Consensual Relationships

General Statement

Recognizing that Middle Georgia State University administrators, faculty and staff members are professionals whose conduct must not jeopardize the trust and confidence of the students they serve or the general public which supports the institution, the University considers it inappropriate for administrators, faculty, staff and members of the University community to have amorous or sexual relations with individuals with whom teaching, evaluative, advocacy, counseling, advising or supervisory responsibilities exist. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of all administrators, faculty and staff members to avoid such relationships that result in conflicts of interests with students over whom they are in a position of authority by virtue of their teaching, research, committee assignments, or administrative assignments. In order to assure that the evaluation of students is conducted fairly and without any perception of favoritism or bias, administrators, faculty and staff members should make an earnest effort to avoid all appearance of sexual overtures and sexual relationships with such students, even when considered consensual. The significant power differential between administrators, faculty and staff members and students makes such consensual amorous or sexual relationships suspect. Failure to abide by this policy may prompt disciplinary action by the University.

Procedures

  1. Members of the University community who desire to complain of a violation of policy may initiate a complaint with the Chief Human Resources Officer. Complaints must be filed within ten working days of the time at which the complainant becomes aware of the adverse effect of an alleged violation of this policy.
  2. Faculty members accused in a complaint filed alleging a violation of this policy shall be subject to procedures and sanctions.
  3. For purposes of this policy, administrators, faculty and staff members shall include all full- or part-time University personnel. Persons in positions to evaluate students referred to in this policy may include, but are not limited to, those engaged in supervising instruction, evaluating academic performance, or serving on committees for awards, prizes, or other similar distinctions; and also making decisions relative to scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial assistance.