Recognized student organizations are expected to observe the policies, rules, and regulations of Iowa State University, the City of Ames, the State of Iowa, and the United States of America.  Failure to abide by these policies and laws could result in individual and/or organizational charges from the Office of Student Conduct (Student Organization Disciplinary Information.) 

This page is intended to provide helpful information and resources to student organizations in understanding policy and actions that might constitute a violation of University policy. Student Organizations should review the Student Code of Conduct.

Iowa State University and the Office of Student Conduct are primarily concerned for the health and safety of its students.  Members or leaders of student organizations may sometimes be reluctant to seek assistance for another student or visitor in health and safety related situations, particularly when controlled substances or alcohol are present or being used or in situations where the organization may be in violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

Generally, the Student Code of Conduct indicates that a violation may be regarded less serious if organizational leadership:

  • self-reports a violation; or
  • situations where, immediately after the conduct, and before being notified that disciplinary action may take place, the student organization takes significant measures to correct their conduct or lessen the damage caused, among other criteria.

In situations where a health/safety issue arises and medical attention or police assistance may be needed for a student or a visitor, the Office of Student Conduct has outlined a recommended responsible action protocol for student organizations to consider. These situations may or may not include the presence or use of controlled substances or alcohol.

In situations where a controlled substance or alcohol emergency has been identified and where medical or police assistance is needed, organizational leadership is encouraged to follow the recommended responsible reporting protocol, which considers the Medical Amnesty Provision for Responsible Action. When organizational leadership follow this protocol, this may mitigate potential student disciplinary consequences in any subsequent student conduct process.

I. A member of an organization’s leadership seeks assistance (medical and/or police) to address a health/safety situation.

II. Within 12-24 hours of the incident, organizational leadership contacts and submits an initial report to:

· The university affiliated staff/faculty advisor on record to report the issue.

· The Office of Student Conduct.

· Where an incident involves a sorority or fraternity, the Office of Sorority & Fraternity Engagement

This initial report should include:

· A description of the incident and actions taken.

· The name(s) of student(s) receiving medical attention and name(s) of any other impacted students.

III. Organizational leadership will be expected to submit a more detailed report to the Office of Student Conduct within the week.

· All information in this reporting form must be thorough, truthful, and complete, and include names of all students and/or guests involved and information regarding their involvement.

Iowa State is primarily concerned for the health and safety of its students. Iowa State is aware that students may sometimes be reluctant to seek medical attention in alcohol-and drug-related emergencies, out of fear that they may face university sanctions related to possessing or consuming alcohol and drugs. Because these emergencies are potentially life-threatening, Iowa State hopes to reduce barriers that prevent students from seeking assistance.

Accordingly, students who voluntarily seek emergency medical attention for themselves or someone else related to the consumption of alcohol or drugs may be referred for substance abuse evaluation and/or treatment, and/or the educational Diversion Program, instead of facing university charges and sanctions for alcohol-or drug-related policy violations. Students may additionally be referred to Student Assistance for appropriate follow-up, including ensuring students are aware of the support and resources available.

Medical Amnesty only applies when a student initiates the call for emergency medical attention and only when the emergency medical attention is needed to address alcohol or drug emergencies. It does not apply when the individual suffering from the alcohol or drug emergency is discovered by a University official (e.g., security, CA, etc.).

If a representative of an organization hosting a registered event calls for medical assistance, this act of responsibility may mitigate potential disciplinary consequences that could arise against the organization (i.e., the fact that an organization representative sought help may be considered in potential sanctioning of the organization for policy violations).

Medical Amnesty does not apply to violations of the Student Code of Student Conduct that are egregious and fall outside alcohol or drug related policy violations, including, but not limited to, cases involving sexual assault, weapons possession, possession of drugs that induce incapacitation (e.g. Rohypnol or other "date rape drugs"), and drug offenses extending beyond mere possession.  Iowa State strongly encourages victims who have been sexually assaulted after consuming alcohol or drugs and witnesses of such assaults to come forward without fear of disciplinary action by the University. Iowa State strongly encourages students to seek emergency treatment when alcohol poisoning or a drug overdose is suspected.

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless action, request, or creation of circumstances that may include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of any person; or
  • Causes or presents a substantial risk of physical injury, serious mental distress, or personal humiliation to any individual; or
  • Involves any act solely based on the classification status of a student; or
  • Involves the damage, destruction or removal of public or private property; or
  • Involves impairment of physical liberties, such as sensory deprivation, kidnapping, isolation, sleep or meal deprivation, and personal servitude;
  • Involves a violation of local, state, or federal law or university policy; or
  • Otherwise creates an interference with academic endeavors;

And is in connection or associated with initiation or admission into, or continued membership in, or elevating status within any recognized student organization or group affiliated with the university, including but not limited to, any student, campus, fraternal, academic, honorary, musical, athletic, or military organization.

Individual acceptance of or agreement to engage in any activity that occurs during an initiation rite does not affect a determination of whether the activity constitutes hazing.

Both individuals and groups may be held accountable under this policy. Failing to intervene to prevent and/or failing to report those acts may also violate this policy. Any individual who plans or intentionally assists in hazing is in violation of this section, whether or not that individual is present when the hazing activity occurs.

Violations under this section may include activities that are not consistent with the parent organization’s (where applicable) rules and regulations.

In addition, any act meeting the definition of “Hazing” under Iowa Code Section 708.10 is a violation of these regulations. 

1.     a. A person commits an act of hazing when the person intentionally or recklessly engages in any act or acts involving forced activity which endanger the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization operating in connection with a school, college, or university. Prohibited acts include, but are not limited to, any brutality of a physical nature such as whipping, forced confinement, or any other forced activity which endangers the physical health or safety of the student.

b. For purposes of this section, “forced activity” means any activity which is a condition of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, an organization, regardless of a student’s willingness to participate in the activity.

2. A person who commits an act of hazing is guilty of a simple misdemeanor.

3. A person who commits an act of hazing which causes serious bodily injury to another is guilty of a serious misdemeanor.

Electronic Reporting Form

Concerns of hazing can be reported using the electronic reporting form. Please complete the form as detailed and thoroughly as possible. Detailed and thorough information is important in order for the Office of Student Conduct to follow-up on the allegation.

Please Note: After submitted a report to our office, a staff member may follow-up with you regarding the concern you have reported, provide resources, and clarify any vague issues. To the extent possible, reporting party names are kept private in the course of an investigation, but may need to be disclosed during the adjudication process. For questions regarding reporting, please contact the Office of Student Conduct directly.

Office of Student Conduct 

Contact for a concern of hazing related to any student and/or student organizations. You may email, call, or schedule an appointment. 

knowthecode@iastate.edu 

515-294-1020

Iowa State Police Department (on-campus concerns)

Contact for a concern of hazing related to any student and/or student organizations. 

515-294-4428

Ames Police Department (off-campus concerns) 

Contact for a concern of hazing related to any student and/or student organizations. 

515-239-5133