Statement of Policy

Hazing will not be tolerated at the University of Iowa. University student groups (e.g., registered student organizations, intramural, club and varsity athletic teams, and other student groups), individual students, and those who supervise student group activities are prohibited from hazing. Hazing is prohibited in any form both on campus and off campus. 

What is Hazing?

“Hazing” is a criminal misdemeanor under Iowa law when a person intentionally or recklessly engages in any act or acts involving forced activity which endanger the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization operating in connection with a university.  Iowa Code § 708.10. 

Code of Student Life Policy:

In accordance with Iowa state law, hazing is defined as any intentional or reckless behavior, action or situation, occurring with or without consent that:

  • endangers or creates risk of injury,
  • creates mental or physical discomfort,
  • hinders student engagement,
  • harasses,
  • embarrasses and/or ridicules a person,

This would include:

  • Assisting, or
  • Approving (implicitly or explicitly), or
  • Organizing, or
  • Or otherwise participating in

For the purpose of:

  • initiation into, or
  • affiliation with, or
  • as a condition for continued membership or a leadership role in any student organization, fraternity, sorority, or team recognized by any other University sponsor or department

Student Organization Policy:

  1. Hazing. In accordance with Iowa state law, hazing is defined as any intentional or reckless behavior, action, or situation, occurring with or without consent that endangers or creates risk of injury, mental or physical discomfort, hinders student engagement, harasses, embarrasses, and/or ridicules an individual. This includes assisting, approving (implicitly or explicitly), organizing, or otherwise participating in the prohibited behaviors, for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership or a leadership role in any student organization, fraternity, sorority, or team recognized by the University of Iowa Student Government or by any other University sponsor or department.

How to Report Hazing:

Any person with knowledge or concerns regarding any activity or conduct which might constitute hazing may report their concerns to the Office of Student Accountability through the Report a Concern Form or the University Police Department. 

All reports involving students will be assessed and evaluated by the Office of Student Accountability. Reports related to faculty or staff will be routed to the Office of the Provost and University Human Resources, respectively.

Investigating Hazing Reports

Students and Student Organizations

Upon receiving reports of potential hazing incidents, the Office of Student Accountability investigates as described in the Accountability Procedures (as it relates to individual students) or the Discipline of Registered Student Organizations (as it relates to Organizations).   

The designated organization president and advisor or coach will be notified. If the student organization is affiliated with a national organization, then the national headquarters will also be notified. 

If the incident appears as if it may have been sanctioned by a national organization, the Office of Student Accountability may undertake a follow-up investigation into the organization’s role.  

Investigations may be handled by the Office of Student Accountability internally or cases may be assigned to independent investigators. All investigation procedures follow the structure and processes outlined in the Accountability Procedures and Discipline of Registered Student Organizations. 

Instances involving student-athletes are subject to further routing and review for implications under the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct. 

Cases Involving Faculty or Staff

If reports of potential hazing involve faculty or staff members, the Office of Student Accountability routes those reports to the offices responsible for those personnel.  Faculty conduct allegations are managed by the Office of the Provost and the Associate Provost for Faculty.  Staff conduct allegations are managed by University Human Resources.