Policy on Consensual Relationships Between Faculty and Students

Dating or sexual relationships between instructors(1) and students (including undergraduates, graduate students, post-docs and trainees) (hereafter, “sexual relationships”) are inherently problematic because of the unequal power dynamic between the parties to the relationship, the responsibility of the instructor to objectively evaluate students’ work, the possibility that colleagues and other students may be adversely affected, and because such relationships diminish the trust and respect that ordinarily characterize the faculty-student relationship and are therefore inconsistent with the educational mission of the University. For these reasons, the University strongly discourages such relationships, even when both parties willingly consent.

In order to avoid any conflict of interest or abuse of authority, any instructor who has any responsibility for supervision, evaluation, grading, advising, employment, or other instructional or supervisory activity related to a student is prohibited from entering or pursuing a sexual relationship with that student.

Where a conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest or abuse of authority exists in the context of a sexual relationship between an instructor and a student arose before the faculty-student or supervisory relationship or responsibility began, the individual involved shall notify their immediate supervisor. The supervisor shall have the responsibility of making arrangements to eliminate any conflict of interest that might prove detrimental to the University or to either party in the relationship, while at the same time maximizing the student/post-doc’s educational and professional opportunities. Violations of this policy should be reported to the instructor’s supervisor, who will deal with the matter in accordance with university policy and relevant collective bargaining agreements..

(1) For purposes of this policy the term instructor includes faculty members of all titles and ranks, teaching assistants and associates and administrators or staff members who engage in teaching or supervision of students.

The UMass Amherst Provost's Office website provides related resources and information.