Anti-Hazing Policy

This policy is in accordance with Iowa State Code, 708.1 Hazing Law. 

No student shall individually, or by joining with one or more persons, engage in any act of hazing involving another member of the Buena Vista University (BVU) community.

Hazing is defined as any action or situation, on or off campus, which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of another person or persons for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with or as a condition for continued membership in any organization operating under the sanction of or recognized as an organization of Buena Vista University. 

The term includes, but is not limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance or any other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the health and safety of the individual or individuals to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual or individuals, or any willful destruction or removal of public or private property. “Forced activity” means any activity which is a condition of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with an organization, regardless of a student’s willingness to participate in the activity. Implied or expressed consent or willingness of a person or persons to hazing shall not be a defense.

Students found to be involved in any hazing action or activities shall be subject to institutional disciplinary actions as prescribed the BVU Code of Conduct and Judicial Process. Sanctions for students found guilty of violating the University’s Anti-Hazing policy may include:

  1. Disciplinary Warning. Disciplinary Warning involves written notice to the student indicating that specific behavior or activity was in violation of the BVU Code of Conduct and that repetition of similar or other unsatisfactory behavior would likely result in more serious judicial actions, including expulsion. A copy of the Disciplinary Warning will be placed in the student’s record.
  1. Disciplinary Probation. A period of review and observation during which a student has been officially notified that his/her conduct, although not serious enough to warrant dismissal, was very inappropriate. Subsequent violations of University rules, regulations or policies (even after a particular probationary period expires) could result in a more severe sanction, including expulsion. A student placed on disciplinary probation for violation of the Anti-Hazing policy may be denied participation in University events for set period of time of not less than 3 months and not more than 6 months. Failure to comply with or fulfill the conditions of probation may result in suspension or expulsion which will be determined by the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students. Conditions of probation may include but not be limited to:
    1. denial of participation in intercollegiate athletics;
    2. denial of participation in intramural sports;
    3. denial of participation including but not limited to, co-curricular involvement; public performances, publications events or activities sponsored by student campus organizations;
    4. denial of attending or sponsoring university social functions; 
    5. Incidents involving damage to public or private property may also require financial restitution to the owner(s) of said property; 
  1. Suspension. Suspension is a period of time, not less than 6 months or more than 12 months during which the privilege of attending classes and/or being on campus is withdrawn. The student may be returned to good standing at the completion of the period and specified conditions are met. When disciplinary actions (i.e. suspension or expulsion) results in the loss of any university or university contracted service for the student, there will be no refund, except pro-rated board, unless required by federal, state or other regulations. When a student is suspended a notation will be made on the student’s academic record (transcript) as follows: “SUSPENDED (date) FOR CONDUCT.” During a subsequent semester, a student who desires to be reinstated must notify the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students and present evidence that the conditions for reinstatement have been satisfied. 
  1. Expulsion. Expulsion is permanent separation from the University involving denial of all student privileges. Expulsion shall be effective on the date of notice of the expulsion, or later if so stated in the notice; and will be entered into the student’s transcript. Students separated from the University by expulsion may not enter the University premises or University – related premises without securing approval from the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students.

In the State of Iowa, a person who commits an act of hazing is guilty of a simple misdemeanor. A person who commits an act of hazing which causes serious bodily injury to another is guilty of a serious misdemeanor and will be referred to civil authorities. Buena Vista University will report violations of the Iowa Hazing Law as required.