Hazing Transparency and Max Gruver Report

Our Commitment to Campus Safety

The College of Coastal Georgia is dedicated to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. Hazing fundamentally undermines our core values and poses serious risks to individual well-being and our campus community.

In accordance with the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act and Georgia’s Max Gruver Act, this transparency report provides public disclosure of hazing violations and institutional responses. Our commitment to transparency promotes accountability, awareness, and prevention within our college community.

Hazing-related violations will be maintained for five (5) years. This report will be updated no less than two times each year and within 15 days of any final adjudication of hazing violations.

Georgia Hazing Law – Max Gruver Act

Hazing is a criminal offense under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61, the Max Gruver Act). It is unlawful for any person to haze a student in connection with gaining or maintaining membership or status in a school organization. Hazing includes activities that endanger physical health or coerce consumption of substances that risk intoxication or unconsciousness, regardless of the student’s willingness to participate. A violation is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature and may result in criminal penalties in addition to university discipline.

Understanding This Transparency Report

What This Report Contains:

This report includes detailed information about student organizations found responsible for hazing violations through the College’s conduct process or criminal convictions. For each substantiated case, the following information is disclosed:

• Organization Name – Name of the student organization involved in the violation
• Incident Date(s) – When the hazing incident(s) occurred (when known)
• Investigation Timeline – Investigation initiation date, conclusion date, and organization notification date
• Violation Description – General description of the violation and whether it involved alcohol or drug abuse
• Findings & Sanctions – Institutional determinations, sanctions imposed, and any criminal convictions
• Code Violations – Specific provisions of the Student Code of Conduct that were violated

Privacy Protections

To protect privacy rights and ensure fair process, this report excludes:

• Personal identifiable information about individuals involved
• Cases that did not result in findings of responsibility
• Organizations currently under active investigation (until final adjudication)
• Information protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Investigation and Due Process Procedures

The College follows a comprehensive process to ensure fair and thorough investigation of hazing allegations:

• Initial Response – Upon receiving a hazing report, the Dean of Students Office conducts a preliminary assessment and determines the next appropriate steps, including emergency interventions if necessary.
• Formal Investigation – Trained investigators conduct interviews, gather evidence, and document findings. All parties are provided with due process protection throughout the investigation.
• Adjudication – Cases are adjudicated through the student conduct process, with opportunities for the accused organization to respond to allegations and present information.
• Appeals Process – Organizations found responsibly may appeal decisions through established institutional procedures.
• Documentation – All investigations and outcomes are properly documented in accordance with federal and state requirements.

For complete investigation procedures, refer to the Student Code of Conduct.

Retaliation Protections

The College of Coastal Georgia strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who:

• Reports suspected hazing incidents in good faith
• Participates in hazing investigations or proceedings
• Seeks emergency medical assistance for hazing-related emergencies
• Provides information or testimony in hazing cases

What Constitutes Retaliation: Any adverse action taken against a person because of their involvement in reporting or addressing hazing, including but not limited to harassment, intimidation, threats, exclusion from activities, academic penalties, or disciplinary action.

Reporting Retaliation: Suspected retaliation should be reported immediately using the same reporting mechanisms available for hazing incidents. All retaliation complaints will be promptly investigated and addressed.

Disciplinary Action: The College will take appropriate disciplinary action against any individual or organization found responsible for retaliatory behavior.

Hazing Violation Reporting Status

No Reportable Hazing Violations

As of September 9, 2026, the College of Coastal Georgia has no reportable hazing violations for the reporting periods shown below. No student organization has been found responsible for a hazing violation requiring disclosure in this report, and the College is aware of no hazing-related criminal convictions involving CCGA students or organizations.

Reporting Periods

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

Hazing statistics and prevention program information (available starting October 1, 2026). Link will be available October 2026.

Emergency Contacts and Support

Immediate Reporting Contacts

• Dean of Students Office/Title IX Office – Dr. Michael Butcher: 912-279-5815 | mbutcher@ccga.edu
• USG Ethics Hotline – 1-866-495-7754 (Confidential)
• Campus Safety and Security: 912-279-5555 (24/7)

Emergency Services

• Campus Emergencies: 912-279-5555
• Local Emergency Services: 911
• Crisis Support: Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
• Counseling Services: 912-279-5824

Related Resources and Reporting:

• Hazing Incident Report Form – Primary reporting mechanism for hazing incidents
• Student Code of Conduct – Detailed policies and procedures regarding student conduct
• Confidential Reporting Portal – Anonymous reporting through USG Ethics Point
• Anonymous Reporting – Additional confidential reporting options
• Anti-Hazing Policy – Complete institutional hazing prevention policy