An Important Message from Chancellor Gaber and Vice Chancellor Bailey
Dear Niner Nation,
You may be aware of recent news about two allegations of sexual and interpersonal misconduct in the UNC Charlotte community. While federal privacy laws limit the details we can share, we want our students, faculty and staff to understand how the University is responding and where to find support should it be needed.
The University strives to make this community as safe as possible, including by promptly responding to reports. In these cases, University police began investigating as soon as they were made aware of the allegations, and the evidence gathered led to the issuance of arrest warrants.
Our first concern is and always will be for those affected. We want anyone who has experienced sexual or interpersonal misconduct to know that support is available, whether the incident happened recently or in the past.
Your Resources
The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX is a place to begin. A case manager can talk with you about your concerns, explain your options, help arrange academic and personal accommodations, and connect you with resources on and off campus. You can receive support without pursuing a formal complaint or criminal investigation. You do not need to have those decisions made before reaching out, and you do not have to share the full details of your experience to receive support.
A case manager will help you understand your choices and explain any circumstances that may require additional University action. The team’s goal is to ensure you have the information and support you need to make decisions about your next steps.
Additionally, the Christine F. Price Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a fully confidential support resource, after-hours counselor support for students by calling 704-687-0311.
Our Responsibility
We also want to be clear about the University’s responsibility. We take allegations of sexual or interpersonal misconduct seriously and will not hesitate to investigate and take appropriate action under University policies and the law. Depending on the circumstances, that may involve criminal proceedings, disciplinary action under University policies, or both. We will follow those processes fairly and hold those found responsible accountable.
Care for Each Other
We need everyone’s help to address sexual and interpersonal misconduct. Please speak up when you see concerning behavior, intervene if it is safe to do or get help when someone is at risk, and respond with care when someone shares an experience with you. We encourage all of our students to be careful and show concern for one another. Check in with friends at parties, plan a safe way home and stay with someone who is impaired or needs help.
However, while our community can and should help take care of one another, none of this changes where responsibility lies. Sexual and interpersonal misconduct is the responsibility of the person who commits it.
Reporting Channels and Resources
If you need support, have witnessed misconduct or are concerned about someone, contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX at 704-687-6130 or civilrights-titleix@charlotte.edu. You can also submit a report at any time through the incident report form or using Real Response via anonymous text at 855-612-5849. The Interpersonal Violence Resource Guide includes additional resources and confidential support options. In an emergency, call 911.
Faculty and staff also have an important role in helping students access support. Please respond with compassion, follow your reporting responsibilities and help connect students with Civil Rights and Title IX.
Sexual and interpersonal misconduct has no place at UNC Charlotte. We will confront it, support those who experience it and hold those found responsible accountable. We ask every member of Niner Nation to help us uphold that standard.
Sincerely,
Sharon L. Gaber
Chancellor
Kevin W. Bailey
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs