VCOM Institutional Policy and Procedure Manual

VCOM Policy and Procedure

Policy #U014

VCOM. Faculty will devote their efforts to developing and improving scholarly competence and should use self-discipline and judgment in using, extending, and transmitting knowledge to students. Faculty will be accurate and intellectually honest in their presentations to students. Employees will exercise professionalism in all interactions with students as outlined. The environment of trust between students and faculty can be diminished when persons in positions of authority abuse their power. Employees will not exert their authority to further a personal cause. Consensual relationships between students and employees who have access to the student’s records or who has any role in the student’s supervision or evaluation is not permitted. Those consensual relationships between students and employees who do not have such access or roles should be pre-approved by the Campus Dean. Faculty will not misuse their authority to bring about an amorous relationship with students. An amorous relationship between a faculty member and a student is generally regarded as misconduct and is defined as a relationship that extends beyond the expected professional relationship. The faculty member has professional responsibility (i.e., grading or advising) for the student. Even if consent is present, a clear conflict of interest that creates the appearance of discrimination, favoritism in grading, or inappropriate Consensual relationships between patients and students, which extend beyond supervised patient care requirements are also not allowed. Sexual activity is not permitted in the clinical settings. If a student, faculty, or staff member has access to information that is considered confidential through a relationship outside the academic setting, this is considered unethical behavior and a violation of FERPA. 4. POLICY ENFORCEMENT Employees engaged in unethical conduct of this type are subject to disciplinary procedures up to and including termination from the College. Such behavior may or may not constitute sexual harassment as defined in the sexual harassment policy. VCOM’s Policy Code of Conduct (S014), Statement on Professional Ethics (F005), and Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures (U011) support VCOM’s Consensual Relationship Policy and detail student, faculty and staff expectations in this matter. 5. DURATION OF POLICY VCOM’s Consensual Relationship Policy has been established by VCOM Administration and is effective as of the date above and shall remain effective until amended or terminated by the President and Provost. access to educational opportunities exists. 3. STUDENT / PATIENT RELATIONSHIPS

VCOM Consensual Relationship Policy

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