I. Purpose

Piedmont Technical College is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students. Hazing in any form is strictly prohibited. This policy outlines the definitions, prohibitions, procedures, and consequences related to hazing activities. This policy includes all student organizations recognized by Piedmont Technical College as well as any unofficial student group of two or more people operating as club, societies, associations, etc., fraternity, sorority, band, SGA, club sport team, and athletic team. Student groups and individual students should not condone or engage in any hazing activity.

II. Definitions

a. "Hazing" means the wrongful striking, laying open hand upon, threatening with violence, or offering to do bodily harm by a superior student to a subordinate student with intent to punish or injure the subordinate student, or other unauthorized treatment by the superior student of a subordinate student of a tyrannical, abusive, shameful, insulting, or humiliating nature. Examples of hazing may include the following:

1. whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body, or similar activity;
2. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
3. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
4. any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
5. any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law;
6. 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.

b. "Superior student" means a student who has attended a state university, college, or other public institution of higher learning longer than another student or who has an official position giving authority over another student.

c. "Subordinate student" means a person who attends a state university, college, or other public institution of higher learning who is not defined as a "superior student."

d. "Student organization" means an organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.

III. Reporting Procedures

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to report any suspected hazing activities immediately. Reports can be made through the following channels:

• Jalissa Adger, Dean of Students
  Greenwood Campus, 244A
  864-941-8364
  [email protected]
• Campus Police
  Greenwood Campus, L Building
  864-941-0000
• Student Misconduct Reporting Form

IV. Investigation and Adjudication

Upon receiving a report of hazing, Piedmont Technical College will conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation in compliance with the disciplinary procedures outlined in the Student Code for the SC Technical College System.

If the investigation determines that hazing has occurred, the responsible individuals or groups will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include:

• Warning or reprimand
• Probation
• Loss of privileges
• Suspension or expulsion from the college
• Revocation of organizational recognition or privileges

V. Support and Resources

Piedmont Technical College is committed to providing support to victims of hazing by offering support measures through Piedmont Technical College-sponsored counseling services, such as Business Health Services (800-327-2251) and other resources.

For more information on support and resources, please contact:

Dr. Jennie Knecht, Director of Student Success & Engagement
Greenwood Campus, Student Success Center
864-941-8685
[email protected]