Hazing Prevention Policy

Campus Hazing ReportContact Compliance Officer

Purpose

AIMS Education is committed to fostering a safe environment for all students, staff, and faculty. Hazing in any form is prohibited. This policy implements the requirements of the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (including the Stop Campus Hazing Act amendment).

Definition of Hazing

For the purposes of this policy, “hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act by one or more persons that:

  • Is committed in connection with initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or maintenance of membership in any group, activity, class, team, or informal student association; and
  • Creates a risk of physical or mental harm, or causes physical or mental harm, above what is reasonably expected in participation in such activities; including but not limited to forcing or coercing someone to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substance; forced physical activity; exposure to extreme conditions; sleep deprivation; humiliation; or any conduct that violates local, state, or federal law.

Scope

This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and third parties affiliated with AIMS, in all settings (on-campus or off-campus) and in all activities connected to AIMS functions, education, or social life.

Reporting Hazing

  • Any person who believes hazing has occurred may report it to the designated compliance officer by email or in person.
  • Reports may also be made anonymously, except that anonymity may limit the ability of AIMS to investigate.

Compliance Officer:

Rishi Sharma
908-222-0002, Ext. 347
rsharma@aimseducation.edu 

Investigation and Resolution

  • The designated compliance officer will review all reports to determine whether they warrant investigation.
  • If investigation is initiated, the process will be prompt, fair, and impartial; those accused will have the opportunity to respond.
  • Sanctions may include disciplinary action up to dismissal from AIMS or other actions as appropriate under institutional student or staff disciplinary procedures.

Prevention, Awareness, and Education

  • AIMS will provide hazing awareness and prevention education to all students.
  • Information will be provided about how to spot hazing, how to report it, and strategies for supporting a respectful and safe community without hazing.

Transparency & Reporting

  • AIMS will maintain and publish Annual Hazing Statistics in its Annual Security Report (ASR) as required by SCHA.
  • A Campus Hazing Transparency Report will be maintained (even if “no incidents”) and made publicly available, summarizing findings where applicable.

No Retaliation

No person shall be subject to retaliation for good-faith reporting of hazing under this policy or participating in an investigation.