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POLICY TITLE: Non-Fraternization Policy

APPLIES TO: Academic Affairs Student Engagement and Campus Life Campus Community Title IX

ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY: Office of General Counsel (OCG) and Office of Human Resources (OHR)

President Koffi C. Akakpo (Interim Approval)

September 26 2025

Six Months from Approval if Not Renewed or Made Permanent

The University is committed to maintaining a professional, ethical, and equitable learning and working environment. Personal relationships, particularly those of a romantic or sexual nature, may create conflicts of interest, compromise objectivity, and negatively affect decision-making.

The University strictly prohibits Faculty and Staff from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with any student, regardless of classification. Such conduct is inconsistent with the University's mission and ethical standards. Any Faculty or Staff member found in violation of this policy will be subject to separation from employment in accordance with University procedures.

The University also strongly discourages amorous or sexual relationships between supervisors and subordinates, or between individuals where a power differential exists. If such a relationship occurs, it must be reported to the dean, department chair, or supervisor to ensure that objective evaluation and oversight arrangements are made.

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.

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.

Title IX Policy

University Code of Conduct

Conflict of Interest Policy