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UNC-Chapel Hill comments on, releases NCAA’s third notice of allegations
(Chapel Hill, N.C. – Dec. 22, 2016) – The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has released new NCAA communications about the joint investigation of academic irregularities in response to public records requests.
The communications are: a Nov. 28 letter from the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions about the University’s jurisdictional arguments; a third notice of allegations issued Dec. 13 by the enforcement staff; and the University’s Dec. 21 response to the infractions panel chair. As with prior NCAA communications, public record copies appear on the Carolina Commitment website.
The University’s letter to the infractions panel chair raised concerns about the process resulting in the third notice. The letter cited the process the committee chair followed in declining to consider key evidence the University asked to submit before the panel’s October hearing in Indianapolis. That evidence included letters reflecting months of dialogue between the University and the enforcement staff.
“We’ve worked collaboratively with the NCAA enforcement staff for more than two years,” said Bubba Cunningham, director of athletics. “We have serious concerns about the process that led to the third notice of allegations based on the principle that all member institutions should expect fair and consistent treatment. We will continue to work cooperatively with the NCAA and remain fully committed to seeking a fair outcome.”
The University’s letter to the infractions committee chair said the key evidence previously denied for consideration by the panel must be made part of the case record. That evidence includes previously released letters posted on the Carolina Commitment website.
Typically, NCAA rules provide a member school with 90 days to respond to a notice of allegations. The University is evaluating whether it may need more time to respond.
NCAA Bylaw 19.03.01 requires that all infractions-related information remain confidential throughout the infractions process. Consistent with NCAA protocol, University officials will not comment on details about the case until it is completed.
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About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is a global higher education leader known for innovative teaching, research and public service. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Carolina regularly ranks as the best value for academic quality in U.S. public higher education. Now in its third century, the University offers 77 bachelor’s, 110 master’s, 64 doctorate and seven professional degree programs through 14 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences. Every day, faculty – including two Nobel laureates – staff and students shape their teaching, research and public service to meet North Carolina’s most pressing needs in every region and all 100 counties. Carolina’s 317,000-plus alumni live in all 50 states and 156 other countries. More than 167,000 live in North Carolina.
Issued by: Rick White, Associate Vice Chancellor for Communications and Public Affairs
Communications and Public Affairs Contact: (919) 445-8555, mediarelations@unc.edu