Oakton College is committed to ensuring a safe and welcoming community for all. Hazing, in all of its forms, is strictly prohibited. In support of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, the following information provides an overview of how the College handles incidents of hazing.
Policy
Hazing will not be tolerated at Oakton College.
(a) College student groups (e.g. registered student organizations, intramural, club and varsity athletic teams, and other recognized student groups) and individual students are prohibited from hazing.
(b) Hazing is prohibited in any form both on campus and off campus.
Oakton 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, but not limited to:
- 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.
A student organization is defined as any group at a higher education institution – including social clubs, societies, athletic teams, fraternities, sororities, bands, or student government – comprising of two or more enrolled students, whether officially recognized by the institution or not.
How to Report Hazing Incidents
Any person having knowledge of any activity or conduct which may constitute hazing is encouraged to report the allegations, by completing the Online Incident Report, or by contacting the Manager of Student Conduct, Robert Peterson at 847.635.1745 or rpeterson@oakton.edu.
If you are in immediate crisis, call 911.
Process Used to Investigate Hazing Reports
Reports of alleged hazing will be reviewed, investigated, and resolved in accordance with the College’s Student Code of Conduct procedures.
For more information regarding the College’s Student Code of Conduct procedures, see the Student Handbook (PDF) (891 KB).
Resources
For more information on resources available to students and organizations related to the prevention of hazing, please visit stophazing.org or the hazing prevention network.
Illinois Law
Hazing is illegal in the state of Illinois. Under Illinois law (720 ILCS 120/Hazing Act), Hazing is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, except in the situation where hazing results in death or great bodily harm; it is then considered a Class 4 felony.
Campus Hazing Transparency Report
The College’s Campus Hazing Transparency Report summarizes findings concerning any established or recognized student organization found to violate the College’s Hazing policy.
The Hazing Transparency Report will be updated twice a year with new findings published every six months.
There were no findings of responsibility for hazing violations between July 1, 2025 – December 1, 2025. The next update to the Hazing Transparency Report will be released on June 1, 2026.
Information on incidents of hazing will also be included in the College’s Annual Security Report starting October 1, 2026.
Hazing Prevention and Awareness Programs
The College provides the following training and education to build awareness and prevention of hazing designed to reach all students, staff, and faculty.
Trainings
- Training staff/faculty club advisors and coaches
- Training conducted by professional staff with student athletic teams
- Training conducted by professional staff with student club and organization advisors and student leaders
- Topics for training include the College’s hazing policy, including the definition of hazing, how to report hazing incidents, the process to investigate hazing reports, information on applicable local, State, and Tribal laws regarding hazing, and prevention strategies to stop hazing incidents.
Education
- Access to online modules specifically designed to address hazing prevention.
- Providing educational materials with information on hazing and prevention in collaboration with national organizations specializing in anti-hazing educational initiatives.
- Building awareness of hazing on college campuses with widespread marketing campaigns
- Collaborating with campus partners to provide events and speakers regarding hazing prevention.
* pending Board approval
