Message from the Chancellor

Chancellor Robin Cummings

Dear Campus Community,

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s first priority is to provide a safe, healthy learning and working environment for our students, staff, faculty, and visitors, which includes an environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, to include sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Pursuant to this commitment and the requirements of both Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), the university prohibits discrimination and harassment, to include sexual violence, on the basis of sex/gender in any of UNC Pembroke’s programs or activities.

The purpose of this message is to clarify the university’s new Student Sexual Misconduct policy and regulation necessary to assure UNC Pembroke’s appropriate response to Title IX and Clery issues of sex/gender-based discrimination and harassment, to include, sexual violence. 

  1. UNC Pembroke has a full-time Title IX Coordinator (Ronette Sutton Gerber, Director of Title IX and Clery Compliance) to oversee all Title IX and Clery campus compliance issues.  The Title IX Coordinator resides in the Office of the Chancellor and exercises the authority necessary to carry out duties essential for ensuring campus-wide Title IX and Clery compliance.

  2. The Office of Title IX and Clery Compliance consist of The Title IX Coordinator and four Deputy Title IX Coordinators each located respectively within Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Athletics, and Human Resources.

  3. The Title IX Coordinator has primary jurisdiction for supervising and coordinating efforts to comply with and carry out UNC Pembroke’s responsibilities under Title IX and Clery, including:

    1. Responding to all complaints involving sex/gender-based discrimination/harassment even if a complaint or report is initially received by another department or office or includes other potential violations of university policies or codes of conduct. Where alleged Title IX/Clery conduct is intermingled with other non-Title IX/Clery conduct, the investigation of alleged Title IX/Clery conduct takes precedence.

    2. Maintaining oversight of all aspects of a Title IX/Clery investigation, including but not limited to, the utilization of interim measures/accommodations and on and off campus resources, and the written Investigation Report.

    3. Drafting and revising of campus-wide policies and procedures relating to Title IX and Clery Act, including sexual misconduct complaint procedures.

    4. Reviewing Title IX/Clery complaint resolution and appeal processes to ensure on-going compliance with Title IX and Clery Act requirements.

    5. Overseeing campus-wide training related to Title IX and Clery compliance.

  4. The Title IX Coordinator will have access to any information necessary in a Title IX investigation and to identify and take steps to address behavior patterns or campus climate concerns.
  5. The Title IX Coordinator will oversee proper compilation and maintenance of Title IX complaint records, compliance records, and other Title IX files.

In exercising the authority granted herein, the Title IX Coordinator and other employees who may have responsibilities that relate to Title IX and Clery compliance are expected to work collaboratively in achieving a coordinated response. With respect to general policy matters and the design of programs and general procedures, the Title IX Coordinator will consult with other appropriate departments. Such policies or programs and procedures applicable to the general campus, where appropriate, should be reviewed by the Chancellor’s Cabinet and approved by the Chancellor.

The university offers a significant amount of assistance to individuals who are victims of sex/gender-based discrimination or harassment, to include sexual violence; however, we know that many victims are reluctant to come forward.  We have continued and strengthened many of our existing programs and resources aimed at prevention and assistance to members of our campus community.  We are committed to providing a process that is fair, transparent, and consistent with Title IX and Clery guidelines.

As the university continues to strive toward a harassment-free environment devoid of sexual violence, the Title IX Coordinator will diligently work to maintain a current Title IX and Clery webpage on the UNC Pembroke website and encourage the campus community of faculty, staff, and students to voice their thoughts, concerns, and ideas to help us always improve our efforts.  Please take the time to review the university’s Title IX and Clery webpage.

I realize there are many committed people on campus who are working diligently on campus safety issues, and they deserve our full support and effective collaboration.  I believe we share a common goal for a campus where sexual assault is not present, tolerated or ignored, and I am convinced we can achieve that goal by coming together to build a culture of prevention, reporting, and accountability.

We will continue to focus our resources and efforts toward ensuring a safe and respectful campus community for all.  The following offices are available to help address issues of prohibited sex/gender-based discrimination or harassment, to include sexual violence, on our campus.

 

Office of Title IX and Clery Compliance

910-521-6281

titleixcoordinator@uncp.edu

Campus Law Enforcement

910.521.6235 or 911

Counseling and Psychological Services

910.521.6202

Student Health Services

910.521.6219

Office of Student Conduct

910.521.6226

Department of Human Resources

910.521.6279

 

As Chancellor, I encourage any member of the campus community who needs support services, has questions regarding sex/gender-based discrimination or harassment, to include sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, or wants to file a complaint regarding any of these offenses to contact any of the above resources.  Please join me in being part of a university community committed to respecting one another and equipping each with the tools needed to be successful.

Sincerely,

Robin Gary Cummings

Chancellor