Programs and Procedures for Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking as required by the Clery Act (as amended by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act) and for Sexual Assault and Other Forms of Sexual Harassment Prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
The Clery Act, as amended by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA), requires colleges and universities to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking through programs, awareness campaigns, policies, and procedures. Title IX is an important civil rights law that protects individuals from discrimination based upon sex in federally funded education programs or activities. Sexual harassment of students, which includes acts of sexual violence or sexual assault, is a form of discrimination based on sex that is prohibited by Title IX. Regulations on Title IX require grievance procedures that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of sex discrimination complaints and guidance on Title IX recommends prevention, awareness, resource, and responsible employee training programs for individuals with reporting responsibilities.
The University has and will continue to take a series of specific and continuing steps in compliance with these federal requirements and recommendations to address these types of conduct, including sexual violence, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), sexual battery, sexual coercion, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking (hereinafter referred to as “sexual violence and related misconduct”) as further defined in the Clery Act and Title IX.
Educational Programs for Students, Faculty, and Staff
UNC has educational programs for students, faculty, and staff to promote the prevention and awareness of sexual violence and related misconduct. Together, the programs the University has implemented include information about many of the specific topics outlined in OCR guidance and the VAWA amendments to the Clery Act:
Statements that the University prohibits sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking;
The definition of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in this jurisdiction;
The definition of consent in reference to sexual activity;
Positive, safe approaches to bystander intervention;
Information on risk reduction to recognize warning signs of abusive behavior;
Information on how to report incidents of stalking, sexual violence, or relationship violence and seek support; and
Information about trauma, including neurobiological change.
The following trainings and programs are among those offered by the University.
The University continues to require all incoming first-year and transfer students to complete an online module developed by Everfi prior to arrival on campus that provides information about policies, definitions, resources, and healthy relationships. (This module was formerly called “Haven.”) The University supplements this online module with in-person prevention and training programs described below.
During the 2018-2019 academic year, the University began using a new online module, “Sexual Assault Prevention Ongoing,” for our returning students (undergraduate and professional). Building from the “Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates” module, the “Ongoing” module reinforces information about bystander intervention, promotion of positive and healthy behaviors, and social norms.
During the 2018-2019 academic year, the University provided this new online module tailored specifically for graduate students to all new graduate and professional students.
During the 2018-2019 academic year, the University provided this new online course to all faculty and staff that provides information on how to recognize and respond to sexual violence and related misconduct, as well as how to access confidential medical care and support resources on campus and in the community. The course also provides detailed information about how to report an incident to the University and law enforcement.
The University continued to provide mandatory training for those individuals designated as a “Responsible Employee” under the University’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct and in compliance with Title IX. Those deemed Responsible Employees under the Policy are employees with administrative or supervisory responsibilities on campus or who have been designated as Campus Security Authorities. Responsible Employees are required by the University to immediately share all details about a report of prohibited conduct (including the known details of the incident [e.g., date, time, location], the names of the parties involved, a brief description of the incident, and if the incident has been previously reported) with the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office or Title IX Compliance Coordinator in person, by telephone, electronically, or by email. The mandatory annual training for Responsible Employees outlines the types of conduct these individuals are expected to report and provides guidance on how to respond to disclosures of experiences of prohibited conduct, how to inform students and peers of these reporting responsibilities, and the procedures for reporting.
Delta Advocates are members of sororities who receive extensive training on how to respond compassionately to those who have experienced violence and connect them to appropriate campus and community resources. In 2016, the Delta Advocates program expanded to include women from all three Greek councils on campus. The 2017 cohort consisted of 17 new and 2 returning members. The program was created by the Carolina Women’s Center, the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Community Involvement, and Student Wellness.
The HAVEN in-person training is designed to provide students, faculty, and staff with skills to serve as an ally and source of support peers impacted by sexual violence and related misconduct, including equipping them with the knowledge to connect those individuals to appropriate resources. The Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office has continued to expand the reach of the HAVEN training. The program has been tailored for students traveling abroad, for example.
