Timely Warning Regulation 711

I. Purpose

The purpose of this regulation is to establish procedures for issuing Timely Warnings in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act). The Clery Act requires institutions to provide timely notice to the campus community of reported Clery crimes that pose a serious or ongoing threat, in order to aid in the prevention of similar crimes and support individual safety decision-making.

A Timely Warning will be issued as soon as sufficient, pertinent information is available and it is determined that a continuing threat to the campus community exists. Timely Warnings may be issued for incidents occurring on or off campus when those incidents present an ongoing or continuing threat to the UNCSA community.

This regulation designates the roles and responsibilities within the UNCSA Police and Public Safety Department for evaluating reported crimes, determining whether a Timely Warning is required, and issuing notifications using the University’s designated emergency notification system. The regulation further establishes the methods and procedures for communicating relevant safety information while balancing public safety, privacy, and law enforcement considerations. In all cases, a top priority of the University is the protection of the campus community.

II. Scope

This regulation applies to all UNCSA students, faculty, staff, visitors, and other members of the campus community. It governs the issuance of Timely Warnings for Clery Act reportable crimes that occur within the University’s Clery Geography and that are determined to pose a serious or continuing threat to the campus community.

This regulation applies to the UNCSA Police and Public Safety Department, Campus Security Authorities, and other University officials involved in crime reporting, threat assessment, and emergency communications. It addresses Timely Warnings only and does not replace or supersede policies related to Emergency Notifications, Safety Advisories, or other forms of university communications.

III. Definitions

A. Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act)-federal law that requires institutions of higher education participating in the federal student financial aid programs to disclose campus crime statistics, security policies, and safety information for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

B. Timely Warning-notifications to inform the campus community of a Clery Act crime that occurs in our Clery geography that is reported to campus security authorities or local police and considered by the institution to represent a serious or continuing threat to students and employees. 

V. Revision History

A. February 16, 2026 - Approved by the Chancellor and the Executive Leadership Team

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UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

Timely Warning Procedures

Regulation 711

I. Timely Warning Notification

The Clery Act requires the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) to provide timely warnings to the campus community about Clery-reported crimes that may pose a serious or ongoing threat. The purpose of a Timely Warning is to enable members of the campus community to protect themselves and aid in the prevention of similar crimes.

Although the Clery Act does not define “timely,” UNCSA interprets this requirement to mean that a warning will be issued as soon as sufficient, pertinent information is available, even if all details are not yet known (34 CFR § 668.46(e)). Additional information may be provided as it becomes available. Upon confirmation of a qualifying incident, the UNCSA Police and Public Safety Department is responsible for issuing Timely Warning Notifications in accordance with this regulation.

Timely Warning Notifications differ from Emergency Notifications in that they are issued in response to crimes that have already occurred but continue to pose a serious or ongoing threat. Emergency Notifications address immediate threats requiring urgent protective action, while Timely Warnings focus on crime prevention and awareness.

An institution that issues an Emergency Notification is not required to issue a Timely Warning for the same incident; however, follow-up information must be provided as appropriate. Emergency Notifications may supersede Timely Warnings unless circumstances change or additional information warrants further communication.

II. Criteria for Issuing a Timely Warning

A. Required Elements

A Timely Warning will be issued when the following conditions are met:

1. A Clery Act–reportable crime has been reported, including but not limited to:

a. Criminal homicide (murder and manslaughter)

b. Sex offenses (rape, fondling, incest, statutory rape)

c. Aggravated assault

d. Burglary

e. Robbery

f. Motor vehicle theft

g. Arson

h. Hazing

2. The crime is reported to a Campus Security Authority (CSA) or to local, state, or federal law enforcement and forwarded to the UNCSA Police and Public Safety Department.

3. The crime occurred within UNCSA’s Clery Geography.

4. The University determines that the crime represents a serious or continuing threat to the campus community, including situations where:

a. The perpetrator has not been apprehended;

b. There is a substantial risk to the physical safety of others; or

c. The incident reflects a pattern of similar crimes within a defined area or time period.

III. Evaluations and Decision-Making Considerations

The decision to issue a Timely Warning is made on a case-by-case basis using professional judgment and a review of all available information. Timely Warnings are not limited to violent crimes or crimes against persons and may include threats to property when there is a continuing risk of recurrence (e.g., multiple burglaries or vehicle thefts).

When evaluating the need for a Timely Warning, the UNCSA Police and Public Safety Department may consider, but is not limited to:

• The nature and seriousness of the crime
• The location, date, and time of the incident
• When the incident was reported
• The time elapsed between occurrence and report
• The relationship between the victim and the perpetrator
• Patterns or trends of related incidents
• The likelihood of an ongoing threat
• The risk of compromising law enforcement efforts or identifying a victim

In situations that pose an immediate or continuing threat, the University may issue an Emergency Notification in lieu of a Timely Warning.

IV. Situations When a Timely Warning May Not be Issued 

Although each incident is evaluated individually, Timely Warnings generally will not be issued when:

• The report is made more than seven (7) days after the alleged incident;
• The report is made anonymously or solely by a third party;
• Sufficient information is not available;
• The suspect has been apprehended;
• The report is not made in good faith;
• Issuance would compromise law enforcement efforts; or
• The incident does not pose a continuing threat to the campus community.

If, in the professional judgment of the UNCSA Police and Public Safety Department, issuing a Timely Warning would compromise efforts to address the crime, the notification may be delayed or limited. Once the compromising condition has been resolved, a Timely Warning will be issued immediately if the threat persists.

V. Timely Warning Content Standards

Timely Warnings are intended to promote safety and crime prevention. When available and appropriate, warnings may include:

• A brief description of the incident
• The date, time, and general location of the crime
• A suspect description, if known
• Safety information and recommended protective actions

Information may be withheld if disclosure could identify a victim or compromise law enforcement operations.

VI. Distribution and Updates

Timely Warnings are issued by the UNCSA Police and Public Safety Department via email through the University’s emergency notification system (UNCSA Alert) and are posted to the UNCSA Alert webpage. Timely Warnings may be updated as new or more accurate information becomes available or when an arrest is made.