DEFINITIONS:

Conflict of Interest: A situation in which personal relationships compromise, or appear to compromise, objective judgment and decision-making.

Personal Relationship: Any familial, romantic, sexual, or business relationship (current or former) that may lead to real or perceived bias.

Power Differential: An imbalance of authority or influence (e.g., supervisor/employee, faculty/student) that may affect an individual's freedom to consent.

Amorous or Sexual Relationship: Any romantic or sexual conduct, whether consensual or non-consensual.

Disclosure: The requirement to report a personal relationship to the appropriate authority so that safeguards and alternative evaluation arrangements may be implemented.

PROCESS:

Individuals must not participate in decision-making affecting those with whom they have a personal relationship.

Any existing or potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed to the appropriate authority (supervisor, dean, or department chair).

Faculty and Staff are prohibited from entering into romantic or sexual relationships with students.

If a relationship arises between individuals where a power differential exists, it must be disclosed, and oversight arrangements will be established.

Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

REFERENCES AND RELATED MATERIALS:

Title IX Policy

University Code of Conduct

Conflict of Interest Policy

CONTACTS:

HISTORY: