Thursday, March 14, 2024, 8:30 p.m. / Chancellor's Message

BraveNation:

 

In a news release earlier today, the Town of Pembroke’s Police Department announced the arrest of 20-year-old Kalon Dial in connection with the March 2 shooting at The Commons Apartments which resulted in two deaths, including UNCP student Cameron Taylor. Dial, who is not a UNCP student, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder as well as charges related to others injured in the shooting.

 

We are grateful for the ongoing work of law enforcement in this investigation. Let’s continue to remember and support the families and close friends personally affected by this tragedy through this challenging time. 

 

Please keep in mind support services are available to help you. Whether you need someone to talk to, resources for coping, or assistance in any way, please reach out. Students needing assistance can visit Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) on the second floor of the Brave Health Center or call 910.521.6202 to schedule an appointment. A 24-hour crisis line is available at 910.775.4749. For employees, resources are available through our Employee Assistance Program. 

 

You’ve all noticed our signage across campus. I urge you to report any suspicious, unusual, or concerning activity you observe via the online anonymous form, through the LiveSafe app, or by calling UNCP Campus Police at 910.521.6235. For more information about this safety initiative, please visit uncp.edu/SeeSayDo. You can also find a link to the page and form using the Safe@UNCP button at the top of the UNCP.edu homepage.

 

Today, many of us joined together on the front steps of Old Main to celebrate Founders’ Day — to remember our story and our history, but also to look to the future and the promise our university represents. Though the recent months have shaken us, they have also shown us the strength and resilience of our campus community. In the face of adversity, we have come together and supported one another. Our commitment to the safety of our students, staff and faculty has never been stronger, and we will continue to work tirelessly to provide a safe campus environment as we change lives through the power, potential and promise of education.

 

Sincerely, 

 

Robin Gary Cummings, MD
Chancellor

 

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Thursday, March 7, 2024, 6:30 p.m. / Chancellor's Message

BraveNation:

Let me say first, as many of you return to campus on Monday, please do so with the absolute assurance and knowledge we are here to support you in any way we can. 

 

It’s important we take the time to observe the loss within our community. To bring us all together, SGA is hosting a candlelight vigil for Cameron Taylor. The event will be held in the Upchurch Auditorium in James A. Thomas Hall Tuesday, March 12, at 6 p.m. We continue to grieve with all the families and friends impacted in the recent weeks.

 

I understand this may be a difficult time for many of you, and I recognize that among our large campus community we all process differently. While some seek solace in a return to routine, others may need more time to heal. As such, as we resume our schedule, additional support services will be available to all students, faculty and staff Monday, March 11. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the resources in place to help you where needed. 

 

Students: Student Affairs staff will be available on the first floor of the Chavis Student Center from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 11 and Tuesday, March 12, to assist with resources and referrals. Additionally, Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) will offer virtual drop in hours from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday at https://zoom.us/j/91710011208 and Tuesday from 10 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at https://zoom.us/j/91480685953. You can visit CAPS in person on the second floor of the Brave Health Center both days from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. or call 910.521.6202 to schedule an appointment. The crisis line is available 24-hours by calling 910.775.4749. 

 

Faculty and staff: Thank you for continuing to work hard to meet students where they are while also working through your own emotions. Through our Employee Assistance Program, on-site provider sessions will be available in person on March 12 at 1 p.m. and March 13 at 9 a.m. in the Upchurch Auditorium of James A. Thomas Hall or via Webex. Through these sessions, a licensed counselor will lead a 20-minute presentation on coping strategies in the aftermath of a crisis. In addition, a licensed counselor will be available in Thomas Hall, Room 239, on Tuesday, March 12, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and Wednesday, March 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for individual sessions. Please look for an email from Human Resources containing the registration and Webex links.

 

Upon your arrival Monday, you can expect to see a few changes including increased law enforcement presence on and around campus. I’m also pleased to share that, in working with the Town of Pembroke, UNCP Police now have jurisdiction to respond to and patrol off-campus housing locations, to act when the situation requires immediate attention, and will be available when otherwise needed. 

 

In addition, the university and all off-campus housing leadership have agreed to a zero-tolerance policy for unauthorized gatherings that will be enforced for all residents, students and non-students alike. 

