Sexual harassment is highly detrimental to the environment of mutual respect that must prevail it the university is to fulfill its goals. Sexual harassment violates university policy and is illegal under state and federal law. All members of the university community have an obligation to learn what behaviors constitute sexual harassment, be responsible for their own behavior, and cooperate in creating a climate where sexual harassment is not tolerated. Behaviors which are not presented as a condition to another person's employment, education, or participation in university activities but which create a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment generally must be repetitive and clearly unwelcome to constitute a violation of university policy. Compliments, a one-time thoughtless joke, or inadvertent physical contact typically do not constitute sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment is considered a serious matter.
The university suggests several mechanisms, both informal and formal, for persons to make complaints, which may include bringing the matter to the attention of university officials. However, accusations of sexual harassment have serious consequences for the accused as well as the accuser, and therefore action will be taken against anyone bringing forth frivolous or false charges. Statistics show that trying to ignore the behavior doesn't help. However, it is sometimes difficult to file a formal complaint. For this reason, UNCW has established both informal and formal procedures to deal with allegations of personal discrimination.