ADM 340 – Interoffice Relationships Policy

ADM 340 Interoffice Relationships Policy

McPherson College recognizes that consensual relationships may develop between employees from time to time.  Although such consensual relationships are a matter of personal choice and privacy between the employees involved, McPherson College cannot tolerate any adverse effects that such relationships may have in the living/learning/working environment of the College and will impose appropriate disciplinary action if such adverse effects exist.

Anyone who engages in a sexual relationship with a person over whom he or she has any power or authority within the College structure must understand that the validity of the consent may be questioned.  The disparity of power between persons involved in such relationships, whether between a teacher and student, supervisor and subordinate, or senior and junior colleagues in the same department or unit, makes these relationships susceptible to exploitation.  Those who abuse their power in such a context violate their duty to the College community, which could result in disciplinary action, including separation from the College.

Therefore, any such relationship will be considered to have an adverse effect in the living/learning/working environment of the College if any one or more of the following have occurred.

This list is not all inclusive.

• The employees involved have a direct, indirect, or dotted-line reporting or supervisory relationship;
• It unreasonably interferes with or materially and/or adversely affects either of the employee’s work performance, objectivity, judgment, professionalism, business reputation, or ability to conduct him/herself in an appropriate manner while at work;
• It unreasonably interferes with or materially and/or adversely affects the working environment of other employees;
• It results in sexual harassment or unfair treatment;
• It involves any student of the College
• It involves inappropriate use of the College’s computers, electronic devices, mail, or electronic mail systems.

Any exception to this policy must be considered by the cabinet member of requesting staff or faculty.