A.POLICY

The teacher-student relationship lies at the foundation of the educational process. As a matter of sound judgment and professional ethics, faculty members have a responsibility to avoid any apparent or actual conflict between their professional responsibilities and personal relationships with students.

B.POLICY GUIDELINES

Romantic and/or sexual relationships between a faculty member and a student have the potential to pose risks to the faculty member, the student, or third parties. In such relationships, voluntary consent by the student is suspect because of the inherently unequal nature of the relationship. A romantic and/or sexual relationship between a faculty member and a student can lead to a complaint of sexual harassment when the student feels that he or she has been exploited. In addition, other faculty members, staff members, or students may express concerns about undue access or advantage, favoritism, restricted opportunities, or unfavorable treatment as a result of the relationship. These concerns are damaging whether the favoritism is real or perceived. They also arise in cases where the relationship between the faculty member and the student remains amicable, as well as in cases that lead to accusations of exploitation. For all these reasons, the College prohibits romantic and/or sexual relationships between faculty members and students. This policy applies to any college- sanctioned teacher, mentor, or supervisor of students. Any exception to this policy must be approved by the President of the College or his or her designee e.g., the senior staff or leadership team.

C.POLICY HISTORY

• Policy adopted and approved by President’s Cabinet April 2018

 

1. INITIATING DIVISION Office

of Human Resources

E.POLICY REVIEWERS

Faculty Senate

Human Resource Advisory Council

 

F.POLICY REFERENCES

1. Ohio Revised Code 2907.03, paragraph (8)
2. No connecting policies