September 05, 2012

Updated Sexual Misconduct Policy at University of North Carolina Reaffirms Ombuds' Confidentiality

Timed to coincide with the start of classes, UNC announced an updated "Policy on Prohibited Harassment, Including Sexual Misconduct, and/or Discrimination" that aims to ensure compliance with guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Education. The new policies reaffirm the university's commitment to the campus Ombuds Office as a confidential resource for students and employees.


As a result of the revisions, the UNC policy now:
• Includes complaints of sexual misconduct as a form of sexual harassment as required by the U.S. Department of Education;
• Includes a mechanism for responding to student complaints of harassment, sexual misconduct and/or discrimination involving other students;
• Provides information about options available for informal and formal resolution of student complaints of harassment, including sexual misconduct, and discrimination involving other students;
• Provides for the investigation of student complaints of harassment, including sexual misconduct, and discrimination involving other students by the Equal Opportunity/ADA Office;
• Identifies a Student Complaint Coordinator/Deputy Title IX Officer for Students as the contact person for students with harassment and discrimination complaints involving other students;
• Provides examples of interim protective measures available to student complainants; and
• Includes a list of resources for students affected by harassment, including sexual misconduct, and discrimination. 
In addition, an email from UNC Chancellor Holden Thorp reaffirms the commitment to a confidential Ombuds program:
Confidential consulting is available for students through Campus Health Services, Counseling and Wellness Services (966-3658), and for students and employees through the Ombuds Office (843-8204). The University can guarantee complete confidentiality only when a student shares a concern with Counseling and Wellness Services and when a student or an employee shares a concern with the Ombuds Office that does not involve an imminent risk of serious harm. 
The UNC Ombuds are Wayne Blair and Laurie Mesibov. (UNC News.)

1 comment:

  1. Original headline said: "Updated Sexual Misconduct at University of North Carolina Reaffirms Ombuds' Confidentiality." Heh.

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