Hazing Policy and Resources

OCCC_HazingOklahoma City Community College is committed to fostering a safe and respectful learning environment. Hazing, in any form, is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. This policy establishes preventive measures, reporting protocols, and institutional responsibilities in compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act and relevant state laws.

Hazing – By the Numbers

Hazing remains a serious issue on college campuses across the country. National data shows that 55% of students who participate in groups, teams, or clubs have experienced hazing. Alarmingly, 95% of students who are hazed do not report the incidents, and 69% are aware of hazing occurring in other organizations.

  • In accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, Oklahoma Community College will provide a Campus Hazing Transparency Report. The report will include:
    • Name of the student organization.
    • A general description of the violation that resulted in a finding of responsibility.
    • Related dates to the violation.

  • Confidentiality and FERPA.
    • Oklahoma City Community College is committed to protecting the privacy of students and will comply with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) in reporting hazing events.

  • The Campus Hazing Transparency Report will be published on the college’s website as required by the Stop Campus Hazing Act and will be accessible to students, faculty, staff, prospective students, and the general public.

At OCCC, we are committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all. We encourage students to speak out, seek help, and stand against harmful initiation practices. If you or someone you know has experienced hazing, please report it to the Office of Student Conflict Resolution.

Together, we can stop hazing before it starts.

How to Report Hazing

The college is committed to maintaining a safe campus environment where all students can thrive. In alignment with college policy, local, state, tribal, and federal law, all members of the OCCC community including students, faculty, staff, and registered student organizations’ advisors are expected to report all instances of hazing or related activities. Please see the Hazing Policy as part of College Policy No. 5076.

Office of Student Conflict Resolutions
Contact Chris Snoddy, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
Email or call (405) 682-7584

To submit a report of hazing, please click here.

Training and Education

The Stop Campus Hazing Act mandates that all institutions receiving federal funding provide comprehensive hazing prevention and awareness education to all students, as well as staff and faculty. This education must be research-informed and designed to foster a campus culture that actively rejects hazing. The following education and awareness trainings and campaigns will include:

  • OCCC Community Members. All faculty, staff, and students will receive an annual email training regarding hazing awareness and prevention.
  • All Students. All students will be assigned via SafeColleges on hazing awareness and prevention training.
  • Student Leaders. Student leaders for registered student organizations will be required to attend either in-person or online training.

Resources for Registered Student Organizations and Advisors

Students: Stop Campus Hazing – Guide for Students and Families

Student Advisors: Building Health Groups to Prevent Hazing

Investigation Process

All alleged violations of the Student Community Guidelines are addressed through an informal resolution process. Details of the investigation process can be found in Section J.9 of the Student Community Guidelines. The student conflict resolutions coordinator is responsible for conducting the investigation and determining outcomes, including any sanctions. If necessary, the coordinator may refer the matter to the Student Conflict Resolution Panel for a formal resolution process.

Hazing Act Reported

  • Official hazing reporting form completed
  • Form recieved by the Office of Student Conflict Resolutions (SCR)
  • SCR Coordinator intiates an official investigation

Investigation Process

  • Information gathering, conduct interviews
  • Review evidence
  • Determine Outcome

Outcome Delivered

  • Outcome letter sebt to appropriate parties involved.
  • Option to request an apeal provided

Definitions

Hazing is defined in the Student Community Guidelines (Section E, number 16) as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with others) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate that (1) is committed in the course of an institution into an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and (2) cause or creates a risk of physical or psychological injury.

Hazing is prohibited under Oklahoma law, 21 O.S. § 1190, and provides that “no student organization or any person associated with any organization sanctioned or authorized by the governing board of any public or private school or institution of higher education in the state shall engage or participate in hazing.”

“Hazing” is defined under Oklahoma law as “an activity which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization” operating within the scope of OCCC’s authority.

Oklahoma State Law 21 O.S. § 1190

The act defines the term hazing to mean any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that (1) is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization (e.g., a club, athletic team, fraternity, or sorority); and (2) causes or creates risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization, of physical or psychological injury.

Any organization at OCCC (such as a club, society, association, club sports, team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled OCCC, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.

Questions? Contact Us.

Office of Student Conflict Resolutions
Christopher Snoddy

Email
(405) 682-7584