To ensure an inclusive and respectful community, UNC Asheville has implemented policies and procedures to address and respond to any conduct that violates our community principles. The following policies promote gender equity and address sex discrimination. While the emphasis is on prohibiting sex discrimination, the University attends to the intersectional dimensions of all forms of discrimination.

These policies guide our collective efforts to ensure equity and access to all educational and employment programs UNC Asheville provides.

Statement on Sexual Assault

UNC Asheville recognizes the importance of assisting members of our community who are impacted by sexual assault in regaining a sense of their personal dignity and control of their lives, and by providing guidance relative to future decisions. Sexual offenses, and concern about potential offenses, obstruct the working and learning conditions which are valued and desired aspects of a university environment. The psychological damage created by a sexual assault continues long after the physical trauma has ended. No form of sexual offense will be tolerated or condoned at UNC Asheville.

It should be noted that excessive use of alcohol and other drugs often precedes many incidents involving a sexual assault. Use of these substances may interfere with one’s capacity to either consent to or refuse sexual activity. Use of these substances may also interfere with an individual’s judgment regarding sexual aggression. The use of alcohol or other drugs, however, does not diminish personal responsibility for behavior that is socially unacceptable or aggressive. It is for this purpose that several UNC Asheville departments have collaboratively developed policies and procedures for responding to the needs of students who are victims of a sexual assault.

The following departments are responsible for responding to individuals who have been affected by sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct, and for providing the necessary assistance:

  • Title IX Coordinator
  • Dean of Students Office
  • Office of Residential Education and Housing Operations
  • Citizenship Education Office
  • UNCA Police
  • University Health & Counseling Center (Confidential Resource)

In addition to offering a range of services for individuals who have been affected by sexual misconduct, staff members of each department are on hand to inform students about other community assistance programs which complement University services.

What rights do I have?

Any person who is a reporting or responding party in a case of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault,  shall be afforded all rights as outlined in the Student Code of Community Standards and Citizenship Education Process, plus the following rights:

  • The right to be assisted by an advisor, advocate or support person of their choice, at their own expense (if a fee is charged), throughout the entire Citizenship Education process, including investigation, informal procedures, formal procedures, hearings and appeals. Students will be offered  a non-attorney advisor for the purpose of the hearing should a student desire not to choose one on their own.
  • The right to have their name or other personally identifiable information withheld (by the University), from release to the public, the press or others who are not directly involved in the case.
  • The right to be notified of the outcome of any Citizenship Education action in a case of sexual misconduct subsequent to the notification of the parties.
  • The right to request to have his or her living arrangements (if in university housing) modified pending the outcome of a Citizenship Education process if the parties live in close proximity. (Pending space availability).
  • The right to request extra time to make up academic work he or she has missed because of time lost due to the incident, investigation and the hearing. This is done at the discretion of the professor upon the request of the Title IX Coordinator.
  • The right, when reasonable and possible, to have his or her classes reassigned so as not to share classes with the opposing party.
  • The right not to have his or her sexual history discussed during the hearing, unless such history is directly relevant to the specific circumstances of the case.
  • The right to be present for the entire hearing (with the exception of deliberations).
  • The right to make an impact statement to be presented to the hearing officers subsequent to a determination of responsibility for a violation of the Student Code of Community Standards and prior to the determination of a sanction or sanctions.
  • The right to give testimony virtually, or from separate or divided rooms (or other accommodation which separates the parties and is approved by the Title IX Coordinator)
UNC Asheville Student Handbook UNC Asheville Student Code of Community Standards
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