 

As a state entity, UNCP already bans any unauthorized weapon on campus and possession is treated as a felony charge. The leaders of our four off-campus complexes have now also fully implemented a ban on all weapons on their properties punishable by eviction, legal charges and where appropriate, referral for action under the UNCP Student Conduct process. 

 

Finally, you will see “if you see something, say something” signage across campus reminding us of the important role we all have in maintaining a safe campus. For more information about this safety initiative, please visit uncp.edu/SeeSayDo. To ensure everyone feels comfortable in submitting information, we’ve implemented an anonymous form which you can reach directly using the following link: uncp.edu/saysomething.  For easy access, you can also find a link to the page and form using the Safe@UNCP button at the top of the UNCP.edu homepage. 

 

If you observe suspicious, unusual, or concerning activity, including an unauthorized gathering, please report it by submitting the anonymous form online, through the LiveSafe app, or by calling UNCP Campus Police at 910.521.6235. Remember, we all must remain vigilant and work together to make BraveNation the best it can be. 

 

Students, staff and faculty, please know we are committed to safely delivering the highly personal campus and learning experience for which UNCP is known. Over the past 137 years our university has faced many challenges and now, as always, we will meet and exceed expectations. Pride in UNCP is one of our strengths and that pride, along with our resilience, will prepare our university for the generations to come. 

 

Sincerely, 

 

Robin Gary Cummings, MD
Chancellor 

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Monday, March 4, 2024, 5:13 p.m. / Chancellor's Message

BraveNation:

 

I want to begin by sending my deepest condolences and thoughts of concern to the families and friends of the two young individuals who lost their lives, as well as to those who were injured in the shooting incident at the Commons apartment complex over the weekend. The university has reached out to the families, and we will continue to support them moving forward.

 

Among the two individuals who sustained fatal injuries was sophomore Cameron Taylor. He was majoring in nursing and a member of the Eta Upsilon chapter of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. The other individual was not a student, and his name has not been publicly released by the Pembroke Police Department as this is an ongoing investigation. However, I know many of our students likely knew him, and I want to assure you that his loss is recognized. The loss of any life, especially so young and to senseless gun violence such as this is something that impacts us all.

 

The university is committed to supporting our campus community during this challenging time. Please know if you need support, resources are available to you, and I strongly encourage you to reach out. Students, crisis services are available through a 24-hour crisis line at 910.775.4749. Additionally, Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the second floor of the Brave Health Center. Faculty and staff, you may contact the Employee Assistance Program or the Headspace Care App for assistance.

 

Like me, I know everyone is troubled by the incidents that have occurred over the last month related to gun violence at on- and off-campus housing. I understand the concern of our students, faculty, staff and the parents and loved ones of our students who want to ensure our campus is a safe learning and living environment. In addition to providing an exceptional educational experience, I assure you the safety and well-being of our campus community is paramount to me, my cabinet and the Board of Trustees.

 

Earlier this year, we took steps to enhance campus safety, including an increase in law enforcement and security officers on campus, promotion of the LiveSafe App to receive and submit emergency notifications, and scheduled quarterly meetings with on- and off-campus housing management.

 

At this time, we are implementing further actions. I, along with key members of our university leadership, met over the weekend with representatives from the Pembroke Police Department, Pembroke Town Council, Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, Robeson District Attorney’s Office and Robeson County Manager’s Office, and with off-campus housing property owners and their management teams to discuss areas identified as needing immediate increases in safety and security measures and to coordinate off-campus action plans.

 

As a result of these meetings, the following actions are being implemented:

 

• In general, students will notice an increase in law enforcement presence on and around campus.

 

• Increased routine patrolling in and around the four off-campus housing complexes by the Pembroke Police Department and the Robeson County Sheriff’s Department.

 

• UNCP Police is seeking extended jurisdiction to allow for their increased support and presence at off-campus housing locations.

 

• UNCP Police and Pembroke PD will partner with other law enforcement agencies to increase the use of random traffic checkpoints, particularly in areas that neighbor our campus. 

 

• UNCP Police will implement monthly meetings with the Pembroke Police and Robeson County Sheriff’s departments to discuss ongoing issues within the town or county that may impact the university. 

 

• University leadership will increase meeting frequency with off-campus housing owners to ensure implementation of changes, including the ban of parties and weapons on property and the notification of UNCP by housing agencies of any large gatherings in violation of these lease agreements, unruly behavior and any criminal acts involving our students. UNCP Police and the Division of Student Affairs will assist off-campus housing in taking disciplinary actions against students who violate laws or the University Code of Conduct.

