American College of Education does not permit consensual relationships between faculty members or staff members in positions of authority and students. Faculty members and staff members must be aware that romantic or sexual relationships with students may lead to abuse of power, conflict of interest, exploitation, or favoritism and pose a legal risk to both the faculty member and the College.
The faculty member or staff member is expected to take specific action to remove her or himself from all circumstances, decisions and actions in which he/she bears primary authority and accountability. Failure to abide by this policy constitutes misconduct on behalf of the faculty member who then may be subject to disciplinary sanctions by the College.
Relationships Between Faculty and Students
If a romantic and/or sexual relationship develops between a faculty or staff member and one of the students, the faculty or staff member must report the relationship, in writing, to his or her supervisor so that alternative arrangements may be made for evaluation of the student’s work.
Responsibility of Faculty Member
The responsibility for reporting the relationship lies with the faculty or staff member. The declaration shall be made to the faculty member’s program chair or staff member’s supervisor. Resolution of the conflict will be accomplished at the program chair level of ACE administration.
Responsibility of Student
When a student is aggrieved by a consensual romantic or sexual relationship the student may seek resolution by presenting her/his concerns to the program chair of the faculty member or staff member’s supervisor. If the concern is not resolved at the program chair level, the student may present the concern to the Academic Dean.
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