Consensual Relationships Policy

Building relationships between a faculty or staff member and a student is central to the academic mission of the University. Faculty and staff members should get to know students, their goals, and where we can provide mentoring. Consensual sexual relations between a faculty or staff member and a student can adversely affect the academic enterprise, distorting judgments or appearing to do so in the minds of others and can easily degenerate into allegations of sexual harassment and the real or perceived problem of favoritism and/or a “power differential.” Accordingly, such relationships between a faculty or staff member and a student are prohibited, except as mitigated through the notification procedures described next.

The University requires all faculty and staff members who are engaged in a consensual relationship with a student to promptly notify their respective Deans/Supervisors. The Dean/Supervisor will work with a Human Resources Representative to determine whether it is possible to remove or mitigate a conflict that might prove detrimental to the University and/or to either party in the relationship. In the case of a pre-existing relationship between a faculty or staff member and a student, the faculty or staff member shall, at a minimum, have NO direct assignments with the student (i.e. enrollment, advising, teaching, dissertation, supervision, or evaluation of the work or academic performance of the student). Ignoring this policy is considered a serious violation of University principles and may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment. If you should have any questions about this, please contact your Dean.

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