Upon receiving a report of alleged hazing, the University will initiate a thorough and timely investigation.

 

Notice of Investigation Involved parties (complainant, respondent(s)) will receive written notice outlining:

• The alleged policy violations.

• Their rights and responsibilities throughout the process.

• An estimated timeline for the investigation.

• A clear statement on the strict prohibition of retaliation.

 

Investigation Assignment A trained investigator, who may be an internal University staff member or an external professional, will be assigned to:

• Collect relevant evidence.

• Conduct interviews with all involved parties and witnesses.

• Prepare a comprehensive summary of findings.

 

Information Gathering The investigation process will involve gathering various forms of information, including:

• Interviews with the complainant, respondent(s), and any identified witnesses.

• Collection of physical evidence such as photos, social media posts, text messages, and other digital communications.

• Review of organizational documents, including new member education plans, membership rosters, and group policies.

Investigation Timeline The University is committed to a prompt resolution. Investigations will typically be completed within 60 business days, barring exceptional or unforeseen circumstances that necessitate an extension.

 

Interim Action In certain circumstances, and pending the final resolution of an investigation, organizations or individuals may be subject to temporary suspension of activities or other interim measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the campus community.

Following the completion of the investigation, a resolution process will determine responsibility and any resulting sanctions.

 

Standard of Evidence Austin Peay State University applies the preponderance of the evidence standard, meaning a finding of responsibility will be made if it is "more likely than not" that a policy violation occurred.

 

Hearing or Administrative Meeting Students and organizations involved in a hazing case may resolve the matter through one of the following methods:

• An administrative meeting with a University conduct officer.

• A formal hearing before the University Hearing Board.

• A formal hearing before the University Appeals and Petitions Association (UAPA) if specifically requested and deemed appropriate.

 

Sanctions (if responsible) If an individual or organization is found responsible for hazing, appropriate sanctions will be imposed.

• Individual sanctions may include:

  • Probation

  • Suspension from the University

  • Expulsion from the University

  • Mandated educational programming

 

• Organizational sanctions may include:

  • Loss of University recognition

  • Suspension of activities

  • Mandated training or educational initiatives

  • Restitution for damages or expenses incurred

 

Retaliation Sanctions Retaliation against any individual who reports hazing, participates in an investigation, or is otherwise involved in the process is a separate and serious violation of University policy. Confirmed incidents of retaliation will result in additional, significant disciplinary action.

Parties involved in a hazing case have the right to appeal the outcome.

 

• Grounds for Appeal: Appeals may be submitted based on:

  • A procedural error that significantly impacted the outcome of the investigation or hearing.
  • New evidence that was not reasonably available at the time of the investigation or hearing and is material to the outcome.
  • The sanction imposed being disproportionate to the violation committed.

• Submission of Appeals: Appeals must be submitted in writing within five (5) business days of the date the outcome notice was issued.

All hazing investigations and their outcomes are meticulously documented and shared in accordance with University policy and legal requirements.

 

• Record Keeping: All documentation related to hazing investigations and their outcomes are maintained within the University's Maxient system.

• Notifications: Sanctions and resolutions are appropriately shared with:

  • The national headquarters of the student organization (if applicable).

  • Relevant university departments, such as Student Life & Engagement and Athletics, to ensure campus-wide awareness and compliance.

• Retention: All records are maintained in strict accordance with Austin Peay State University and Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) retention policies.