V. Statement on Consensual Relationships

There are inherent risks in any romantic and/or sexual relationship between individuals in unequal positions, such as teacher and student or supervisor and employee. These relationships may be perceived as less consensual by the individual in the inferior power position. The relationship also may be viewed in different ways by each of the parties, particularly in retrospect. Moreover, circumstances may change, and conduct that was previously welcome may become unwelcome. Such relationships present the potential for exploitation. Employees must be mindful that the authority which they exercise in their interactions with students and subordinates may affect the decision of a student or a subordinate to enter into or end a romantic or sexual relationship. Even when both parties initially have consented, the development of a romantic or sexual relationship renders both the employee and the institution vulnerable to possible later allegations of sexual harassment or other forms of sexual misconduct in light of the significant power differential that exists between faculty members and students and supervisors and subordinates. Accordingly, the following consensual romantic and/or sexual relationships are prohibited at Franciscan University and can result in disciplinary action for an employee:
  • Between an employee (including faculty and staff) and a student whenever there are supervisory, teaching, evaluation, advising, coaching, or counseling responsibilities for the student.
  • Between a supervisor and employee whenever the supervisor has the direct responsibility for evaluating the performance or for making decisions regarding the hiring, promotion, tenure, compensation, or termination of the employee.
  • Between a Resident Director and students over whom they have direct responsibility.

 

Any alleged violation regarding the statement on consensual relationships will be referred to the respective University Vice President (for Human Resources and/or Academic Affairs) to address the allegation in accordance with the applicable employee or faculty handbook.