The Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity’s Equal Opportunity and Equity unit presents its first installment of its “How-To” series of articles aimed toward informing the campus community about critical programs and services.

NC State University is a research-extensive university, “dedicated to excellent teaching, the creation and application of knowledge, and engagement with public and private partners” (from University Mission). Members of the Wolfpack find this institution a great place to work, live and grow during their time either as an employee or student. Although the university is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible and diverse intellectual and cultural campus experience, sometimes incidents impact these efforts.

When incidents occur, the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity’s Equal Opportunity and Equity (EOE) unit, along with campus partners, provide resources and the ability to file a report. EOE is one of several units on campus that serves students and employees. Depending on the type of incident, other units may also be included, and often these units work collectively to help address a behavior, prevent its recurrence and remedy the effects of the incident. 

Equal Opportunity and Equity (EOE)

NC State provides equal opportunity and affirmative action efforts and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based on a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, gender identity, genetic information, sexual orientation or veteran status (individually and collectively, “protected status”) or participation in a protected activity.  EOE is home to the university’s Title IX coordinator, Sheri Schwab, and is where incidents of discrimination, harassment and Title IX violations (including sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, non-consensual sexual intercourse, non-consensual sexual contact, sexual exploitation, stalking and interpersonal/relationship violence) can be reported for all members of the Wolfpack community (employees and students). EOE can assist individuals with finding resources and provide interim measures and resolution options. See Report an Issue for more information about filing a report with Equal Opportunity and Equity.

Bias Impact Response Team

Part of the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity, the Bias Impact Response Team (BIRT) views NC State as a proactive, restorative, equitable and inclusive community that equips students and employees to engage across differences in dignifying and meaningful ways. BIRT accomplishes this goal in three main ways: it offers a restorative system for documenting and responding to the impacts of bias-related incidents behaviors, policies and practices and for supporting affected parties; it provides trainings and consultations focused on building transformative and restorative communities of practice on campus; and it supports interdisciplinary, practitioner-researcher-led study and integration of restorative practices in the NC State community. Individuals seeking to learn more can visit the BIRT website.

NC State CARES

Student Behavioral Case Management at NC State (also known as NC State CARES) is a part of Prevention Services. Case managers work collaboratively with campus resources to provide support for students who are in crisis or who are identified as exhibiting concerning or worrisome behaviors. Effective case management ensures that the community at large remains safe while the student involved gains the necessary resources to remain successful academically and personally at NC State. The case managers do this by providing comprehensive outreach and consultation services to proactively identify students who are struggling; by providing early intervention and behaviorally-based assessments to determine appropriate resources and referrals to campus and community resources; and by working constructively with students to foster resilience and self-advocacy by monitoring student progress. Individuals who are interested in learning more can visit the NC State CARES website.

Department of Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment works collaboratively with campus resources to provide support for student concerns related to any acts of violence, potential violence, threatening behaviors or other violations of the Campus/Workplace Violence Prevention and Management Regulation. Several reporting options lead to members of the University Behavior Assessment Team promptly assessing concerns and determining the necessary follow-up to address the reported concerns. Every effort is made to protect the confidentiality and safety of anyone who reports a potential violation of this regulation or otherwise raises concerns about individuals’ well-being or a threat or act of campus violence. All reports are handled in as confidential manner as possible, with information released only on a need-to-know basis or as required by law. For concerns related to the well-being of a student, either file a report online or call Prevention Services at 919.515.4405. For concerns regarding the well-being of students or employees, contact Department of Risk Assessment-Violence Prevention Threat Management Program at 919.513.4224. To learn more about the Department of Risk Assessment or to file a report. individuals can use the QR code or go to go.ncsu.edu/risk-assessment and click the red button on the side that says “Report Concerns.”

Office of Student Conduct

The Office of Student Conduct handles cases related to both academic misconduct and non-academic misconduct. This unit also handles the hearing process for students who have been charged with a policy violation as it relates to Title IX and other infractions. Individuals who are teaching or working directly with students should familiarize themselves with the office’s policies. Instances of academic misconduct include: aiding and abetting, cheating, destruction or removal of academic materials and plagiarism. Instances of non-academic misconduct include: alcohol and drug violations, computer and network abuse, creating a safety hazard, damage to property, disorderly conduct, disruption of the student conduct process, failure to comply, fireworks, hazing, harassment and discrimination, infliction or threat of bodily harm, providing false information, relationship or interpersonal violence, sexual misconduct, theft, trespass, unauthorized use of property, violation of university policies and possession of weapons. Individuals who wish to learn more should consult the Code of Student Conduct, visit the website to file a complaint or call the office at 919-515-2963.

It is important to note that this list focuses primarily on the ways in which individuals can file a report; it does not include other support services that are offered. For additional information and resources, please contact the respective office or the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity.

Mia Thompson is the program coordinator for Equal Opportunity and Equity in the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity.