Policy on Employee Consensual Relationships with Students

1. Policy on Employee Consensual Relationships with Students Currently there is no University policy on consensual relationships. Consensual relationship is different from sexual harassment and is not covered by that policy. There are confusion and ambiguities about consensual relationship and sexual harassment. An initial consensual relationship can lead to a sexual harassment or discrimination claim later. Currently 11 CSU campuses have policies on consensual relationship or related topics such as: Power Disparity”, “Amorous or Sexual Relationships”, Dating in the Academic Workplace”, etc. A few are currently working on developing such a policy. A draft policy was referred to FPPC by the Office of Equity and Diversity as a starting point. FPPC reviewed that policy and listened to the presentation by the Director of OED. FPPC also reviewed polices on this subject from all CSU campuses as well as from many other universities including University of Texas, Oregon State University, Colorado State university, Washington University, Northern Michigan University, University of Alabama, etc. The proposed policy is a short, condensed version of several policies currently used across the nation and is consistent with California laws. The proposed policy is proactive in preventing issues that may become problems later. It also provides, faculty, students, and administrators with guidelines to provide a fair educational environment. FPPC- AS- March 20, 2014