The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Academic Support

Academic Support




Experiences of sex-based harassment, sexual misconduct, interpersonal violence, and stalking may impact a student’s academic experience as they navigate classes and coursework.

Campus resources including Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services (VPAS) (confidential), the University Compliance Office (UCO) (private) and the Dean of Students (private) can help discuss the options below and others that may exist based on a student’s individual needs and circumstances. The list of resources below is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

  • Professor notifications are emails that Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services (VPAS) (confidential) and the University Compliance Office (UCO) (private) can send to a student’s faculty members to inform them of the student’s connection to resources and initiate conversation between the student and faculty member about potential flexibility that may exist for their course. These notifications do not identify the reason why a student is connected with the GVSCs or UCO, but affirms the student is navigating a situation outside of the classroom.
  • To explore the option for professor notifications, a student should directly contact Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services (VPAS) (confidential) and/or the University Compliance Office (UCO) (private).

  • If a student is unable to attend class due to needs and circumstances related to gender-based violence and harassment, their absence may qualify for a University Approved Absence under the category of “personal/family emergency.”
  • To request a University Approved Absence related to gender-based violence and harassment, a student may complete the online request form (submissions related to sex-based harassment, sexual misconduct, interpersonal violence, and stalking will be forwarded to Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services (VPAS) (confidential) and the University Compliance Office (UCO) (private) A student may also directly contact Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services or the University Compliance Office (UCO) to explore an approved absence.

  • Students with severe psychological diagnoses that interfere with their ability to maintain full-time enrollment may request an underload of as few as 9 credits for the coming semester. Students requesting an underload should call CAPS at 919-966-3658 between 8am and 5pm M-F to schedule an underload appointment within the first two weeks of the semester.
  • Students requesting an underload must supply documentation from a mental health therapist that they are currently treatment, and their disorder warrants a reduced course load.
  • If a student impacted by recent gender-based violence or harassment is interested in a psychological/medical underload after the first two weeks of the semester, they can reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (confidential), Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services (VPAS) (confidential), the University Compliance Office (UCO) (private) or Dean of Students (private) to discuss. If a student impacted by recent gender-based violence or harassment is interested in a psychological/medical underload after the first two weeks of the semester, they can reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (confidential), Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services (confidential), the University Compliance Office (UCO) (private) or Dean of Students (private) to discuss.

  • If you need to withdraw from the semester for psychological difficulties, complete an initial assessment through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). A psychological withdrawal for the current semester is processed through CAPS and must be completed before the last day of classes.
  • When the student is ready to return to UNC, clearance by CAPS is required for readmittance and must be completed 6 – 10 weeks before the first day of class in the semester desired to return. To be cleared, a provider must fill out the Clearance Form and return it to Campus Health or CAPS.

  • Students may reach out to their academic advisor or their school’s academic advising department to explore options mentioned in this section in addition to others that may be available.
  • Students may reach out to their assigned advisor or attend academic advising drop-in hours that many schools offer.
  • If a student would like assistance in connecting with Academic Advising, they can reach out to Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services (VPAS) (confidential), the University Compliance Office (UCO) (private), or Dean of Students (private) to discuss.

  • University Compliance Office (UCO) | On Campus | Private | Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • UCO Website | UCO Email | Phone: 919-962-8300
  • Located in the Student and Academic Services Building (SASB) North Suite 2126 (450 Ridge Road)
  • UCO works with all students including undergraduate and graduate students, full-time and part-time students, students following continuing education courses or who may be auditing, and with program applicants.
  • UNC-Chapel Hill is committed to providing an equitable experience for everyone who accesses campus both in-person and digitally.The University Compliance Office (UCO) assists the University community with disability, pregnancy, and religious accommodation requests, including auxiliary aids and services. UCO also offers training and consulting services to address any questions or accessibility needs. 
  • For incoming or existing students looking to connect with UCO, please visit their website.