Notification Process and Alternative Arrangements:
Any employee involved in a romantic and/or sexual relationship (including casual dating and up to marriage, etc.) with a student must report that relationship to their Vice President and the Director of Human Resources.
Any Vice President/manager/supervisor involved in a consensual relationship with an employee must notify the President and the Director of Human Resources.
This is to allow immediate steps to be taken to determine whether an acceptable alternative arrangement is necessary to avoid an actual or perceived conflict of interest. The College in its sole discretion will determine whether an acceptable alternative arrangement is feasible.
Employees, especially those in the position of authority, have a duty to cooperate in making acceptable, alternative arrangements. Alternative arrangements include but are not limited to removing any supervisory, teaching, evaluation, advising, or counseling responsibilities between the individual with institutional power and the student or employee. A restructured reporting relationship or position may result in a pay adjustment. The alternative arrangement will avoid negative consequences for the student or employee who holds the lesser position of power. The Vice President and Director of Human Resources will endeavor to preserve the privacy of the student or the employee consistent with operational necessity When the College determines that an acceptable alternative arrangement does not exist, the relationship must cease or steps must be taken to mitigate the potential conflict, including taking a new position with the College or separation from employment.
Individuals whose positions are altered to accommodate a relationship covered by this policy have no right to resume their former position if the relationship or conflict ceases. Such decisions are in the sole discretion of the College.
Individuals who engage in a prohibited relationship who do not follow the notification process are in violation of this policy and subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Individuals who obtain information that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a romantic and/or sexual relationship policy has been violated have a duty to report the violation to their Vice President and Director of Human Resources.
Individuals in positions of authority, who engage in a sexual or romantic relationship whether or not the notification has occurred, will be held in violation of this policy.