Consensual Relationship Policy
Consensual Romantic Relations Between Faculty and Students in the University
The relationship between faculty1 and student is central to the academic mission of the University. No non-academic or personal ties should be allowed to interfere with the integrity of the faculty-student relationship. Consensual sexual relations between faculty and student can adversely affect the academic enterprise by distorting judgments and providing incentives or disincentives that are inappropriate.
For this reason, any sexual relation or dating relationship between a faculty member and an undergraduate student, if initiated during the time a student is enrolled at the University, is prohibited. In the instance that a faculty member has a previous relationship with a student prior to their enrollment at the University, the faculty member must disclose that relationship to their School Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs who will follow established guidelines to determine appropriate action.
When reports of prohibited sexual or dating relations are brought to administrators, they shall be referred to the Title IX administrator.
A faculty member is entitled to an appeal; they will follow the Title IX appeals process. Information about the Title IX appeals process must be made available to faculty on an annual basis.
1For purposes of this policy, “faculty” includes (but is not limited to) standing faculty, adjunct faculty, and any other person providing instruction, academic advising, or academic oversight of an enrolled student in any school, course, or program, including summer and off-campus programs, irrespective of geographical location.