 

• In a direct response to the concern over shots that were heard from an individual participating in target practice on personal property Saturday, the Town of Pembroke and Robeson County have pledged to explore the development of ordinances to allow for more law enforcement action on items like noise violations and the discharge of weapons near occupied buildings and spaces, such as educational institutions. 

 

The above actions will significantly enhance safety on and around our campus. However, as I’ve said before, campus safety is a shared responsibility. You will begin to see signage around campus and housing areas encouraging the reporting of any activity that appears suspicious, unusual, or concerning to Campus Police and Public Safety immediately or through the LiveSafe app. I hope you will join me in reinforcing the “if you see something, say something” message among our campus community.

 

You have my commitment that we will do everything we can to support a safe and welcoming campus environment for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. We will continue to review and assess the measures we have in place and those we are putting in place to ensure they have a positive impact, and we will adjust when necessary.

 

Sincerely,

 

Robin Gary Cummings, MD
Chancellor

 

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Saturday, March 2, 2024, 3:05 p.m. / Chancellor's Message

 

 

BraveNation,

 

I want to update you regarding the Brave Alert received earlier today concerning the shooting incident that took place at the Commons apartment complex near campus early this morning. It is with deep sadness I share with you that we have been notified one of our students was tragically and fatally shot and two other students were wounded during the incident. I am devastated such violence has touched our campus and send my sympathy and condolences to the family of the victim and of those who were injured.

 

At this time, officials with the Pembroke Police Department and the State Bureau of Investigation who are leading the investigation have not released the names of those involved nor details about how and why this tragedy took place. There have been no arrests made; however, the Pembroke Police Department does not believe there is an immediate or active threat to the campus or surrounding community. UNCP Campus Police will continue to actively support law enforcement’s efforts in any way possible. 

 

If you have any information about this incident, please contact:

• Pembroke Police at 910-521-4333 or 911
• Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-671-3170 or 911
• UNCP Police at 910.521.6235 or 911 or by using the LiveSafe App

 

The university is committed to supporting students and employees during this difficult time. Please know if you need support, resources are available to you, and I strongly encourage you to reach out. Students, crisis services are available through a 24-hour crisis line at 910.775.4749. Additionally, Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) will offer drop-in services for students and employees from 3 to  5 p.m. tomorrow in room 208 of the Chavis Center. They are also open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the second floor of the Brave Health Center. Faculty and staff, you may also contact the Employee Assistance Program or the Headspace Care App for additional assistance.

 

As Braves, we must continue to check in on each other. If you are concerned about a student or employee and unsure how to help, I encourage you to submit a student CARE Report or an employee concern report so the individual can be reached. 

 

A tragedy like this impacts us all. Gun violence has unfortunately become far too common in our country, and lately, these incidents are far too close to BraveNation. Violence is never the answer and has no place here. Our commitment to the security of our students, staff and faculty remains steadfast and we will continue to engage in dialogue with officials in our surrounding area to safeguard our campus community.

 

You have my commitment to keep you informed as more information becomes available. You can stay up to date by monitoring uncp.edu/alert. Students, I ask that you keep your families informed and let them know they can check our website for the latest updates.

 

Sincerely,

Robin Gary Cummings, MD
Chancellor

 

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Saturday, March 2, 2024, 9:32 a.m. 

Reported Crime: Aggravated Assault (Persons shot)

Date / Time Reported: March 2, 2024, at 12:30 a.m.

Location: The Commons at Pembroke Apartment Complex (off campus)

UNCP Campus Police received a report of a shooting incident at The Commons at Pembroke Apartment Complex located off campus. The Town of Pembroke Police Department is leading the investigation with support from the SBI. UNCP Campus Police have assisted with securing the scene.

This is an ongoing investigation by the Pembroke Police Department. No suspect information has been released and no arrests have been made. We will continue to update you as more information becomes available.

If you have any information regarding the crime indicated above, please contact:

• Pembroke Police at 910.521.4333 or 911
• UNCP Police at 910.521.6235 or 911 or by using the UNCP LIVESAFE APP
• Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at 910.671.3170 or 911
  
  

This Timely Warning is being issued in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. To learn more, visit www.clerycenter.org.