CONSENSUAL RELATIONSHIPS POLICY The University of North Alabama (the “University”) is committed to providing an environment for work and learning as free as possible from conflicts of interest, favoritism and exploitation. Where an individual exercises direct supervision to coerce another person to enter into a non- consensual relationship, the harm to that person and to the institution is evident. Even where the relationship is consensual, there is significant potential for harm when there is a power difference between the parties involved - - for example, between a supervisor and an employee or between a faculty or staff member and a student. Any evaluation or supervision provided may be suspect in view of such relationship. A consensual relationship with a subordinate is likely to interfere with the ability of a superior to act and make decisions fairly and without bias. Even if the superior is able to avoid showing favoritism, the other individuals in the learning or workplace environment are likely to see themselves as being less favored and disadvantaged by the personal relationship. Additionally, the damage can continue long beyond the consensual relationship and can make people suspicious of any future professional interactions between the individuals. The following policy is directed to faculty-student relationships, to staff-student relationships, to employee-employee relationships, and to student paraprofessional staff-student relationships. While the University normally has no interest in private romantic or sexual relationships between individuals, the University has adopted a consensual relationship policy for the following reasons: to avoid the types of problems outlined above, to protect individuals from the type of injury that either a subordinate or superior individual to such relationship can incur, to protect the integrity of the learning and work environment and evaluation process, and to provide information and guidance to members of the University community. This Policy addresses consensual relations only. Non-consensual or coerced relationships are addressed in the University Policy on Sexual Harassment.
Definitions For purposes of this policy, the following terms are defined as follows:
Consensual Relationship - Any dating, romantic, sexual, or marriage relationship willingly undertaken by the parties.
Direct Supervision - Includes but is not limited to the following activities: academic instruction, course teaching, formal mentoring, overseeing, directing, examining, grading, advising, supervising, evaluating, recommending, promoting, paraprofessional student staff member duty coverage areas, employing and other employment actions including directly setting of salary or wages, any disciplinary action, including suspension, expulsion and termination, and exercising responsibility for grades, honors or degrees. Student Paraprofessional - “A paraprofessional is defined as a student who is selected, trained, and supervised in assuming responsibilities and performing tasks that are intended to (1) directly promote the individual personal development of his or her peers, (2) foster the creation and maintenance of environments that stimulate and support residents’ personal and educational development, and/or (3) perform tasks
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