UNCW provides update following discovery of recording device in residential hall

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — UNCW says it has inspected community and pod-style bathrooms in residence halls across campus after a hidden recording device was discovered in a Pelican Hall bathroom.

In an update released Thursday, Nov. 12, the university said no additional suspicious devices were found during the inspections.

UNCW Police are leading the criminal investigation and continue to work with university officials and legal authorities.

The university said it is pursuing the legal authorization needed to examine electronic evidence collected during the investigation. No information from those devices has been confirmed, and forensic analysis is expected to take time.

Police are also consulting with the District Attorney’s Office regarding the investigation. UNCW says any decisions about potential criminal charges will be made through the appropriate legal process.

The university acknowledged that students, employees and families have questions but said some details cannot yet be released because investigators are still establishing the facts or because sharing information could affect the investigation or individuals’ privacy.

UNCW is encouraging anyone with information about the incident or who believes they may have been directly affected to contact campus police at 910-962-2222.

The university also advised students and employees not to touch or move suspicious devices or objects and to contact authorities.

Support services are available through the university, including the CARE office, Counseling Center and Office of Title IX and Clery Compliance.

Here is the full alert.

“We are providing an update on the ongoing investigation into an alleged violation of student privacy in Pelican Hall, first communicated to campus on Nov. 11.

Bathroom Inspections 

Community and pod-style bathrooms in residence halls across campus have been inspected. No additional suspicious devices were found. Based on the information currently available, the university is not aware of an ongoing threat to campus related to this incident.

Investigation Update 

UNCW Police (UPD) is leading the criminal investigation and continues to work with university officials and legal authorities.

• Electronic evidence: The university is pursuing the legal authorization necessary to examine electronic evidence collected during the investigation. No information from those devices has been confirmed at this time. Forensic analysis will take time.
• Criminal investigation: UPD is consulting with the District Attorney’s Office. Decisions regarding potential criminal charges will be made through the appropriate legal process.

We understand that students, employees and families have questions. Some details cannot yet be shared because investigators are still establishing the facts or because disclosure could compromise the investigation or individuals’ privacy.

Information Sharing and Social Media 

Members of our community are discussing this incident online, sharing thoughts, observations and personal perspectives. Information shared through social media may be incomplete, unverified or missing important context. Please rely on university communications for official information, avoid spreading speculation and contact UPD directly with information that may assist the investigation. See the UNCW Alert webpage for official communications.

Investigators must rely on verified evidence and established legal procedures to determine what occurred. These processes take time but are essential to a thorough criminal investigation.

What You Can Do 

Please remain attentive to your surroundings and report anything suspicious, particularly in bathrooms and other private spaces.

• First, if you have information about the Pelican incident that may assist investigators or believe you may have been directly affected, contact UPD at 910-962-2222.
• Second, incidents like this one are unusual at UNCW. However, it is always smart to pay attention to your surroundings – on campus and off. If you see a suspicious device, bag or other object, leave it in place and contact authorities immediately. Do not touch, move or attempt to access it, and do not confront anyone.
• Third, continue to take care of yourself and one another. Incidents like this can raise questions or concerns, even for those not directly involved. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the university resources below for help.

Support and Resources

This incident has understandably caused concern and uncertainty, particularly among students who may have been affected. Support is available regardless of whether someone chooses to participate in a criminal investigation or file a complaint.

• CARE: 910-962-2273; after-hours advocate: 910-512-4821
• Counseling Center: 910-962-3746; after-hours assistance is available by following the phone prompts.
• Office of Title IX and Clery Compliance: 910-962-3557; information about reporting options and supportive measures.
• UPD: 910-962-2222; emergencies: 911
• Additional questions or assistance: incidentresponse@uncw.edu

Our focus remains on supporting those affected, conducting a thorough criminal investigation and keeping our community informed. We will provide additional updates as meaningful, verified information becomes available, recognizing that some aspects of the investigation may take time.

We appreciate the care and consideration our Seahawk community continues to show one another. ”