An online module required for all incoming students prior to arrival on campus that provides an appropriate and accurate understanding of alcohol and its associated risks, including legal, judicial, and health impacts.
Bystander intervention skills trainings offered throughout the year that provide individuals and members of organizations with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to recognize the early warning signs of violence and harassment and information about how to take preventive action in everyday life. The trainings focus on the prevention of sexual assault, stalking, and interpersonal relationship violence through bystander engagement and are supported through bystander intervention messages that are posted annually around campus and on social media.
A bystander intervention skills training, which is taught in partnership with the Chapel Hill Police Department’s Alcohol Law Enforcement Officer and conducted in collaboration with campus and community volunteers, for staff at local bars and restaurants about the prevention of sexual harassment and drug facilitated sexual assault.
The Heels United for a Safe Carolina Awareness Campaign supports the University’s commitment to a safe and welcoming Carolina – a campus that is free from discrimination and harassment, sexual assault, interpersonal violence, and stalking. The campaign raises awareness of these issues, prevention efforts, available resources, and University policies. The campaign, which is led by the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office with the support of key campus partners, includes a social media component as well as resources, events and programs, and the Heels United Project. Three of the campaign’s focus areas are addressed here in more detail.
As part of the campaign, students living in residence halls received quick reference guides about resource and reporting options and the University’s commitment to addressing these forms of prohibited conduct. Students participating in the above trainings also receive these quick reference guides. Key support staff received comprehensive resource guidebooks to share with the students they serve, including the Title IX Compliance Coordinator, Report and Response Coordinators, UNC Police Department, Gender Violence Services Coordinators, Office of the Dean of Students, Residential Community Directors, and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). In 2019, students living in residence halls also received magnets with information about Safe at UNC, the main online portal at UNC-Chapel Hill for resources and information about discrimination, harassment, sexual violence, interpersonal violence, and stalking.
Events across campus provide the opportunity to share important information about these issues. The campaign distributed information to thousands of students and parents at New Student (first-year and transfer) Orientation, as well as students at FallFest, Safetoberfest, graduate student sessions, resident advisor sessions, Sexual Assault Awareness Month events, and Relationship Violence Awareness Month events. Heels United materials were also distributed at EOC events including multiple Empowering Carolina programs, Lunch and Learn sessions, and the annual Tar Heel Tribute celebration for veterans. During Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in April, EOC staff and student volunteers provided biscuits, tea, and teal awareness ribbons promoting safe.unc.edu, and information about campus resources and SAAM events. EOC staff and volunteers from the SAAM Committee also assisted in distributing hundreds more awareness ribbons at events on campus throughout the month of April.
The Heels United Project is an ongoing communication installation about creating a safe campus for all. The project includes installations about a range of topics, including consent, relationship violence, and bystander intervention. On Halloween 2018, EOC staff and student volunteers raised awareness through the “Stick Together!” installation about the importance of sticking together with friends to help everyone stay safe while out and about. Staff passed out bubble gum and shared information about the EOC office as well as bystander intervention training on campus, including One Act. The installation encouraged participants to post on social media who they would be “sticking with” on Halloween. In April 2019, the “Think ACE for Consent” installation took place in the courtyard outside the main campus library. This installation educates the campus community about the University’s definition of consent. EOC staff and student volunteers gave out biscuits, tea, and resources while engaging passers-by and social media followers about consent.
Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office
The Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office also provides information about sexual assault, University policies, and resources in hard-copy and online handbooks for new students and parents that are distributed at Orientation to supplement information provided in-person by staff during Orientation sessions and information fairs. The EOC also provides training to resident advisers, community partners, sports groups, and organizations about these types of prohibited conduct and resource and reporting options.
The Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office also continues to maintain, in close collaboration with other campus partners, the website Safe at UNC, the main portal for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and visitors at UNC-Chapel Hill for resources and information about discrimination, harassment, sexual violence, interpersonal violence, and stalking. It includes information about the University’s response and prevention efforts, as well as community resources. The website was created by several UNC-Chapel Hill departments, offices, and centers that provide response and prevention services. In 2018-19, stakeholders convened to begin the process of redesigning the website to improve the user end experience; that work will continue through fall 2019.
