HAZING POLICY AND TRANSPARENCY REPORT

                                                                      CAMPUS HAZING TRANSPARENCY REPORT

*No student organizations have been found in violation of the College’s Hazing Policy since July 1, 2025.

NOTE: The Transparency Report will be updated not less than 2 times each year for the period beginning on the date on which the Transparency Report was last published and ending on the date on which such update is submitted.

Notice of Availability of statistics on Hazing: The Annual Security Report contains information regarding campus security and personal safety including topics such as crime prevention, the institution’s police/public safety law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, disciplinary procedures, protocols for the immediate notification of students and staff upon confirmation of a significant emergency on campus, Hazing policies and programming, and other matters of importance related to security and safety. The report includes statistics for the most recent three-year period of reported crimes that have occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Watts College of Nursing or its affiliates; and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The Annual Security Report can be accessed at the following link: https://wattscollegeofnursing.edu/sites/default/files/2025-WCON-ASR-Draft-Final.pdf. You can obtain a paper copy of this report by contacting Watts College of Nursing at 311 Trent Drive, 3rd Floor, Durham, NC 27710 or request that a copy be mailed to you by calling 919-470-7348 or emailing WattsCollegeClery@dm.duke.edu.

Reporting Statistics: Annually, Watts College of Nursing will compile statistics for incidents of Hazing reportedly occurring on or within the College’s Clery Geography that were reported to a Campus Security Authority or local law enforcement agency. 

• Annual Security Report. Hazing statistics for the three most recent calendar years for which data are available will be disclosed in the Watts College of Nursing Annual Security Report.
• Reporting to the U.S. Department of Education. The College will disclose Hazing statistics in the data reported to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) via the annual Campus Safety and Security Survey, no later than the date specified annually by ED.
• Student Organization for Statistical Disclosure Purposes 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.” 

Such Hazing statistics will be compiled using the Federal definition of Hazing below:

Hazing means “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
• 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 or 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 local, State, Tribal or Federal law; and
• 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.

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 including—

Institution’s Hazing Policy: The Campus Hazing Transparency Report will include a summary of findings concerning any student organization recognized, registered or established by the institution that has been found to be in violation of the College’s Hazing policy.

HAZING POLICY

Purpose. Watts College of Nursing (WCON; the College) is committed to fostering an environment of mutual respect, safety, and inclusion. In fulfillment of these aims, the purpose of this policy is to identify Hazing as prohibited conduct; outline relevant procedures for reporting, investigating, and resolving Hazing allegations; and outline sanctions that may be imposed for Hazing. The policy also provides information on applicable local, State, and Tribal laws related to Hazing; outline the College’s prevention and awareness programs related to Hazing; and addresses how the College will maintain and make available a Campus Hazing Transparency Report as well as a public website addressing Hazing.

Scope. This policy applies to all WCON students regardless of location. Hazing is prohibited both on and off-campus, in all official and unofficial activities, including (but not limited to) those activities related to organizational membership, team bonding, or social functions.

Applicable Laws. Public Law 118-173, otherwise known as the Stop Campus Hazing Act, was enacted on December 23, 2024. The law amended the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, § 485(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), which it also renamed the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act). The Stop Campus Hazing Act requires each domestic institution of higher education that participates in federal financial assistance programs authorized under

Title IV of the HEA to comply with certain policy, disclosure, and prevention requirements related to Hazing involving student organizations.

• NC Gen. Stat. § 14-35 (2023) makes it unlawful for any student in attendance at any university, college, or school in the State to engage in Hazing, or to aid or abet any other student in the commission of Hazing. Hazing is defined in NC Gen. Stat. § 14-35 (2023) as follows: “to subject another student to physical injury as part of an initiation, or as a prerequisite to membership, into any organized school group, including any society, athletic team, fraternity or sorority, or other similar group.” Furthermore, NC Gen. Stat. § 14-38 (2023) provides that any person subpoenaed as a witness on behalf of the State shall be required to testify if called upon to do so. However, the law also provides that no student or other person so testifying shall be amenable or subject to indictment on account of, or by reason of, such testimony.

DEFINITIONS

The following definitions shall be used for purposes of including Hazing incidents in the crime statistics the College reports in the Annual Security Report (as required by 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(1)(F)(iv)) and to the U.S. Department of Education (as required by 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(5)). Furthermore, the definition of “student organization” also applies everywhere in this policy the phrase “student organization” is used.  Hazing means “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 including—

– 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 local, State, Tribal or Federal law; and

– 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.” *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(vi). 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 twoor 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.” *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(vii).

