REPORTING

Reporting can be done in person on either campus of NCSSM, by phone, by email, or through a public incident report, which can be completed anonymously. An initial report triggers a conversation with a member of the Title IX office and the offer of supportive measures. The complainant retains the ability to decide if or when they might make a formal report. A formal report triggers the start of an investigation into the incident. Informal Resolution is available and is conducted by a member of the NCSSM Title IX team or designee. 

If you are experiencing sexual assault or harassment: 

On Durham campus:  Please call for immediate assistance from Bryan Desk (919) 416-2825, NCSSM Campus Security (919) 416-2711, or go to any open Community Coordinator Office. If you do not need immediate assistance, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at (919) 416-2802, ashe@ncssm.edu, or by going to Bryan 142 on campus. If you want to report to a trusted adult, please do so. They will then report to the Title IX Office and a follow-up will occur. 

On Morganton Campus: Please call for immediate assistance from NCSSM Campus Safety 828-347-9105, or call the Community Coordinator on call at 828-347-9174. If you do not need immediate assistance, please contact the deputy Title IX Coordinator at (828) 347-9126, jenny.merrill@ncssm.edu, or by going to Goodwin Hall 3102. If you want to report to a trusted adult, please do so. They will then report to the Title IX Office and a follow-up will occur. 

When completing either of these forms, please be as thorough, specific, and objective as possible about the situation you are reporting so that we can best determine an appropriate response. While anonymous reports are allowed, we encourage you to provide contact information. It often makes our follow-up efforts more effective when we can contact the reporter for more details as necessary.

For urgent concerns on Durham campus, call the Bryan Desk at (919) 416-2825 or NCSSM Campus Security at (919) 416-2711.

For urgent concerns on Morganton campus, call the Residence Hall Desk at (828)- 347-9100 or NCSSM Campus Security at (828)- 347-9105.

The NCSSM Amnesty Policy exists to remove barriers for students reporting sexual misconduct if they are also engaged in other violations of the Code of Student Conduct, such as alcohol or drug use. The Amnesty Policy also encourages students to reach out for medical help if they or a peer are experiencing an adverse health circumstance as a result of using alcohol or drugs.

The Amnesty Policy can be found in the Code of Student Conduct under Special Cases, Letter F. This policy is also addressed in Student Handbooks for the 2024-2025 Academic Year. These documents are linked above.

All employees have a responsibility to report sexual harassment or assault. All employees are required to report to the Title IX Coordinator if a student discloses sexual harassment. Title IX federal guidelines specifically remove confidentiality for counselors and clinic staff in reporting. If the employee fails to report, the school could be “deliberately indifferent” in our failure to respond. Employees need to report to the Title IX Coordinator. Students are welcome and encouraged to report to the Title IX Coordinator, but do not have the same legal responsibilities as employees.

Additionally, North Carolina Senate Bill 199 requires any person 18 years or older to report suspected instances of sexual violence against children. NCSSM's Counseling Services Department is able to funnel reports and assist anyone reporting suspected instances of sexual violence against children to make sure they are communicating with the appropriate agency.

Supportive measures will be offered by the Title IX Office to the complainant and respondent. Supportive measures can include but are not limited to the following examples:

Nothing that is offered as a supportive measure can be punitive. These measures are offered without a formal complaint and do not assume the responsibility of the respondent for the allegation. 

A report can be filed by the complainant, their legal guardian, or the Title IX Coordinator. Once a report is filed supportive measures can be given and the an investigation process can be started. 

Some Title IX complaints may be resolved through an informal resolution process. This mediation process is conducted by the Title IX Coordinator or designee. Both parties (complainant and respondent) must consent to using the informal process and may opt out of that process and into a formal complaint process at any point prior to the conclusion of the informal resolution process. 

A student may have an advisor of their choice present at interviews and hearings. Their advisor may be an attorney but is not required to be. If a student does not have an advisor, NCSSM will provide a trained (non-attorney) advisor. Complainants and respondents may have their advisor and legal guardians present at hearings.