General Information, Risks, and Ethics

St. Charles Community College is committed to providing an environment that is collegial, respectful and productive for all individuals. This procedure establishes boundaries for personal relationships between employees and employee-students to provide conflicts in maintaining a productive and safe learning and working environment.

A “romantic or sexual relationship” is defined as a relationship between individuals who have or have had a continuing relationship of a romantic or intimate nature.

Employee-Employee Relationships

An employee who is involved in a personal relationship with another employee may not occupy a position in the same department when one person is in a position of greater authority or power including a supervisory role or performance evaluation over the other person.

Accountability

When a situation occurs which may violate this policy, the party with the greater authority is required to notify the department supervisor. The department supervisor will notify the appropriate Vice President and the Vice-President of Human Resources who will evaluate the situation and provide the final determination of employment.

Employee-Student Relationships

The College discourages employees establishing a romantic or sexual relationship with any student enrolled at the college. The college prohibits employees from engaging in a romantic or sexual relationship with a student enrolled in his or her class or who is under the employee’s supervision. Employee-student relationships may include, faculty and student, adviser and advisee, employee and student, and coach and athlete.

Pre-Existing Relationships

Where a romantic or sexual relationship exists between an employee and a student, the employee is required to notify their supervisor, the appropriate Vice President, and the Vice President of Human Resources who will evaluate the situation and provide the final determination.

Reporting Romantic or Sexual Relationships

When a student becomes aware of a violation of this policy, the violation should be reported immediately to the Vice President for Student Services, Student Code of Conduct Officer, or the Vice President of Human Resources. The College will respond to a reported violation in a prompt and equitable manner and will respond appropriately.

When an employee becomes aware of a violation of this policy, the violation should be reported immediately to the Vice President for Human Resources or the Chief Operating Officer of the College. The College will respond to a reported violation in a prompt and equitable manner and will respond appropriately.

Failure to comply with these procedures may lead to disciplinary action, including termination of employment.

Content Owner: Human Resources
Issued:
Revised: 03/2006, 10/2009, 02/2023

Policy