University Policies

Regulations and Policies

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (“University” or “UNC–Chapel Hill”) has established regulations and policies to promote a safe and supportive learning environment. These regulations and policies cover a wide range of non-academic issues. They explain expectations for students and establish procedures for addressing situations covered by their terms.

Authority for Student Affairs, Conduct, and Discipline at UNC–Chapel Hill

Section 502D(3) of the University of North Carolina Code establishes that, subject to policies or regulations of the Board of Governors or the Board of Trustees, UNC–Chapel Hill’s chancellor has full authority over student affairs and student conduct and discipline at the University. The chancellor may delegate this authority to faculty committees, administrators, or student government bodies as necessary. In fulfilling this responsibility, the chancellor must ensure that every student’s right to due process is protected. 

Code of the University of North Carolina

Section 502D(3)–Subject to any policies or regulations of the Board of Governors or of the Board of Trustees, it shall be the duty of the chancellor to exercise full authority in the regulation of student affairs and student conduct and discipline. In the discharge of this duty, delegation of such authority may be made by the chancellor to faculty committees and to administrative or other officers of the institution, or to agencies of student government, in such manner and to such extent as may by the chancellor be deemed necessary and expedient. In the discharge of the chancellor's duty with respect to matters of student discipline, it shall be the duty of the chancellor to secure to every student the right to due process. Appeals from these disciplinary decisions are allowable only on the following grounds:

1. a violation of due process, or
2. a material deviation from the Minimum Substantive and Procedural Standards for Student Disciplinary Procedures, Section 700.4.1 of the UNC Policy Manual.

Where the sanction is suspension or expulsion, an appeal may be made to the Board of Trustees. No appeal to the president or Board of Governors is permitted.

Whistleblower Policy

The purpose of this policy is to encourage individuals to report possible wrongful conduct to an appropriate authority so that prompt, corrective action can be taken by the University and to protect reporting individuals from any retaliation for reporting wrongful conduct. Please see the full text of the Whistleblower Policy on the University’s policy website.

Accommodations Policy

The University is committed to providing a welcoming environment for all members of our community. As part of this commitment, the University provides reasonable accommodations for disability, pregnancy, and related medical conditions, and sincerely-held religious beliefs and practices consistent with federal and state law.

This policy is grounded in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and related state laws. Please see the full text of the Accommodations Policy on the University’s policy website.

Religious Accommodation Policy

The University is committed to providing a welcoming environment that is respectful of the religious beliefs and practices of all members of the University community. As part of this commitment, the University will make good faith efforts to provide reasonable religious accommodations to individuals covered by this policy whose sincerely held religious beliefs and practices conflict with a University policy, procedure, or other academic or employment requirement unless such an accommodation would create an undue hardship. Please see the full text of the Accommodations Policy on the University’s policy website.

The University is committed to nondiscrimination and supports the employment of all qualified individuals, regardless of religious affiliation or beliefs. This commitment is in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its accompanying regulations, as well as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's Guidelines on Discrimination Because of Religion, and North Carolina General Statute § 116-11(3a).

Alcoholic Beverages

Federal, state, and local laws and ordinances substantially regulate the possession and use of alcoholic beverages. Within this legal framework, the University's Alcohol Policy explains the conditions under which alcoholic beverages may be used on University property.

Consistent with North Carolina law:

• No person under 21 may purchase or possess any alcoholic beverage. (N.C. General Statute 18B-302)

• It is against the law for anyone to sell or give any alcoholic beverage to a person under 21 or to aid or abet such a person in selling, purchasing, or possessing any alcoholic beverage. (N.C. General Statute 18B-302)

• No alcoholic beverages may be sold by any person, organization, or corporation on a college campus except as permitted by N.C. General Statute 18B-1006 (a).

By Chapel Hill ordinance 3-3, it is against the law for anyone to possess any open container of alcohol on streets, sidewalks, alleys, or any other property owned or controlled by the Town of Chapel Hill.

The University’s Alcohol Policy sets out specific requirements relating to the service or use of alcohol by students and student organizations or in connection with University-sponsored events. The Procedure for Requesting Permission to Serve Alcoholic Beverages at University-Sponsored Events describes how University departments and units may request permission to serve alcohol at University-sponsored events. The Student Conduct Procedures of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill describes the procedural rights, administrative processes, sanctions, and appeal process for students and student organizations accused of violating the University’s Alcohol Policy. The text of the policy and procedures can also be accessed on the University’s policy website.

Illegal Drugs Policy

The University’s Illegal Drugs Policy addresses education, counseling, and rehabilitation to help all members of the University Community avoid involvement with illegal drugs and promote a drug-free campus. The policy also describes enforcement and penalties, consistent with state and federal law, to eliminate illegal drugs from the University community. Please see the full text of the Illegal Drugs Policy on the University’s policy website.

Commercial Activities

Commercial exchanges, including selling or soliciting for the sale of goods or services by any person on the campus of the University, are prohibited except as described in the Facilities Use Policy.

Behavioral Threat Assessment

The Student Code of Conduct and accompanying Student Conduct Procedures regulate student discipline. The University must occasionally handle situations urgently when the behavior of students or applicants for admission poses some danger to the University and/or members of the University community. To address these situations and to fulfill the University's obligation to provide a safe campus, the University has adopted a Behavioral Threat Assessment Policy. Additional information may be found on the Dean of Students website. The full text of the Committee's policies and procedures is on the University’s policy website.

Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act

The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act is a federal law that requires universities and colleges to make available gender equity information about their athletic programs. Information compiled under the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act is available on the U.S. Department of Education’s Equity in Athletics Data Analysis website.

