Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance
The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) serves as the civil rights compliance office for the University of Northern Colorado. In collaboration with University partners, OIEC is committed to building equitable living, working, and learning environments and ensures equal opportunity for students, employees, and members of the public.
OIEC is a neutral investigative and resource office reporting to UNC's General Counsel. OIEC is responsible for administering University policies and procedures for students, staff, faculty, volunteers, and campus guests, including:
- Responding to and investigating complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related sexual misconduct under the University’s Discrimination Complaint Procedures (Univ. Reg. 3-6-127)
- Responding to and investigating formal complaints of sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking under the University’s Title IX Additional Procedures (Univ. Reg. 3-6-116)
- Facilitating the University’s Student-Faculty Dispute Resolution Processes (Univ. Reg. 3-2-111)
- Reviewing and facilitating responses to General University Complaints, including those filed anonymously via UNC Safe Campus
Pursuant to the University’s Equal Opportunity Policy, and in furtherance of fostering a safe and inclusive campus environment for all, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran status, or any other protected class under state or federal civil rights laws. Unlawful discrimination includes harassment, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
OIEC provides training and prevention education to the University community, coordinates resources and support for parties impacted by misconduct, responds to and investigates complaints, and seeks to remedy the effects of discrimination, harassment, and related forms of sexual and interpersonal misconduct. If you wish to request a training or educational offering for your group, please contact us at titleix@unco.edu.
OIEC Team
Dr. Matt Ricke serves as the University’s Title IX Coordinator and Equity Officer and oversees the operations of OIEC. As the University’s Equity Officer, Dr. Ricke is responsible for ensuring institutional compliance with state and federal civil rights laws, serves as the designated Title VI/Title VII/Title IX/ADA/504 Coordinator for the University, monitors campus climate related to discrimination, harassment, and sexual and interpersonal violence, and coordinates efforts across campus related to education, prevention, and training programs. Dr. Ricke is available to meet with any member of the UNC community or campus organizations that would like to discuss the university’s civil rights compliance or work involving matters of discrimination, including sexual and gender-based harassment, assault, or violence. Matt.Ricke@unco.edu, 970-351-4899
Jimmy Kohles, Investigative Coordinator and Trainer, James.Kohles@unco.edu
Susan Barkley, Investigative Coordinator, Susan.Barkley@unco.edu
Tiffany Pendleton, Executive Assistant and Case Manager, Tiffany.Pendleton@unco.edu
File a Report
Submit a report online of a possible violation of UNC's Non-Discrimination or Sexual Misconduct Policies. You may also contact our office in person, by phone or via email.
Not sure where to begin? Get started here
Report to UNC Police
If it is an emergency and you need immediate assistance, call 911. You can report a potential criminal violation by contacting UNC Police at 970-351-2245.
Report Anonymously
Submit a concern or potential violation anonymously using MySafeCampus. UNC will not receive identifying information such as IP addresses for anonymous reports.
Equal Opportunity
UNC is dedicated to providing an equal opportunity climate and environment free from discrimination and harassment. In accordance with established laws, the University prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, national origin, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military service, or political affiliation for all employees in all aspects of employment and for students in academic programs and activities.