REPORTING STATISTICS

Annually, Watts College of Nursing will compile statistics for incidents of Hazing reportedly occurring on or within the College’s Clery Geography that were reported to a Campus Security Authority or local law enforcement agency. Such Hazing statistics will be compiled using the definition of Hazing. Annual Security Report. Hazing statistics for the three most recent calendar years for which data are available will be disclosed in the College’s Annual Security Report.1 *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(1)(F).  Reporting to the U.S. Department of Education. The College will disclose Hazing statistics in the data reported to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) via the annual Campus Safety and Security Survey, no later than the date specified annually by ED. *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(5). Watts College of Nursing – 2025-2026 Student Handbook | 101STUDENT POLICIES

Calculating the Number of Hazing Incidents. Hazing statistics shall be compiled per each single Hazing incident and in accordance with the definition of Hazing. If the same person or persons commit more than one Hazing act, and the time and place intervals separating each such act are insignificant, such acts shall be reported as a single Hazing incident. If, however, the time and place intervals separating each such act are significant, each act shall be reported as a separate Hazing incident.*20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(7)

PROHIBITED CONDUCT

Hazing, as defined in this section, is expressly prohibited under this policy. For purposes of holding students and student organizations accountable for reported Hazing incidents, the College defines Hazing as:

 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 including—

– 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 local, State, Tribal or Federal law; and

– 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. *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(vi)

Hazing also involves any other activity not addressed by this definition that is expected of someone joining or participating in a student organization that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• verbal abuse, intimidation, or manipulation, or coercion into degrading acts.

• blindfolding, forced physical activity, personal servitude, and

• forcing individuals to perform embarrassing or socially isolating activities or tasks.

Retaliation against any person who: reports Hazing, is the victim of Hazing, witnesses Hazing, participates in an investigation related to Hazing, or otherwise is involved in implementing any aspect of this policy is strictly prohibited.

DISCIPLINARY AUTHORITY

Only student organizations that are recognized by, registered with, or established by the College shall be subject to WCON’s disciplinary authority. WCON reserves the right to hold a sub-group of an organization accountable for Hazing policy violations, rather than the entire student organization, when circumstances reasonably indicate a sub-group, not the entire student organization, committed a Hazing policy violation.

While student organizations that are not recognized or established by WCON are not subject to the College’s disciplinary authority, individuals who engage in violations of the standards of conduct outlined in this Hazing policy will be held accountable regardless of whether the student organization in which the Hazing activities occurred is recognized by, registered with, or established by the institution. While each report will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, the College generally considers the following non-exhaustivecriteria when determining whether conduct might reasonably be associated with a student organization:

• The conduct is sanctioned by the student organization and/or any of its officers (“sanctioned by” may include, but is not limited to, the following: active or passive consent or encouragement; having prior knowledge that the conduct was likely to occur; or helping to plan, advertise, or promote the conduct); or

• The conduct is committed during the course of an activity financed by the organization, or financed as a result of one or more

members of the student organization contributing personal funds in support of the activity or conduct in question; or

• The conduct occurred on property owned, controlled, rented, leased, or used by the organization or any of its members; or

• The purpose of the activity was related to initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in the student organization; or

• Non-members of the student organization learned of the activity through members, advertisements, or communications associated with the student organization, or otherwise formed a reasonable belief that the conduct or activity was affiliated with or sanctioned by the student organization; or

• Members of the student organization attempted to conceal the activity or protect other members who were involved; or

• One or more officer(s) of the organization had prior knowledge or reasonably should have known that the incident would take place. 

REPORTING HAZING

Any individual who experiences or witnesses Hazing is strongly encouraged to report the incident immediately. Any incident involving an in-progress crime or emergency should be reported immediately to the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction by dialing 911.

Reporting Options. Reports can be made in person, by phone, or by email using the contact information below. The identity of individuals who report Hazing will not be shared to the fullest extent possible.

• Report Concerning Activities to Duke Police (911 or 919-684-2444).

• Anonymous reports can be made using the Duke Silent Witness Program. Anonymous crime reporting can be a valuable tool for encouraging people to share information without fear of retaliation—but it comes with several limitations. If the report lacks sufficient detail or key data, it may inhibit WCON’s ability to follow up.

 Support and Resources. The identity of individuals who report Hazing will be kept confidential to the extent possible. Any individual who is affected by Hazing is encouraged to seek support through WCON’s student counseling services. Support is available for both victims and those involved in Hazing situations.

