3.5.1 Every consenting romantic or sexual relationship between a faculty member and a student, or between supervisor and employee, may potentially evolve into a sexual harassment case with serious implications, either from a subsequent change of attitude by the parties involved or from a contemporary complaint from a disadvantaged third party. Faculty members exercise power over students, as do supervisors over employees, whether in evaluating them, making recommendations for their promotion or future employment, or conferring other benefits. Others may be adversely affected by the relationship in that it places the faculty member or supervisor in a position to favor or advance one student or employee’s interest at the expense of others.
3.5.2 As provided in the American Association of University Professors policy on consensual relationships, faculty are expected to be aware of their professional responsibilities in their relationships with students and “avoid apparent or actual conflict of interest, favoritism, or bias.”
3.5.3 It is the policy of the University that the following romantic or sexual relationships are prohibited:
a. between a faculty member and a student who is enrolled in the faculty member’s course or who is otherwise under the supervision of the faculty member, or
b. between a supervisor and a person under his or her supervision.
This policy is not intended to discourage the interaction of faculty and students, and supervisors and employees where it is appropriate and ethical; however, it is intended to clarify that romantic or sexual relationships often create situations that lead to sexual harassment, conflicts of interest, favoritism, and low morale. Therefore, such relationships are prohibited and subject to disciplinary action.
3.5.4 Complaints concerning consensual relationships by non-participating individuals will be treated as third-party sexual harassment or sexual misconduct complaints.