Included in that invitation is a Student Support Services Guide, which provides the following information:
- UNCW Confidential Resources: Information about CARE: Interpersonal Violence Prevention & Response, the Counseling Center, and the Abrons Student Health Center.
- Campus and Law Enforcement Reporting Options: Information about how the University can assist in filing a police report with the University Police Department or other law enforcement agencies.
- Accommodations and Interim Measures: Information about interim accommodations and measures, such as academic accommodations, on-campus housing options, or no contact orders between parties. All options are available regardless of whether a Complainant chooses to file a formal campus or law enforcement complaint.
Reports are reviewed and analyzed to determine the necessity of an investigation and any appropriate follow-up action, including issuing a timely warning or emergency notification. The University is required by Title IX and the Clery Act to weigh the Complainant’s request for confidentiality/privacy with the University’s commitment to provide a reasonably safe and nondiscriminatory environment.
There are situations in which the University may override the Complainant’s request for confidentiality and proceed with an investigation in order to meet its Title IX obligations, including but not limited to cases which:
- involved significant violence;
- the university has reason to believe that the perpetrator has harmed more than one individual
- the university has reason to believe there are multiple perpetrators;
- the university has received prior reports of alleged misconduct at that location;
- there is deemed to be a threat of significant danger to the university community; or
- involved minor status.
These instances will be limited and, to the extent possible, the University will only disclose information regarding alleged incidents to individuals who are responsible for or involved in the University’s response.
If an investigation is initiated at the request of the Complainant or University, two (2) investigators are assigned to interview all parties and relevant witnesses, collect evidence, and review documentation. Upon completion of the investigation, a report is submitted to the Director of Title IX and Clery Compliance for review and, if there are enough facts to substantiate a potential policy violation, a hearing may occur.
An external adjudicator conducts the hearing, renders a decision, and, if appropriate, a sanction. The Complainant and Respondent both have a right to appeal the decision.
A full outline of procedures and definitions are provided in the Student Gender-Based Sexual Misconduct Policy.