PROCEDURE

All reported incidents of hazing will be investigated promptly and thoroughly. The investigation may include interviews with the affected individual(s), witnesses, and relevant parties.

SANCTIONS

Respondents who violate the College’s Hazing policy will be subject to conduct sanctions, which may include probation, mandatory training/education and suspension. Respondents can also face sanctions under other College policies as well as criminal or civil penalties imposed under applicable law. Disciplinary Action Process: If Hazing is confirmed, the following disciplinary actions may be imposed:

Individual Sanctions: Suspension, expulsion, removal from leadership positions, or other appropriate actions based on the severity of the hazing.

Organizational Sanctions: Suspension, disbandment, or other penalties for student organizations, teams, or groups involved in hazing activities.

Other Consequences: Depending on the situation, legal action or referral to law enforcement may occur.

JURISDICTIONAL LAWS

In addition to the College’s Hazing policy, members of the campus community should be aware of applicable jurisdictional laws pertaining to Hazing.

Local Laws. There are no applicable local laws relating to Hazing in the College’s jurisdiction.

State Laws. Hazing is a misdemeanor under North Carolina state law. It is unlawful for any student in attendance at any university, college, or school in this State to engage in Hazing, or to aid or abet any other student in the commission of this offense. Under North Carolina law, Hazing is defined as follows: “to subject another student to physical injury as part of an initiation, or a prerequisite to membership, into any organized school group, including any society, athletic team, fraternity or sorority, or other similar group. Any violation of this section shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor, which carries criminal penalties that could include up to 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, depending on prior convictions. 

Tribal Laws on Hazing: There are no applicable Tribal laws relating to Hazing in the College’s jurisdiction.

TRANSPARENCY REPORT

WCON shall publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report (“Transparency Report”) that summarizes findings concerning any student organization established or recognized by the College that has been found to be in violation of the WCON’s Hazing policy.*20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(9)(A)

Availability. The Transparency Report shall be published in a prominent location on the public website of the College.*20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(9)(D)

Report Contents. The Transparency Report shall include, at a minimum, the following information for each incident in which

a student organization was found to be in violation of the College’s Hazing policy:

• the name of the student organization.

• a general description of the violation that resulted in a finding of responsibility.

• whether the violation involved the abuse or illegal use of alcohol or drugs.

• the findings of the institution.

• any sanctions placed on the student organization by the College

• the date on which the incident was alleged to have occurred

• the date on which the investigation into the incident was initiated;

• the date on which the investigation ended with a finding that a Hazing violation occurred; and

• the date on which the College provided notice to the student organization that the incident resulted in a Hazing violation. *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(9)(A)(iii)(I-III). 

The Transparency Report will include a description of the purposes of, and differences between, the Transparency Report and the Hazing statistics published in the Annual Security Report. *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(9)(E)

Privacy. The Transparency Report shall not include any personally identifiable information, including any information that would reveal personally identifiable information, about any individual student in accordance with section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (commonly known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, or FERPA). *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(9)(C)

Report Maintenance. The Transparency Report will be updated not less than 2 times each year for the period, beginning on the date on which the Transparency Report was last published and ending on the date on which such update is submitted.*20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(9)(A)(iii)

• Updates to the Transparency Report will be published as soon as practicable following the final determination that a student organization violated the College’s Hazing policy.

• Typically, the College will publish an updated Transparency Report by no later than June 15 and December 15 each year. If either date falls on a day the College is closed, an updated Transparency Report will be published on the next business day.

• All updates to the Transparency Report shall remain in the report published on the public website for no less than 5 calendar years following publication of such updates. *20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(9)(D)(iii)

Recordkeeping. WCON shall maintain a copy of each updated Transparency Report for no less than seven (7) calendar years following publication of the Transparency Report, in accordance with applicable Federal record retention requirements.*34 C.F.R. § 668.24(e)(3)(ii)

INVOLVEMENT OF WCON CLERY COMPLIANCE OFFICER

In meeting these requirements, WCON shall consult the Clery Compliance Officer to ensure that any policies, procedures, statistics, reports (including the Transparency Report), or other disclosures developed or updated to comply, in whole or in part, with the

Stop Campus Hazing Act fully address the requirements of the Clery Act.

StandUp to Hazing Module

Watts College of Nursing does not discriminate in the educational program or activities of the college on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex, genetic information, or age.