North Carolina General Statute Chapter 14 provides definitions for both stalking (14-277.3A) and cyberstalking (14196.3). More information can be found at:
North Carolina does not have a state statute defining consent to sexual activity. North Carolina criminal law prohibits sexual acts that are by force and against the will of the other person or acts that are against people who are mentally disabled, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless. In determining whether a person gave consent, or was capable of giving consent, the facts of the particular situation will be assessed. Physical resistance is not necessary to prove the lack of consent, nor is actual force. In North Carolina, consent is not submission due to fear, fright, coercion, or the realization that in the particular situation resistance is futile.
Consent is the communication of an affirmative, conscious and freely made decision by each participant to engage in agreed upon forms of Sexual Contact. Consent requires an outward demonstration, through understandable words or actions, that conveys a clear willingness to engage in Sexual Contact.
Consent is not to be inferred from silence, passivity, or a lack of resistance, and relying on non-verbal communication alone may result in a violation of this Policy.
Consent is not to be inferred from an existing or previous dating or sexual relationship, or from consent to sexual activity on any prior occasion.
Consent cannot be obtained by Coercion or Force or by taking advantage of one’s inability to give Consent because of Incapacitation or other circumstances
Procedures for Reporting Sexual Violence and Related Misconduct
As reflected in the University’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct, the University strongly encourages all students and employees, whether they have experienced the conduct, witnessed the conduct, or otherwise have knowledge of sexual violence and related misconduct, to report any incidents to the appropriate law enforcement authorities and the University, as described below. A report of sexual violence or related misconduct can be made to the University, the police, or to both. Details about reporting options are provided below. The University will honor orders of protection, no contact orders, restraining orders, and similar lawful orders issued by a criminal, civil, or tribal court. The University will also provide available interim support measures such as changes to housing or academic schedules regardless of the process chosen.
The individual who has experienced the violence has the right to notify law enforcement and the option to decline to notify law enforcement. In an emergency, a party who wishes to report this conduct to law enforcement should call 911 immediately so the appropriate law enforcement agency can respond to provide protection and to initiate a criminal investigation. When 911 is dialed on campus, UNC Police will respond and inform University staff of the incident when necessary.
For non-emergency situations, parties wishing to report conduct should call local law enforcement and ask to speak with an investigator. Local law enforcement agencies can be reached at the following non-emergency numbers:
On campus – UNC Police at 919-962-8100
In Chapel Hill – Chapel Hill Police Department at 919-968-2760
In Carrboro – Carrboro Police Department at 919-918-7397
In Orange County (outside city limits) – Orange County Sheriff’s Office at 919-245-2900
Those who have experienced sexual violence and related misconduct are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical treatment.
The preservation of evidence is important in these cases. Evidence collected can be used to support a report and may be helpful in obtaining a protection order through the court system. In order to preserve evidence, an individual who has experienced sexual assault is encouraged not to change clothes, bathe, or use the bathroom prior to seeking medical assistance. The individual may have a forensic exam completed either at UNC Hospitals by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner or at Campus Health Services. A forensic exam can be completed up to five days after an assault. If an individual first reports sexual violence to law enforcement, they can transport the individual to receive medical assistance. In many cases, the cost of treatment can be covered by UNC’s Survivor Assistance Fund.
If an individual seeks medical assistance, Campus Health Services or UNC Hospitals personnel will, at the individual’s request, contact law enforcement. It is the decision of the individual who has experienced sexual violence as to whether to speak with a law enforcement officer at the time the forensic exam is completed. Under North Carolina law, an individual can opt to have evidence collected and have the evidence held while they decide when or if they wish to make a report to law enforcement. Individuals are encouraged to consider preserving evidence as soon as possible after an incident regardless of whether the individual has made the decision to contact law enforcement and/or to report the incident to the University.
