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Information Regarding an Incident in Pelican Hall

  • Office of University Relations
  • November 11, 2026

UNCW Alert

Today, UNCW Police shared information about a troubling incident involving an alleged violation of student privacy in Pelican Hall. 

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, students notified Housing and Residence Life staff about a suspicious device in a single occupancy, fourth floor bathroom. The staff member contacted UNCW Police immediately. UPD initiated an ongoing investigation into alleged use of a concealed camera to record individuals in the restroom. UPD seized electronic evidence associated with the investigation and will be working with partner agencies to conduct a forensic analysis of seized evidence. 

A residential student has been identified as the owner of the device and was removed on Tuesday from the Pelican Hall community. As of today, Wednesday, Nov. 11, that individual has been removed from campus pending the investigation’s completion. University officials have swept the building, and no further electronic devices have been found in Pelican Hall bathrooms. While no information indicates similar situations exist elsewhere, out of an abundance of caution, university officials are in the process of sweeping other residential bathrooms across campus. 

The university is not aware of any continuing threat to campus related to this incident.  

We recognize this news is deeply concerning, especially for Pelican Hall residents. Every member of our campus community deserves safety and respect, especially in spaces where personal privacy is expected. 

At this stage, investigators have not determined if any individuals have been recorded, how long the alleged activity occurred, or whether any recordings were shared. Please understand that a criminal investigation, including a forensic review of electronic devices, can take several days. We understand these circumstances are worrisome, and the investigation is ongoing. 

Individuals with information that may contribute to the investigation should contact UPD at police@uncw.edu, 910.962.2222, through the SafeZone app.

As investigators identify individuals who may have been affected, the university will contact them privately to provide available information and connect them with support. Students do not need to wait to be contacted or have confirmation that they were recorded to seek assistance. 

Confidential advocacy is available through CARE, and confidential counseling is available through the Counseling Center. The Office of Title IX and Clery Compliance can explain university reporting options and help coordinate appropriate academic, housing, or other supportive measures. 

  • CARE: 910.962.2273; after-hours advocate: 910.512.4821 
  • Counseling Center: 910.962.3746 
  • Title IX and Clery Compliance: 910.962.3557 
  • University Police: 910.962.2222; emergencies: 911 

We also understand that this campus communication cannot address all the potential questions about this situation. While UNCW must adhere to federal and state privacy laws and university policies, we will share verified information as it becomes available while protecting individuals' privacy and the integrity of the investigation. Some questions cannot yet be answered because the evidence is still being examined. 

As always, students' safety, privacy and wellbeing are our top priorities. Our primary focus is to keep our community safe and supported while carefully balancing fact-finding with what can be shared more broadly. If students and families need additional support beyond the resources listed above, they can email incidentresponse@uncw.edu  to connect them with further assistance.