Expulsion

Per UNC System Policy 700.4.3[G], a student expelled from one constituent institution may not be admitted to another constituent institution of the University, unless and until the sanction of expulsion has been rescinded by the institution that imposed the sanction.

Faculty-Led Off-Campus Domestic Academic Travel

Faculty members who want to have academic travel as part of their class must inform prospective students about the mandatory academic travel before course enrollment. For mandatory or optional travel, faculty must also give students an instructional agenda and itinerary two weeks (14 calendar days) before the academic travel including:

1. Time and location of the academic travel,
2. A detailed description of the activity, and
3. Any cost that is the student's responsibility.

Faculty are encouraged to provide enough detail in the description to help participants understand potential risks. Please refer to the Policy on Faculty-Led Off-Campus Domestic Academic Travel for additional information. Please see the full text of the Faculty-Led Off-Campus Domestic Academic Travel Policy on the University’s policy website.

Fireworks, Firearms, and Other Weapons

Per N.C. General Statute 14.269.2(b) and (b1), it is a felony, punishable by fine and/or imprisonment, to possess or carry, openly or concealed, any gun, rifle, pistol, or other firearm of any kind, or any dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine, or powerful explosive on any University campus, in any University-owned or operated facility, or at a curricular or extracurricular activity sponsored by the University. Such conduct is also a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

Per N.C. General Statute 14.269.2(k1) and (k2), a person who has a concealed handgun permit that is valid under North Carolina law, or who is exempt from obtaining a permit according to North Carolina law, may have a handgun in a closed compartment or container within the person’s locked vehicle or in a locked container securely affixed to the person’s vehicle. A person may unlock the vehicle to enter or exit the vehicle provided the firearm remains in the closed compartment at all times, and the vehicle is locked immediately following the entrance or exit.

Per N.C. General Statute 14.269.2(e), it is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by fine and/or imprisonment, to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any BB gun, stun gun, air rifle, air pistol, bowie knife, dirk, dagger, slingshot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razors and razor blades (except for personal shaving), fireworks, or any sharp-pointed or edged instrument (except instructional supplies, unaltered nail files, and clips and tools used solely for preparation of food, instruction, and maintenance) on any University campus or in any University-owned or operated facility. Such conduct is also a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

Housing and Residential Education

For policies and procedures related to living on campus, visit the Housing and Residential Education website.

Immunization Requirement

All new and transfer students must submit documentation of immunizations required under N.C. General Statute 130A-155.1. Students previously enrolled at UNC–Chapel Hill are not required to resubmit immunization documentation. 

Per N.C. General Statute 130A-155.1(a), students will be withdrawn from the University 30 calendar days after classes begin if immunization requirements have not been met.

Interpersonal Relationships among Faculty, Staff, and Students

The University of North Carolina Board of Governors adopted a system-wide policy (300.4.1) that prohibits amorous or sexual relationships between faculty or staff employees and

1. students they evaluate or supervise by virtue of their teaching, research, administrative, or other employment responsibility and
2. students who are minors below the age of 18.

The policy also states that faculty or staff employees may not supervise or evaluate students to whom they are related by blood, law, or marriage. Please see the full text of the Nepotism and Interpersonal Relationships Policy on the University’s policy website.

Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Misconduct

The University is committed to providing a welcoming environment for all members of our community. It is firmly committed to maintaining a campus environment free from discrimination, harassment, and related misconduct.

In accordance with its Policy Statement on Nondiscrimination, the University does not unlawfully discriminate in offering equal access to its educational programs and activities or with respect to employment terms and conditions on the basis of an individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status (collectively referred to as “protected status”). The University’s protection of these statuses is grounded in federal law.

Federal law also governs the University’s response to sexual assault, sexual violence, interpersonal violence (including domestic and dating violence), and stalking. Such acts violate the essential dignity of our community member(s) and are contrary to our institutional values. Please see the full text of the Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct and the Policy Statement on Non-discrimination on the University’s policy website.

Gender-Inclusive Language Policy

The University is committed to providing a welcoming environment for all members of our University Community. Consistent with that commitment, gender-inclusive terms (chair; first-year student; upper-level student, etc.) should be used on University documents, websites, and policies.

A guidance handout (“Gender-Inclusive Language”) may be found on the UNC Writing Center website. Please see the full text of the Gender-Inclusive Language Policy on the University’s policy website.

Out-of-State Disclosures for Distance Education Programs

Disclosure for Indiana Residents Enrolled in UNC–Chapel Hill Distance Education Programs

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is authorized by The Indiana Board for Proprietary Education, 101 W. Ohio St., Suite 670, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Disclosure for Louisiana Residents Enrolled in UNC–Chapel Hill Distance Education Programs

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is currently licensed by the Board of Regents of the State of Louisiana. Licenses are renewed by the State Board of Regents every two years. Licensed institutions have met minimal operational standards set forth by the state, but licensure does not constitute accreditation, guarantee the transferability of credit, nor signify that programs are certifiable by any professional agency or organization.

Disclosure for Minnesota Residents Enrolled in UNC–Chapel Hill Distance Education Programs

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is registered as a private institution with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to sections 136A.61 and 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions.

Disclosure for Washington Residents Enrolled in UNC–Chapel Hill Distance Education Programs

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is authorized by the Washington Student Achievement Council and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Degree-Granting Institutions Act. This authorization is subject to periodic review and authorizes The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to advertise, recruit, and offer field placements for specific degree programs. The council may be contacted for a list of currently authorized programs. Authorization by the Council does not carry with it an endorsement by the Council of the institution or its programs. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Council at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

As a general rule, under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), personally identifiable information may not be released from a student’s education records without his or her prior written consent.

To learn more about FERPA, please visit these links:

UNC–Chapel Hill FERPA Policy
UNC–Chapel Hill Registrar's website