines these values and is strictly prohibited.
This policy affirms that hazing is a violation of NMU's Student Code and NMU’s standards of conduct for employees. Individuals found to be engaging in hazing may also face criminal prosecution under Michigan’s Anti-Hazing Law, codified as MCL 750.411t, commonly known as "Garret’s Law." Under this law, penalties range from up to 93 days of incarceration and fines of up to $1,000 for a misdemeanor, and up to 15 years of imprisonment and fines of up to $10,000 for a felony. In addition, tribal laws that are enforced within tribal communities may also apply.
Applicability:
This policy applies to all students, employees, and volunteers, regardless of whether the individual subjected to the hazing has given consent.
Policy Statement
No individual shall engage in, condone, or be complicit in any intentional, knowing, or reckless prohibited act, whether individually or in concert with others, directed at another person or persons, regardless of their willingness to participate, if the prohibited act:
- Occurs in connection with pledging, initiation, affiliation, participation, or continued membership in a student organization (e.g., club, athletic team, band, fraternity, sorority); and
- Causes or creates a risk beyond what is normally associated with the organization’s legitimate activities.
Prohibited acts include, but are not limited to:
- Physical brutality;
- Forced participation in excessively strenuous activities;
- Compelled consumption of any substance;
- Activities causing physical or psychological harm;
- Brutality, embarrassment, intimidation, degradation, or endangerment; and/or
- Engagement in illegal activities.
For the purposes of this policy, a "student organization" is defined as any group of two or more NMU students that meets regularly and maintains an organized structure, whether or not it is officially recognized or financially supported by the University.
Reporting Hazing
Reports of hazing may be submitted to any of the following:
- The NMU Dean of Students Office
- The NMU Police Department
Conduct believed to be criminal may be reported to the NMU Police Department or an external law enforcement agency.
Investigation and Sanctions
Reports involving students will be handled by the Dean of Students Office; this office is also responsible for determining potential sanctions and communicating the procedures used to investigate and address alleged violations.
Reports involving faculty, staff, or volunteers will be promptly referred to the NMU Equal Opportunity Office. Investigations and sanctions will be conducted in accordance with union contracts and the Employee Handbook.
Sanctions for Organizations
In cases where individuals within a group or organization are found to have condoned, ignored, or repeatedly permitted hazing behaviors by its members, organizational sanctions may also be imposed by the Dean of Students. Possible sanctions include:
- Probation: A period during which any further violations will result in heightened disciplinary action.
- Special Conditions: Mandated activities or behavioral requirements imposed on the group.
- Loss of Privileges: Temporary suspension of certain organizational privileges.
- Suspension of Activities: A prohibition on sponsoring or participating in University-affiliated activities.
- Disbandment: Permanent dissolution of the group or organization when violations are severe, repeated, or threaten the safety and well-being of the University community.
Review and Investigation Process and Appeals, Procedure
Review and Investigation Process
Reports of alleged hazing will be reviewed collaboratively by the Dean of Students Office and the NMU Police Department. Based on the nature and severity of the allegations, one of the following investigative pathways will be pursued:
- Criminal Allegations: If the reported behavior constitutes a potential criminal offense, the case will be referred to the appropriate prosecuting authority for potential charges.
- Conduct Under Title IX Policy: If the behavior aligns with the definitions of prohibited conduct as outlined in the Northern Michigan University Relationship Violence, Sexual Misconduct, and Stalking Policy, the case will be investigated under that policy.
- General Student Conduct Violations: For students, other forms of hazing not falling under the above categories will be addressed in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Student Code section of the NMU Student Handbook.
- Employee Violations: For allegations against faculty and staff, forms of hazing not falling under the above categories will be promptly referred to the NMU Equal Opportunity Office and addressed in accordance with the procedures outlined in the relevant Union Contract or Employee Handbook.
The University may consult and collaborate with other offices as necessary and appropriate. For students, these may include but are not limited to:
- NMU Title IX/Equal Opportunity Office/Prohibited Conduct
- Club Sport Review Committee
- Athletic Review Committee
- Center for Student Enrichment
For faculty and staff, these may include but are not limited to:
- NMU Title IX/Equal Opportunity Office/Prohibited Conduct
- Academic Affairs/Provost Office
- Human Resources
In addition, consultation between Northern Michigan University and any relevant governing board of an organization may be considered.
Procedure for Appeals
Appeals will follow the same procedures and policy framework that governed the original investigation.
Sanctions
Criminal penalties fall under the jurisdiction of the prosecuting authorities. Within the University, sanctions are applied based on the governing policy:
- NMU Student Code
- Relationship Violence, Sexual Misconduct, and Stalking Policy
- Relevant Union Contracts or the Employee Handbook (for University faculty and staff)
Date Approved: | 5-14-1999 |
Last Revision: | 6-23-2025 |
Last Reviewed: | 6-23-2025 |
Approved By: | President |
Oversight Unit: | DEAN OF STUDENTS |