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.