POLICY OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH
CAROLINA CONCERNING IMPROPER RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES
The University of North Carolina does not condone amorous
relationships between students and employees. Members of the University community
should avoid such liaisons, which can harm affected students and damage the
integrity of the academic enterprise. Further, sexual relationships between
unmarried persons can result in criminal liability. In two types of situations,
University prohibition and punishment of amorous relationships is deemed
necessary: (1) when the employee is responsible for evaluating or supervising
the affected student; and (2) when the student is a minor, as defined by
North Carolina law. The following policies shall apply to all employees and
students of the sixteen constituent institutions.
- Prohibited Conduct
- It is misconduct, subject to disciplinary action, for a University
employee, incident to any instructional, research, administrative,
or other University employment responsibility or authority,
to evaluate or supervise any enrolled student of the institution
with whom he or she has an amorous relationship or to whom
he or she is related by blood, law, or marriage.
- It is misconduct, subject to disciplinary action, for a University
employee to engage in sexual activity with any enrolled student
of the institution, other than his or her spouse, who is a
minor below the age of 18 years.
- Definition of Terms
- “Amorous relationship.” An amorous relationship
exists when, without the benefit of marriage, two persons as
consenting partners (a) have a sexual union or (b) engage in
a romantic partnering or courtship that may or may not have
been consummated sexually.
- “Related by blood, law or marriage” means:
- Parent and child
- Brother and sister
- Grandparent and grandchild
- Aunt and/or uncle and niece and/or nephew
- First cousins
- Stepparent and stepchild
- Husband and wife
- Parents-in-law and children-in-law
- Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law
- Guardian and ward
- “Evaluate or supervise” means:
- To assess, determine or influence (1) one’s academic
performance, progress or potential or (2) one’s
entitlement to or eligibility for any institutionally
conferred right, benefit, or opportunity, or
- To oversee, manage or direct one’s academic or
other institutionally prescribed activities.
- Corrective Action
Violations of the provisions of Section A shall be addressed in accordance with
remedial measures prescribed by each constituent institution; if disciplinary
action is brought against an affected employee, it shall be conducted in accordance
with existing institutional policies and procedures prescribed for prosecuting
misconduct charges against members of the class of employment of which the
affected employee is a member.
Updated:
August 31, 2012
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