98 Sexual Relationships

Procedure::

1. Definitions:
   1. As used in this procedure, the terms “faculty” or “faculty member” mean all those who teach at the College.
   2. The terms “staff” or “staff members” mean all employees who are not faculty, and include academic and non-academic administrators as well as supervisory personnel.
   3. The term “romantic or sexual relationship” is intended to indicate conduct that goes beyond a collegial or professional relationship.
2. Faculty/Student Relationships:
   1. Within the Instructional Context: It is considered a serious breach of professional ethics for a member of the faculty to initiate or acquiesce in a romantic or sexual relationship with a student who is enrolled in a course being taught by the faculty member or whose academic work is being supervised by the faculty member.
   2. Outside the Instructional Context: Romantic or sexual relationships between faculty members and students occurring outside the instructional context are discouraged.  A faculty member who fails to withdraw from participation in activities or decisions that may reward or penalize a student with whom the faculty member has or has had a romantic or sexual relationship will be deemed to have violated his/her ethical obligation to the student, to other students, to colleagues, and to the College.
3. Staff/Student Relationships: Romantic or sexual relationships between staff and students are strongly discouraged, and in cases where the staff member has authority or control over the student, prohibited.  A staff member who fails to withdraw from participation in activities or decisions that may reward or penalize a student with whom the staff member has or has had a romantic or sexual relationship will be deemed to have violated his/her ethical obligation to the student, or other students, to colleagues, and to the College.
4. Previous Relationships: Previous relationships of a romantic or sexual nature occurring prior to and ending before the professional/collegial student/faculty or student/staff relationship would not be subject to these guidelines.
5. Disciplinary Actions: If one or more allegations are proven correct, disciplinary actions against employees include but are not limited to:  warnings, reprimand, demotion, suspension, or dismissal.  Disciplinary actions against students may include but are not limited to: warnings, reprimand, probation, suspension, or expulsion.