In addition to pursuing criminal charges through the legal system, an individual who has experienced sexual violence and related misconduct can choose to report the incident to the University, which provides the option of addressing the incident under the University’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct. Reports of sexual violence and related misconduct are submitted to the University’s Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office, which includes the Title IX Compliance Coordinator and Report and Response Coordinators, or the Office of the Dean of Students:
Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office
214 W. Cameron Ave., 919-966-3576
Title IX Compliance Coordinator
214 W. Cameron Ave., 919-445-1577
Report and Response Coordinators
214 W. Cameron Ave., 919-843-3878, 919-843-2993, or 919-445-1578
Office of the Dean of Students
450 Ridge Road, SASB North, Suite 1125, 919-966-4042
These resources will also assist employees and students in notifying UNC police and other local police authorities, as requested.
The University has several options for reporting an incident of sexual violence anonymously:
Individuals can make an anonymous report on the EOC website.
Individuals can submit an anonymous report of any crime, including sexual assault and interpersonal violence, via the UNC police Silent Witness website. These reports are reviewed by UNC police, but will generally not result in an investigation.
A blind report is one where the individual provides personally identifying information on a police report, but asks that the report not be investigated. The individual can change their mind at a later time and ask the report to be investigated. The UNC Police department will take a blind report if requested, as will Chapel Hill and Carrboro Police departments.
Under all procedures for investigations (“administrative review” for procedures involving employees as responding parties) for incidents of sexual violence and related misconduct, the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office will first conduct an investigation and determine whether there has been a violation of the Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct using a preponderance of the evidence (“more likely than not”) standard; depending upon the outcome and preferences of the parties, there may be also be a hearing. The investigators and hearing panelists receive an annual training and ongoing training throughout the year on issues related to sexual violence and related misconduct. They are also provided training on how to conduct investigations and hearings in a fair and equitable manner that both protects the safety of those involved and promotes accountability.
Consistent with the goal to maximize educational opportunities and minimize the disruptive nature of the investigation and resolution, the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office and Title IX Compliance Coordinator seek to resolve all reports involving a student as the responding party within one academic semester, depending on when the report is received. In general, an investigation may last up to 35 business days, from receipt of written notice from the reporting party of the intent to proceed with an investigation and sufficient information for the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office or Title IX Compliance Coordinator to determine that the report raises a potential issue under the University’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct. Adjudication will generally take up to 25 business days from the date of the investigative finding. Business days do not include weekends or holidays. The Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office and Title IX Compliance Coordinator may set reasonable time frames for required actions under the policy. Those time frames may be extended for good cause as necessary to ensure the integrity and completeness of the investigation, comply with a request by external law enforcement, accommodate the availability of witnesses, accommodate delays by the parties, account for University breaks or vacations, or address other legitimate reasons, including the complexity of the investigation (including the number of witnesses and volume of information provided by the parties) and the severity and extent of the alleged conduct. Any extension of the timeframes, and the reason for the extension, will be shared with the parties in writing. Best efforts will be made to complete the process in a timely manner while also ensuring thoroughness and due process.
Under the procedures for reports involving students as the reporting party and a University employee as a responding party, concerns of EHRA Faculty and Non-faculty employees, and concerns of SHRA employees, the University expects that an administrative review will be performed within 45 calendar days of receiving the report unless an extension has been granted. The appropriate dean, director, or department chair will have no more than five calendar days to either accept or reject the recommendations provided in the administrative review report, subject to any appeal rights of the parties involved. The Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office will notify the parties, to the extent permitted by law, of the results of the administrative review and of the efforts to resolve the complaint within ten calendar days after the final report is issued. Time frames for appeals vary based on the individual’s status as an employee or student.
The Office for Civil Rights of the United States Department of Education requires decisions to be made using a preponderance of the evidence (“more likely than not”) standard, the standard the University is required to use for sexual violence reports. A decision is made based solely upon the evidence and testimony presented during the proceeding.
During the investigation and hearing, a reporting and responding student each have the right to a support person of the student’s choosing as well as an additional support person, non-attorney advocate, or attorney. The non-attorney advocate or attorney can participate in all meetings and proceedings to the same extent as the party.
