Consensual Relationships
The University does not interfere with private choices regarding personal relationships when these relationships do not interfere with the goals and policies of the University. However, consensual romantic or sexual relationships in which one party retains a direct supervisory or evaluative role over the other party are unethical. Therefore, persons with direct supervisory or evaluative responsibilities who are involved in such relationships shall assure that decisions and evaluations concerning the person of lesser authority are conducted by another person.
There are inherent risks in any romantic or sexual relationship between individuals in unequal positions (such as teacher and student, supervisor and employee). These relationships may be less consensual than perceived by the individual whose position confers power. The relationship also may be viewed in different ways by each of the parties, particularly in retrospect. Furthermore, circumstances may change, and conduct that was previously welcome may become unwelcome. Even when both parties have consented at the outset to a romantic or sexual involvement, this past consent does not remove grounds for a charge of a violation of applicable parts of Section D.9; Code of Ethical Behavior, or sexual harassment based upon subsequent unwelcome conduct.