Student Gender-Based/Sexual Misconduct Policy
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Obtaining Information, Support and Assistance, Filing a Complaint
If, as a UNCW student, you experience any form of gender-based or sexual misconduct, there are a number of ways that
you can report the incident, as well as a wide array of services available to obtain the information, support, and
assistance you need to ensure your physical and emotional health and safety.
DEFINITION: UNCW uses the term Gender Based/Sexual Misconduct as an umbrella term to include:
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Sexual Misconduct (attempted and completed), including sexual assault
Dating and Domestic Violence
Stalking
Sexual Harassment
Other Civil Rights Offenses when the act is based on Gender/Sex
DEFINITION OF CONSENT: The university defines consent as:
 Mutually voluntary permission to engage in sexual activity demonstrated by clear actions and/or words. This
decision must be made freely, consciously, knowingly and actively by all participants, as shown by the totality of
the circumstances.
The categories of misconduct are fully defined in the Student Gender Based-Sexual Misconduct Policy found in the
UNCW Code of Student Conduct.
What Can I Do Immediately Following an Incident?
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Seek Confidential Crisis Counseling. There are a number of resources you may turn to for confidential advice,
support, and information in the immediate aftermath of an incident.
ON CAMPUS RESOURCES:
UNCW CARE Crisis Line: 910-512-4821
Counseling Center: 910-962-3746
Abrons Student Health Center: 910-962-3840
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Seek Medical Services. A student experiencing sexual misconduct or physical abuse is strongly encouraged to
seek medical attention. Evidence collection is not essential for pursuing a campus conduct process, but there
are still good reasons to seek medical treatment such as to address the possibility of pregnancy, detect and
prevent sexual transmitted infections, and to treat any physical injuries. One may have sustained injuries that
they may not realize occurred during the assault.
ON CAMPUS MEDICAL SERVICES AND FOLLOW UP CARE:
Abrons Student Health Center: 910-962-3840
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OFF CAMPUS COMMUNITY RESOURCES:
Rape Crisis Center: 910-392-7460
Domestic Violence Shelter and Services: 910-343-0703
OFF CAMPUS EMERGENCY SERVICES AND EVIDENCE COLLECTION:
New Hanover Regional Medical Center: 910-343-7799
Cape Fear Memorial Hospital: 910-452-8100
Report the Incident to Police. Report an incident to the police by calling UNCW Police at 910-962-2222 or 911.
UNCW Police or CARE can assist students to identify and report an incident to the appropriate law enforcement
agency. Your decision to report to the police will not affect your ability to file a formal complaint with the
university or receive services or accommodations by university resources.
How do I keep myself safe?
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Seek Protective Services. Students have options both on and off campus to protect them from continued
unwanted contact from an offender.
ON CAMPUS UNCW ACCOMODATIONS AND INTERIM
REMEDIES:
The Deputy Title IX Coordinator or the Office of the Dean
of Students can assist you with a variety of measures to
make the campus environment safer, including campus
no-contact orders. You can receive these
accommodations whether or not you file a formal
complaint.
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OFF CAMPUS PROTECTIVE ORDERS:
North Carolina offers civil and criminal protective orders to
citizens. Violations of these orders can result in criminal charges or
further court proceedings. UNCW can provide information and
support you in obtaining a protective order through this process,
as well as working with you to make any necessary
accommodations.
Ask for accommodations to address safety concerns. Academic Accommodations and interim measures will be
made on a case by case basis and may include, but are not limited to:
o reassignment of housing assignment
o changing work schedules
o altering academic schedules
o accessing academic support (tutoring)
o obtaining an administrative order of no contact which states that students may by no means
communicate with, directly or indirectly, another student listed by the university
How do I report an incident?
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You may pursue either, both, or none of these options. You are not required to file a report within a specific
period of time. However, reporting an incident sooner enhances the university’s ability to conduct a thorough
investigation.
ON CAMPUS UNIVERSITY COMPLAINT:
OFF CAMPUS CRIMINAL COMPLAINT:
If the alleged perpetrator is a UNCW student, you
may file a complaint with the university by
contacting the Deputy Title IX Coordinator. The
complaint is governed by the Student GenderBased/Sexual Misconduct Policy. The standard of
proof is “a preponderance of evidence” and
potential sanctions may include suspension or
expulsion.
You are not required to file a criminal complaint. If you
choose to file a criminal complaint, UNCW can assist you in
filing that complaint and support you throughout the
process. A criminal complaint is governed by applicable
criminal statutes; the standard of proof is “beyond a
reasonable doubt;” and potential sanctions include all
applicable criminal sanctions, up to and including
incarceration.
How will the University respond?
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Acts of gender-based discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct, including dating violence, domestic
violence, and stalking, will not be tolerated at UNCW. UNCW is required by law to investigate all allegations
and take any remedial action deemed necessary to preserve your safety and that of the community, whether or
not you wish to make a formal complaint. However, in responding to reports, the wishes of the reporting
student are given full consideration.
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Three departments can offer confidentiality to students wishing to access services without notifying the
university: UNCW CARE, Counseling Center, and Abrons Student Health Center.