All members of the School of Medicine community have a right to a safe and respectful learning and working environment where they can succeed and thrive. Biomedical science trainees also have a right to an ethically responsible scientific environment; as UNC scientists, they have a responsibility to conduct their own science ethically. If you or someone you know has experienced unprofessional behavior or mistreatment, please reach out using one of the options below. At the bottom of this page, there are also links for further resources around these and other issues that may impact you personally or professionally during your time here. 

What constitutes inappropriate treatment? 

The UNC School of Medicine is committed to a positive environment that is conducive to learning and working. All members of the community should expect to be treated with respect, and to learn and work in a safe environment. Inappropriate treatment occurs when behavior by a member of the learning community shows disrespect for the dignity of those around them such that it interferes with their ability to succeed and thrive in what they have been brought to UNC to do. The AAMC’s Appropriate Treatment of Research Trainees working group defines some behaviors that represent inappropriate treatment as—including, but not limited to—the following: 

• Humiliation 

• Verbal attacks 

• Inappropriate anger or harsh language 

• Lack of communication 

• Requiring someone to perform tasks that belittle them 

• Requiring someone to perform personal services, e.g. babysitting, errands, shopping, etc. 

• Insulting conduct 

• Disregard for personal safety 

Reporting Options 

We understand that coming forward with a concern might be difficult. Please know that you have multiple options within the School of Medicine for reporting (in addition to university-wide resources), and you should choose the option that feels most comfortable to you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like to discuss how to handle a specific situation, learn what your options are for next steps and/or for support, or determine whether a policy violation may have occurred. Options include:

• Dr. Laura Hawkins, Director of the Learning and Work Environment 
• Online reporting form (anonymous or with your contact details) 
• Any trusted faculty or staff member 

Non-Retaliation Policies 

The university prohibits retaliation against an individual who reports a concern (see the Whistleblower Policy here). If you are worried about actual or potential retaliation and would like to speak to someone, please reach out to the Director of the Learning and Work Environment or, if you are already working with an office to address an issue, your contact in that office (e.g. EOC/Title IX, HR, etc.) 

Further Information and Policies

Research Misconduct 

UNC has policies against violations of research ethics and integrity, including mishandling of data, materials, financial resources, and laboratory animals. 

UNC-CH Policy on Research Misconduct [pdf] 

• Detailed guide for Responsible Conduct of Research at UNC-CH 
• Report a Research Ethics Violation 
• Contact a current UNC-CH Research Integrity Officer (RIO) : scroll down the page to select the type of concern you are reporting. 

All UNC Policies 

You can find a complete repository of UNC policies here: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Policies, Procedures and Standards.