Whether the relationship is student/(teacher/advisor/evaluator) or employee/employer, the relationship must remain, professional at all times. Romantic or sexual relationships between these individuals may create an appearance of impropriety which is contrary to the interests of UAB. Even though a relationship may be entirely consensual, a significant power differential exists when one party to the relationship has the authority to influence the academic progress/training or employment of the other party. Such relationships are particularly vulnerable to exploitation as well as to claims of exploitation.
For purposes of this policy, consensual romantic relationships should not occur if one of the parties is in a position to supervise, grade, mentor, train, evaluate, advise, or influence the academic progress/training or employment of a student or employee.
This policy does not apply to employees who are married to each other or who are living in the same household; those situations are addressed by the Nepotism Policy.
It is the responsibility of the parties involved in a consensual romantic or sexual relationship to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure immediate compliance with this policy. Compliance may be achieved in a number of ways including, but not limited to, (1) voluntary transfer or reassignment of one party so that the supervisor/subordinate relationship or the student/teacher relationship no longer exists or (2) termination of the romantic relationship.
Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action appropriate to the circumstances, up to and including termination.
The Chief Human Resources Officer is responsible for implementation of this policy.
