Policy 01:150
Amorous Relationships

All individuals have the right to work and learn in an atmosphere free from abuse of power or authority. Faculty, staff, and students should not engage in consensual amorous or sexual relationships with other faculty, staff, or students when one party in the relationship has power or authority over the other.

Should a consensual relationship develop while the faculty or staff member is in a position of authority, the faculty/staff member and/or the student should terminate either the relationship or the position of authority. Even when the faculty or staff member has no professional responsibility for a student (e.g., teaching, evaluating, supervising, or advising the student), the faculty/staff member should be sensitive to other students' perceptions that a student who has a consensual relationship with a faculty/staff member may receive preferential treatment from the faculty/staff member or the faculty/staff member's colleagues. Any amorous or sexual relationship in which one partner has supervisory or evaluative power over the other has the potential to develop into a situation that could legally be defined as sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is not tolerated and is the subject of another policy (Policy 01:115.)

Approved 8/99