The decision, which will be sent in writing, and simultaneously, to both reporting and responding parties, will include information consistent with Title IX, the Clery Act, VAWA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), other applicable laws, and appeal procedures.
Sanctions and protective measures under the policy depend on the status of the responding party (student or employee) and can include, but are not limited to, expulsion or termination, suspension, probation, educational requirements, ‘no-contact’ orders, housing restrictions, and community service. In addition to any University-imposed sanction, the responding party may also separately face criminal charges.
Where a reporting party makes a report of sexual violence or related misconduct but requests that their name or other identifiable information not be shared with the responding party or that there be no investigation or adjudication, the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office per the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights will balance this request against the following factors in reaching a determination about whether the request can be honored:
The nature and scope of the alleged conduct, including whether the reported misconduct involves the use of a weapon;
The respective ages and roles of the reporting and responding parties;
The risk posed to any individual or to the campus community by not proceeding, including the risk of additional violence;
Whether there have been other reports of misconduct by the responding party;
Whether the report reveals a pattern of misconduct (e.g., via illicit use of drugs or alcohol) at a given location or by a particular group;
The reporting party’s wish to pursue disciplinary action;
Whether the University possesses other means to obtain relevant evidence;
Considerations of fundamental fairness and due process with respect to the responding party should the course of action include disciplinary action; and
The University’s obligation to provide a safe and non-discriminatory environment.
Where possible based on the facts and circumstances, the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office will seek action consistent with the reporting party’s expressed preference for manner of resolution, recognizing that the University must move forward with cases in which there appears to be a threat to any individual or the University as a whole. The University’s ability to fully investigate and respond to a report may be limited if the reporting party requests that their name not be disclosed to the responding party or declines to participate in an investigation.
Services and Support for Individuals Affected by Sexual Violence or Related Misconduct
Individuals disclosing sexual violence or related misconduct to the University are notified in writing of counseling, health, mental health, and victim advocacy services. Individuals may seek confidential emotional and psychological support as well as medical care from on-campus University resources for incidents of sexual violence and related misconduct by contacting:
Campus Health Services (students): 919-966-2281
CAPS (students) 919-966-3658
ComPsych Employee Assistance Program Service (employees): 877-314-5841
Gender Violence Services Coordinators (students and employees) 919-962-1343 or 919-962-7430
Confidential by University policy because it does not constitute a report to the University
University Ombuds Office (students and employees) 919-843-8204
Confidential by University policy because it does not constitute a report to the University
Confidential off-campus resources include:
Compass Center for Women and Families: 919-929-7122
Emergency Department at UNC Hospitals: 919-966-4721
Orange County Rape Crisis Center: 919-967-7273
Identifying information shared with a confidential resource will not be disclosed to anyone else, including the University, without the reporting party’s express permission, unless there is a continuing threat of serious harm or there is a legal obligation to reveal such information (e.g., suspected abuse of a minor). At the student’s request, the University offices listed above will help the student contact a law enforcement agency.
As reflected in the Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct, the University provides a collaborative course of action when an individual reports or discloses sexual violence or related misconduct. The following staff members work together to identify and provide support and interim protective measures in a confidential manner to the extent that maintaining such confidentiality would not impair the ability of the institution to provide the accommodations or protective measures:
Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office
Title IX Compliance Coordinator
Report and Response Coordinators
Gender Violence Services Coordinators
Campus Health Services
CAPS
UNC Police Department
Office of the Dean of Students
Department of Housing and Residential Education
Office of Human Resources
Academic deans and advisors
These measures, which include no contact orders, counseling, workplace accommodations, and academic (e.g., extension of time to complete class work, withdrawal from a course, section or schedule change) and housing accommodations, are available regardless of whether the affected individual pursues adjudication under the University Policy or through criminal proceedings.
The Department of Housing and Residential Education also provides several safe spaces in campus housing for temporary use. These spaces are located in the residence halls and provide the option for a support person to accompany the affected individual until other arrangements are confirmed. Arrangements for safe spaces are made by contacting UNC Police at 919-962-8100, which will connect the affected individual to the live-in professional staff on-call.