Campus No-Contact Orders

What is a No-Contact Order?

In responding to reports of protected status harassment and discrimination, including sexual misconduct and stalking, and reports of workplace violence, the University provides support to the parties involved and to the campus community. A campus-based No-Contact Order (“NCO”) is an example of a supportive measure implemented and enforced on a case-by-case basis by the University’s Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office (“EOC”). The EOC will conduct an assessment in order to determine if a NCO is an available option, including whether there is on-going unwanted contact. When issued, a NCO is available regardless of whether a formal investigation has occurred. The NCO is not an indication that a party has been deemed responsible for the alleged conduct.

What does a No-Contact Order do?

An EOC-issued NCO prohibits contact between the parties named in the NCO. The parties are required to avoid intentional contact with one another, including through verbal, nonverbal, physical, electronic, and other forms of communication. The NCO prohibits contact by a third party acting on the party’s behalf (including friends, colleagues, family members, etc.). The NCO prohibits contact through social media accounts, instant messenger platforms, email, or other internet-based communication.

The NCO applies to University-controlled spaces including campus geography and internet-based communication. Parties should abide by the Order when off campus.

The NCO remains in-effect from the date issued until further written notice from the EOC.

What does a No-Contact Order not do?

The NCO is not disciplinary and does not indicate that an individual has been found in violation of a University policy. A NCO generally does not prevent parties from participating in the same class, work environment, or other shared spaces, but is meant to offer guidance on how not to engage with one another beyond required academic or work-related intersections. The NCO does not prohibit parties from participating in the same extra-curricular activities or events, or from being present at the same time in public spaces on campus such as University libraries or the Pit. A NCO is not intended to limit either party’s access to their educational or employment benefits. A NCO also does not prevent incidental contact between the parties, such as unintentionally standing in the same line at Alpine Bagel or being in the same public space or event, such as at a football game.

What should I do when I receive a No-Contact Order?

The EOC will, to the extent possible, communicate with parties prior to issuing the NCO to explain expectations and explore specific concerns. If a party is not able to speak with the EOC before receiving the NCO, the party is encouraged to contact the EOC as soon as possible. When discussing the NCO with the EOC, parties will be made aware of their rights and available supportive measures. Parties are encouraged to identify any specific concerns and any shared spaces or necessary interactions with the other party to receive clear guidance and support from EOC. In some cases, EOC may reach out to instructors or supervisors to provide guidance related to shared spaces or necessary interactions between the parties.

What happens if I don’t follow the No-Contact Order?

Violating the NCO is a violation of the University’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Misconduct and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or termination. Any violation of a NCO may result in additional interim measures and may result in a referral to the Office of Student Conduct, the University’s Emergency Evaluation and Action Committee (“EEAC”), and/or the University’s Employee Threat Assessment and Response Team (“ETART”).

University policies prohibit retaliation against any person for seeking supportive measures and/or reporting conduct that may be a violation of University policy. Retaliation includes intimidation, threats, coercion, or adverse actions taken against a person for making a report or participating in the investigation of a report. Parties are encouraged to document and report any concerns of retaliation to the EOC as soon as possible.

What if I have questions about a No-Contact Order?

Parties and the campus community are encouraged to reach out to the EOC Report and Response Coordinator Team with questions about this guidance:

Report and Response Coordinators
Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
214 West Cameron Avenue, Chapel Hill, NC 27559
reportandresponse@unc.edu
919-445-2759

Last Updated: 2023