BOT Resolutions

Date: June 23, 2025
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. William P. Mullaney, President
Subject: Approval of the Rockland Community College Hazing Policy

WHEREAS, Rockland Community College is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus environment and hazing is strictly prohibited in all forms and settings, regardless of intent or affiliation. This policy outlines the procedures for reporting hazing, the investigation process, and the institution’s hazing prevention and education strategies, including the implementation of research-informed, campus-wide initiatives; and

WHEREAS, the Hazing Policy has been reviewed by the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, in conjunction with the County Attorney’s Office; and

WHEREAS, the Hazing Policy is endorsed by the President; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees approve the Hazing Policy, as attached; and become effective immediately.

Rockland Community College Hazing Policy

I. Purpose

Rockland Community College is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus environment. Hazing is strictly prohibited in all forms and settings, regardless of intent or affiliation. This policy outlines the policy and procedures for reporting hazing, the investigation process, and the institution’s hazing prevention and education strategies, including the implementation of research-informed, campus-wide initiatives.

II. Rockland Community College’s Anti-Hazing Policy Statement

Hazing is abusive, degrading, psychologically damaging, and may be life-threatening. It is unacceptable in all forms and has no place in the Rockland Community College community. Student groups, organizations, and athletic teams are important contributors to a vibrant and positive campus life and are expected to act in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and to treat others with respect. Hazing by individuals and student organizations is prohibited in any form both on campus and off campus.

Definition:

Hazing
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:

• Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
• Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury. The following are non-exhaustive examples of conduct that causes or creates such a risk:
  • Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
  • Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
  • Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of applicable local, New York State, Tribal, or Federal law; and 13
  • Any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.

New York Penal Law §120.16 defines hazing in the first degree as:

A person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, [they] intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury. Hazing in the first degree is a class A misdemeanor.

New York Penal Law §120.17 defines hazing in the second degree as:

A person is guilty of hazing in the second degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation or affiliation with any organization, [they] intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct, including, but not limited to, making physical contact with or requiring physical activity of such other person, which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person. This is a class A misdemeanor.

III. Reporting Incidents of Hazing

Rockland Community College encourages the reporting of incidents of hazing and takes every such report seriously. It will investigate all reports diligently and thoroughly in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Individuals found responsible for committing, soliciting, encouraging, directing, aiding, or recklessly permitting hazing to occur will be subject to disciplinary sanction that could include suspension or expulsion.

Any person may report hazing online, electronic mail, by telephone, or in person, using the contact information listed for the Office of Student Conduct, or by utilizing the online reporting form linked below.

• Online: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SUNYRockland
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 845-574-4105
• In Person: Technology Center, Room 8220

Retaliation
No person may intimidate, threaten, coerce or discriminate against any individual because the individual made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this Hazing Policy and Procedure. Complaints alleging retaliation may be filed with the Office of Student Conduct and/or Human Resources. Any reports of retaliation involving an employee covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement will be addressed through the appropriate processes.

In cases of immediate danger or emergency, contact Public Safety at (845) 574-4238 or 911.

IV. Investigation Process

Upon receiving a report of hazing, the following procedures will apply:

1. Initial Review: The Office of Student Conduct (or designee) will assess the report for credibility and potential violations.
2. Investigation: A trained investigator will conduct interviews, gather documentation, and analyze evidence.
3. Interim Measures: Protective measures (e.g., no-contact orders, suspension of group activities, etc.) may be instituted to ensure campus safety.
4. Adjudication: If sufficient evidence exists, the case will proceed to the student conduct process (see, Section III of Student Code of Conduct, Student Conduct Procedures) or referred to law enforcement as appropriate.
5. Sanctions: Sanctions for individuals, employees, or organizations found responsible may include but are not limited to suspension, expulsion, deactivation of student organizations, termination of employment, or other disciplinary actions.
6. Notification: Parties involved will be notified of outcomes in accordance with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and institutional policies.

V. Hazing Prevention and Awareness Programs

Rockland Community College is committed to proactive, educational strategies to eliminate hazing through awareness, engagement, and accountability.

Annual Awareness Campaigns

The College will conduct annual awareness activities including but not limited to:

• National Hazing Prevention Week participation
• Mandatory training for student leaders, select employees, coaches, and athletes
• Distribution of printed and digital materials on hazing laws and policies

Research-Informed, Campus-Wide Prevention Programs

Rockland Community College utilizes evidence-based programs to educate students and foster cultural change. These include but are not limited to:

• Workshops grounded in behavioral science such as social norms theory and bystander intervention
• Educational modules offered to all incoming students during orientation at the beginning of each semester
• Collaboration with national organizations (e.g., StopHazing.org, HazingPrevention.Org) to evaluate and improve strategies

Primary Prevention Strategies

The institution prioritizes primary prevention—addressing root causes before hazing occurs—through:

• Community building in student organizations
• Leadership development emphasizing ethical decision-making
• Peer-led education and mentoring
• Active oversight of recruitment and initiation activities

VI. Compliance

This policy aligns with state and federal hazing laws and is reviewed annually for compliance and effectiveness.

VII. Contact

For more information or assistance regarding this policy, please contact:

Office of Student Conduct
Phone: 845-574-4105
Email: [email protected]
Technology Center, Room 8220